Tips for a Cover Letter to Stand Out

1. Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Specific Job

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when writing a cover letter is using a generic version for every application. Hiring managers can quickly spot a form letter, and it’s unlikely to impress them. To stand out, your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company you’re applying to.

• Solution: Research the company thoroughly and use your cover letter to show that you understand their mission, culture, and challenges. Reference the job posting and mention specific skills or qualifications that make you a strong fit for the role. Tailoring your letter not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the job but also allows you to align your experience with the company’s needs.
• Pro Tip: If you know someone at the company, mention that connection (with their permission) to add a personal touch to your cover letter.

2. Open with a Strong Hook

The first paragraph of your cover letter is crucial. It’s your chance to grab the employer’s attention and convince them to keep reading. Opening with a generic, “I am writing to apply for the position of…” is not going to make you stand out. Instead, start with a compelling hook that piques the reader’s interest right away.

• Solution: Lead with a sentence that immediately demonstrates your enthusiasm or highlights a key achievement. For example, “As an experienced software developer with a passion for creating innovative apps, I was excited to discover your opening for the Senior Developer position.” This shows the employer that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity.
• Pro Tip: If you’ve worked with the company in the past or have a notable connection, mention it early in the cover letter.

3. Showcase Your Personality

While your resume focuses on your qualifications, your cover letter provides an opportunity to show who you are as a person. A cover letter that is too formal or generic can come across as robotic and lackluster. It’s important to let your personality shine through in a professional way.

• Solution: Use a conversational tone (without being too casual) to show that you’re approachable and enthusiastic. Share a brief story that illustrates why you’re passionate about the role or the industry. For example, you might write about how a specific project inspired you to pursue a career in marketing, or how your experience in customer service makes you a great fit for the role of customer support manager.
• Pro Tip: While personality is important, don’t go overboard with humor or overly informal language. Maintain professionalism while letting your authentic self come through.

4. Focus on What You Can Offer the Company

Many job seekers make the mistake of focusing their cover letter on what they want from the job. While it’s important to show enthusiasm and interest in the role, hiring managers are primarily concerned with what you can bring to the company.

• Solution: Frame your cover letter around the value you can provide. Instead of saying, “I’m looking for a challenging position,” say something like, “I am eager to bring my skills in project management and strategic planning to your team and contribute to the growth of your company.” By focusing on what you can offer, you position yourself as a solution to the employer’s needs.
• Pro Tip: Use the job description as a guide to highlight the skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, match them to your experience and show how you can meet those needs.

5. Be Specific and Quantify Your Achievements

Rather than simply stating that you’re “skilled” or “experienced,” back up your claims with concrete examples. Specificity helps the employer understand exactly what you’ve accomplished and how those experiences can benefit the company.

• Solution: When discussing your achievements, provide examples and quantify your results. For instance, “I managed a team of five to increase sales by 25% over six months” is much more impactful than simply saying, “I have experience managing teams.” By adding measurable outcomes, you give the employer a clearer picture of your capabilities.
• Pro Tip: Whenever possible, include numbers, percentages, or other metrics that highlight your success.

6. Address Potential Concerns or Gaps in Experience

If you have any gaps in your employment history or if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job requirements, a cover letter is a good place to address those concerns proactively. Ignoring these potential issues may raise red flags for hiring managers, but addressing them thoughtfully can demonstrate transparency and professionalism.

• Solution: Briefly explain any gaps or discrepancies in your experience and focus on how your transferable skills make you a strong candidate. For example, “While I spent a year traveling abroad, I used the time to develop my language skills and gain a deeper understanding of international business practices, which I believe will be valuable in this role.” This shows the employer that you’re proactive and able to overcome challenges.
• Pro Tip: Keep the tone positive and avoid over-explaining. Focus on the skills and strengths you bring to the table.

7. Close with a Strong Call to Action

Just like your opening paragraph, your closing statement should leave a lasting impression. A weak or generic closing can make the entire letter feel lackluster. To increase your chances of landing an interview, you need to end with a call to action that prompts the employer to take the next step.

• Solution: In your closing paragraph, express your excitement about the opportunity and encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you. For example, “I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can contribute to the success of your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to the possibility of speaking with you further.”
• Pro Tip: Include a thank you at the end of your cover letter to show appreciation for the hiring manager’s time and consideration.

8. Proofread and Edit

A great cover letter is only effective if it’s free from errors. Typos, grammatical mistakes, and awkward phrasing can make a bad impression, even if your content is otherwise strong. Take the time to proofread your cover letter carefully.

• Solution: After writing your cover letter, read it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or errors. Use online grammar check tools, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it. Make sure your contact information is accurate and that the letter is addressed to the correct person.
• Pro Tip: Check for consistency in formatting and ensure your cover letter aligns with the design and style of your resume for a polished, professional look.

Conclusion

A standout cover letter is a crucial component of your job application. By tailoring your letter to the specific job, showcasing your personality, focusing on what you can offer the company, and using concrete examples of your achievements, you can create a document that will capture the hiring manager’s attention. Be sure to personalize your approach, address any potential concerns, and close with a strong call to action. By following these tips, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, your next job.