While I apologize for the hiatus, I do not apologize for what has been keeping me so busy! I have been working full time on multiple projects, starring in a show, and working full AND part-time, taking care of a sick family member, and plan a move, all while trying to maintain my social life. It is exhausting but I love the rush. But enough about my complaining, I have a personal blog for that.
This post contains four GREAT tips in writing cover letters. Since I am planning a move, I must start looking for jobs and internships to pursue my career. I figured because I was in the middle of writing my cover letters, I'd help my readers with their's.
I found this article here. It is by Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast.
Your cover letter should always be as personal as possible, and this is made easier by addressing the person who is in the position to hire you. If that person’s name wasn’t listed in the job posting, take time to contact human resources to find out who it is. You’ll be happy you did!
(side note: never start a cover letter with To Whom This May Concern. SO unprofessional.)
Tip #2: Lead With an Interesting Fact or Solve a Problem
Your introduction is undoubtedly the most important portion of the cover letter. It dictates whether the manager will be interested in reading the rest of your document. A great way to introduce yourself in your letter is to market yourself with a statement that addresses a problem that you are ready to solve. You could also share an interesting fact about yourself to entice the manager to read on.
Tip #3: Show That You and Your Industry Are a Perfect Match
As you move through your cover letter, it’s important to show that you know your industry. For instance, if you are in the biotechnology field, consider adding specific keywords like laboratory data, protocols, or even cGMP studies if they fit.
Doing this, along with giving examples of how you can help further the industry as a whole with your wealth of experience and knowledge, is crucial. But ultimately, your job is to show that you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate—and that you are the person it needs to get the job done.
Tip #4: Mention Unique Strengths or Awards
Before you close out your cover letter, it’s important to reiterate your strengths and emphasize that you’re the absolute perfect person for the job. You could add information about any specialties you have in your industry or mention recognition [you have] received.
(side note: if you are applying online, you definitely want to make sure your cover letter highlights your skills with keywords such as "team player," "experience in [what they're looking for]," "professional appearence." When an online application gets sent in, the resume and cover letter is then scanned for key concepts - education, contact info, skills & experience.)
Aside from these tips, here's a bit of my own advice.
- Keep it short and sweet. While you want to catch an employer's attention, you also want to keep it and tie the deal. Employers strongly dislike sifting through page after page of resumes and cover letters, more often than not, they have a pile of others' to go through. I have heard of employer's tossing resumes into the trash for being "too long." You want to go in the "Contact" pile, not the garbage pile.
- Research the company and the audience. Look at their website, their Facebook posts and the tone, Look at LinkedIn, analyze what type of articles they share. When you write your cover letter, discuss what you find attractive about the employer and what you feel its strengths are.
- Mention any connections. A few years ago, I applied for an internship at a start-up company where I would be doing networking with companies around the Pittsburgh area. I had previously interned at another company where I was in charge of throwing networking events. During my interview at the start-up, I mentioned the previous company I had worked for, and I saw the HR manager get a huge smile. He then said, he was planning on getting a hold of the company to gain some networking tips. How perfect was it that I was an inside source? I was offered the internship a few days later.
- Follow-up. Let them know you will be contacting them in the future. Depending on the hiring process, two weeks is a good time to follow-up. It is a proactive approach that shows initiative.
Do you have any tips you have found to be successful? Any questions or comments? Please share!
