Even if you have the perfect resume, if your cover letter is generic, it will likely end up in the trash. It’s essential to tailor your cover letter for each job position you apply for, highlighting relevant skills and experience that make you a perfect fit for the role. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Can you tell me what a cover letter should include?

The job application process can be nerve-wracking—especially if you’re applying for a position where you don’t know much about the person writing it. You want to show off your skills and experience best while standing out among the crowd.

There are certain things every employer is looking for, whether it’s a recruiter or human resources employee. Here are some tips to help you craft a great cover letter:

1. Make sure your contact info is accurate. This includes your email address, phone number, mailing address, and social media profiles. If you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile recently, now might be the perfect time to do so.

2. Use a professional salutation. Whether Dear Mr./Ms., Dr., or Ms./Mr., use one that reflects how you feel about the individual receiving the letter. For example, if you’re addressing someone by name, start the letter with Hi/Hello, Mr./Mrs., etc.

3. Introduce yourself. Include a short bio about yourself, including your educational background, work history, and why you think you’d be a good fit for the role.

4. Tell the reader why you’re interested in working at the organization. What makes you excited about this particular opportunity? Be honest, but keep it brief. Don’t go into too much detail about your previous experiences unless it’s relevant to the position.

5. Explain why you’re qualified for the role. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, and explain how those qualities align with the requirements listed in the job posting.

Why should you personalize your cover letter?

A cover letter is like a first impression. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and show a potential employer why you’re the best candidate for the job.

If you wouldn’t wear the same outfit to a job interview at a law firm as you would to an interview at a start-up, you shouldn’t use the same generic cover letter for every job you apply to.

Each company has its own unique culture, values, and mission. Tailoring your cover letter shows that you’re interested in the specific company and have done your research.

It sets you apart from other candidates who have submitted impersonal, one-size-fits-all letters. This extra effort shows that you’re enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile – two qualities that any employer would value.

7 ways to personalize a cover letter

You don’t need to start from scratch when customizing each cover letter. More recruiters will want to see your resume if your cover letter is suited to the vacancy.

Applying to five jobs with more tailored materials will increase your chances of success than applying to ten jobs with a boilerplate cover letter.

What can you alter to customize each cover letter?

1. Check for specific instructions

Recruiters are looking for specific instructions on how to contact you. If there isn’t anything listed, it could mean one thing: You’re missing something important. Recruiters want to ensure they don’t waste their time sending out applications to people who aren’t interested.

In addition to ensuring you have everything spelled out, recruiters want to see evidence of your interest in the role. For example, if the job description says that the person filling it needs someone with experience in marketing, and you haven’t done any marketing work outside of school, likely, you won’t be considered.

If you’ve got nothing else to add, consider including a short paragraph about why you think you’d be a good fit for the position.

2. Tell why you’re the best candidate for this position

Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit their requirements, and you want to ensure that you stand out among the rest. If you’re applying for a position where you’ll be working closely with clients, it’s important to include examples of how you’ve helped companies like theirs achieve success.

But don’t just list off your accomplishments; show what makes you different from everyone else.

Your resume should reflect the skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements listed on the job posting. This way, you’re showing hiring managers that you’re qualified for the position.

However, you shouldn’t copy-paste the exact wording from the job description onto your resume. Instead, focus on highlighting your most noteworthy achievements and key strengths.

3. Express your excitement about the position you’re applying for

Employers want to know that candidates are committed to giving their jobs their all.

Employees must demonstrate enthusiasm for work and a solid commitment to the company culture.

A great way to prove this dedication is to articulate why you want the job and what makes it appealing to you.

You’ll likely be hired if you can convince the hiring manager that you have the skills required to perform well at the position.

In addition to showing how much you care about the company, you can also highlight your strengths and talents. For example, you might say, “I’m passionate about solving problems and helping people.”

You can also mention things such as “I love learning new technologies” or “I’ve always had a knack for sales.”

4. Don’t forget the introductory paragraph

The opening paragraph of a cover letter is often the most critical part of the document because it sets the tone for everything else that follows.

A good cover letter starts with a strong introduction that outlines why you want the job, what makes you qualified for it, and how you plan to follow up if hired. Then, use specific examples to show how you’ve addressed each bullet point in the job ad.

For example, if the job requires writing skills, explain how you’ve developed those abilities in previous jobs and how you’ll apply them to the new role.

5. Just don’t make it too brief!

The average length of a cover letter is around three to four pages. This includes both the body and the attached resume. However, some might argue that it’s best to keep it short—and I agree!

We suggest keeping your cover letter under one page. If you go over one page, you’ll lose out on the opportunity to include relevant information that could help the reader understand why you’re a good match for the position.

In addition to ensuring that you stick within the allotted space, you shouldn’t repeat yourself in your cover letter. You shouldn’t restate your resume; instead, explain why you’re a perfect fit for the job.

Make sure to highlight specific examples of your work experience that show your strengths.

6. Don’t repeat your resume

While they share some similarities, a cover letter and a resume are two distinct documents. You list your accomplishments and details about your education and job history on a CV.

You have the opportunity to showcase yourself as the finest candidate for a position by using a cover letter.

Instead of restating information from your resume, use your cover letter to elaborate. When you are permitted to utilize complete sentences rather than bullet points, you may convey how your professional background makes you particularly suitable for the position and make a great first impression.

7. Don’t oversell your skills

If you’re applying for a position where it’s essential to emphasize your technical expertise, ensure you’re honest about how much you know.

Covering up your weaknesses is never a good idea; it makes you look untrustworthy. Some people even lie about their qualifications because they think it will make them seem more attractive to potential employers.

Your resume is your chance to shine, so make sure you do everything possible to sell yourself. Employers aren’t looking for perfectionists—they want someone who can hit the ground running.

They’ll be able to see through a resume full of lies and exaggerations. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and experiences.

Summary

So, the next time you’re tailoring your resume and cover letter for a specific job opening, remember the different cognitive stages the recruiter is likely going through.

And if you need any help putting together an application package that shines, our team of experts at Lancerbee is more than happy to give you some real-life advice and strategies. Thanks for reading!