Let’s be honest if a job application requires a cover letter, are you skipping or applying? Cover letters may be one of the most time-consuming aspects of your job search. However, they can also be the one thing that sets you above the rest. Dive into why it’s worth writing a cover letter, the best practices, and what to include in the perfect cover letter below.
Why Bother to Write a Cover Letter?
While you may dread your cover letter, think of it as an opportunity to explain yourself to the recruiter. Many hiring teams are swamped with applications and most ghost their job seekers. So a cover letter is your chance to convince them you are worth that interview. You are not alone in feeling cover letters waste your time, yet the following four statistics demonstrate how recruiters value a cover letter when they see one.
- 61% of employers believe an application with a personalized cover letter stands out
- 26% of recruiters consider cover letters important for hiring decisions
- 72% of recruiters expect cover letters, regardless of requirements
- 50% consider cover letters to be crucial for explaining a job or career change
Should You Use AI to Write a Cover Letter?
Not everyone excels at writing, much less persuasive writing. Your first instinct might be to run to ChatGTP or cover letter generators but hold on a second. Cover letters are meant to express your professional voice and experiences. AI can be a helpful tool for reframing sentences or providing professional language. But they often generate paragraph summaries of your resume information, and some use the same repeated phrases for every cover letter.
It would negatively affect you if a recruiter could tell it was AI. Ultimately, the cover letter should feel like the person who wrote it. Think of it as telling a story of your career path to someone who could change it for the better. You wouldn’t want a robot to tell it for you.
Cover Letter Best Practices
Keep It Short
Your cover letter should be concise and easy to read. Stick to three to four short paragraphs at most and none of the information should be something they can find on your resume. A cover letter should provide context to why you like that specific company or a story about your skillset. Plus, it was found that 70% of employers favor cover letters that are half a page or shorter, so try to keep it as slim as possible.
Add a Letter Header
It’s in the name, cover letters should be in the format of a real letter. This means you need to include a header with the date you submit the application and the recruiter’s name, title, company name, and contact information. If you cannot find the recruiter’s name and information, you can address the letter to the company’s hiring team.
May 5, 2024
Jalen Doe
Recruiting Coordinator
TalentAlly
55 E Monroe St. Chicago, IL
Don’t Forget to Proofread
Typos can be a deal-breaker! Proofread your cover letter carefully, or have a friend look it over. Little mistakes will make a big difference, especially if one of the desired skills for the position is detail-oriented.
Opening Paragraph
Your Opening Line Matters
Ditch the “To whom it may concern” and go for something personalized. Address the hiring manager by name and open with an introduction that makes them want to keep reading. Keep in mind that your hook should avoid cliches or puns. It is still a professional letter.
“Dear Mx. Doe, As a lifelong fan of XYZ Company’s innovative approach to sustainability, I was thrilled to see the opening for a Lab Technician.”
Highlight the Skillset of the Job
While your resume lists your skills, your cover letter explains why you are an expert at those skills. Personalize each letter to the qualifications of the job description. This way you are demonstrating to the recruiter that you not only know what you are doing, but you are the perfect candidate.
“As a project manager, I developed strong organizational skills, allowing me to streamline cluttered workflows and cut project timelines by 20%. I look forward to bringing this same efficiency to the team at XYZ.”
Middle Paragraph
Get Personal
Hiring managers read tons of generic cover letters. You will stand out with a personal anecdote that links your experience to the job you’re applying for. Think of a time at work when you overcame an obstacle, produced amazing results, or applied a new skill. It doesn’t need to be overly descriptive, just something that demonstrates your process.
“As the Brand Manager at XYZ, one of the greatest challenges was to increase brand awareness on a shoestring budget. My solution? A memorable social media campaign that grew our following by 30% in six months.”
Show Passion for the Company
Take the time to research the company and mention why you’re excited to work there. This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t sending a generic letter. If possible, try to connect the organization’s values or mission to your professional values.
“I’ve followed XYZ Company for years, and I admire how you’ve consistently pushed the envelope in sustainable product development. Your commitment to reducing environmental impact aligns with my personal values and professional goals.”
Closing Paragraph
End with Confidence
End the cover letter with confidence instead of pleading. Avoid using hypothetical phrasing in favor of action phrases. For instance, replace “If I receive this position,” with ‘When I start this position, I will XYZ.” It can provide insight into how you will meaningfully contribute to the company.
Express Your Excitement for the Interview
Close the cover letter with an expression of gratitude and excitement for continuing the application process.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my unique background in sales to XYZ Company. I’m confident that my experience and passion for sustainable business practices will make me a valuable addition to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this role further.”
Apply to Companies Who Care with TalentAlly
Find a recruiter who will actually read and respond to your application with TalentAlly! We help organizations dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion connect with qualified talent like yourself. Browse through our job board or register for one of our upcoming career fairs to talk to a recruiter directly.
