Write a Great Cover Letter to Stand Out

Anyone who’s applied for a job knows that a standout resume is a must for landing an interview. However, many of us don’t realize the similar importance of a strong cover letter. A good cover letter doesn’t just introduce the candidate to the business; it also shows that the applicant is familiar with the company as well as the industry in question.

The cover letter provides an opportunity to share information not on your resume. It shows you took the time to do some research and really care about this job opportunity. Here are some tips for writing a comprehensive and attention-grabbing cover letter that won’t get lost in the stack.

Personalize Your Salutation

Anyone who’s worked in human resources knows how annoying it can be to read a stack of cover letters addressed ‘To Whom It May Concern.’ One of the best ways to ensure your cover letter stands out is to take the time to learn the hiring manager’s name. Doing this shows that you care enough about the company — and the job in question — to do a little research and may boost your odds of scoring an interview. You can do a search on the website, type the department and company name into a search engine, or scan all over LinkedIn. If no name is listed on the job description, do research and find one.

Explain Your Background

The cover letter serves as a great opportunity to introduce yourself to a hiring manager. Along with stating your name and reasons for applying, share some information about your education and previous work experience that makes you uniquely qualified for the job. And if a current company employee referred you, be sure to include his or her name in the cover letter as well. Add different information than is on your resume. Hiring managers are very busy and don’t want to read the same information in multiple places.

Detail Future Plans

While it’s great to highlight past accomplishments in your cover letter, hiring managers also want to know about the things you have yet to achieve. To boost your chances of landing that elusive interview, take the time to research the company and its goals. Once you know what the company hopes to accomplish in the coming years, you can describe the ways in which you will contribute and help the business succeed. Don’t make it seem like this job is a stepping stone, instead show how you can be a valuable asset to the company for years to come.

Launch Your Career with Here’s Help

At Here’s Help, we don’t just connect job seekers with great opportunities; we also help candidates build their resumes and stand out to hiring managers for all the right reasons. Find out more about our job services for Hudson Valley jobs. Call us today to schedule an appointment with our team. We look forward to helping you find your dream job!

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