A cover letter is essentially a formalized letter about you and why a company should hire you. Your cover letter should represent you and your personality. It shows a potential employer your knowledge, skills and abilities that are related to the position you are applying, while illustrating your basic communication skills, grammar and that you are truly interested in the position that the company is hiring for. Although cover letters are time consuming they are imperative to get an employer to look into your resume further.
Every cover letter should be customized to the position and company you are applying for. A generic cover letter does not pop at a potential employer and will not get you into the "maybe" pile. The employer is essentially telling you what you need to write in your cover letter through their job description and job requirements section. When beginning to write your cover letter, look at the job posting mark down which attributes you currently possess, and an example of each attribute. Then look at the attributes you do not possess and think of ways to either conquer those challenges, or other items in your positive skills section that are similar to the attribute and include that into the cover letter.
Personalize the cover letter to the hiring manager’s name and job position. Do not use “to whom it may concern” or “dear sir/ mam”. When in doubt, leave it out.
A common mistake on a cover letter and/ or resume is lacking professionalism. Ensure your email is proofread, email and grammar are professional and that you demonstrate your qualities with examples. Anyone can say they are a fantastic communicator, but how will you prove you are what you say you are.
Do not use unprofessional email addresses. Although your email address from grade 9 “Ilovekittys6912@hotmail” is cute to you, your potential employer may not appreciate it as much.
Use a professional approach to all aspects of your job search. Again, when in doubt ask someone else or leave it out.
E. Kryschuk
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