A good cover letter gets you closer to the job you want. It’s true! Hiring managers sift through piles of resumes, and if yours doesn’t stand out, it won’t even be considered. This is why it’s important to put extra effort into writing a cover letter that grabs the attention of the recruiter reading it.

4 Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd

Getting started
First of all, each cover letter you write should be unique to the job to which you are applying. DO NOT use a standard cover letter; hiring managers can see right through this. It’s lazy and may be viewed as a reflection of your work ethic. Take the time to research the company online so you get a feel for the tone your cover letter should take. You want to show that you’re someone who will fit into the company culture. For example, if you’re applying to a design company, you’ll may want to take some creative liberties and possibly use a more informal tone. If the position you seek is at a hospital or accounting firm, for example, you’ll want to keep your tone more formal.

Once you’ve gotten an idea of the overall tone your cover letter should convey based on the company, you’re ready to get started filling it in with important content. Be sure to include the following:

• A strong, attention-grabbing opening sentence. Make the hiring manager want to find out more about you! Instead of including the “punch line”—or reason why they should hire you—as the conclusion of the letter, why not open with it? For example, “My name is John Smith and my 10 years of nursing experience can help your facility provide the high-quality care your patients expect and deserve.”

• Talk about them, not about you. Everyone likes to read about themselves. Therefore, treat your cover letter like a sales letter: list out your benefits to the company (NOT your education and job experience—your resume will handle that). Show you’ve done your homework about the company’s mission, vision and industry needs by addressing how your experience and skills can help the company achieve its goals.
• Show enthusiasm. The hiring manager wants to hire someone who really wants the job. After all, positive, enthusiastic people are usually the ones who contribute the most to companies. Say why you’re excited about the position and why you want the job. Let your personality shine through!
• Don’t waste valuable real estate. In other words, keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Explain how you can benefit the company, why you’re excited about the position and in what time frame you will follow up with the hiring manager about the position. Then sign your name.
• Choose your top ten. Lastly, do not squander your efforts applying for too many jobs. Choose ten or fewer companies you’d really like to work for and concentrate your efforts writing the cover letters for these jobs. It will help you focus your energy and craft a more convincing submission. Happy writing and good luck!