How do you manage your cover letter submissions?

When it comes to cover letters, templates can indeed be a valuable tool. They provide a solid framework and ensure you cover essential points. However, here's where the magic happens: personalization. A generic cover letter rarely makes an impact. To stand out, tailor your letter for each application. Research the company, understand the job requirements, and reflect how your skills and experiences align. Make it clear why you're the perfect fit, and show your enthusiasm for the role. Customization takes extra effort, but it's the secret sauce that can make your cover letter truly shine.

Cover letters have become a thing from history. Some of the applicant tracking systems do not even demand you to add one or make it discretionary. It is nice to have a cover letter if you are willing to make an effort to customize it for every job. It is very tempting to write a cover letter full of claims. Introduce yourself politely and then demonstrate your understanding and knowledge about the position you are applying for. Prove that you know what the organisation is up to, and you know what the problems this work is going to solve. Speak about why you are the best person on the planet to carry out the job responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

tracking your cover letter submissions through a spreadsheet is a practical approach. It provides an organized way to manage your job applications. However, let me add a personal tip here. In addition to the basic information, consider including columns for keywords and follow-up dates. Keywords can help you tailor your applications more effectively, especially when you're applying to multiple positions. And setting follow-up dates ensures you stay proactive in your job search, increasing your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. So, yes, spreadsheets are great, but don't forget these additional elements to supercharge your job hunt.

The professional cover letter should be error-free with a strong vocabulary, make sure you check job requirements and use keywords accordingly, and proofread before using these words (their""there," "its" "it's." You can show your written cover letter to an expert in the resume writing industry or any professional already working in the same industry. I personally use Grammarly to check my spelling and grammar mistakes.

Indeed, proofreading and editing are crucial steps in crafting a strong cover letter. However, let me emphasize a few extra points. Firstly, take the time to tailor your letter to the specific job and company. Generic cover letters can feel impersonal and won't grab the employer's attention. Secondly, pay close attention to the formatting. Ensure your cover letter is well-structured and easy to read with clear headings and bullet points, if necessary. Lastly, address it to a specific person whenever possible; this demonstrates genuine interest in the company. So, while editing is essential, these additional steps can elevate your cover letter and make it stand out in a competitive job market.

I've been honored to help clients get jobs at some of the most challenging companies (GAFAM) and various types of businesses within 100s of different industries. The one tip that helps everyone from CEOs to interns is this: Your cover letter should be flexible enough to cover 75%-95% of the jobs you're applying for. You should spend no more then 3-6 minutes personalizing it to particular jobs. The way you personalize it and get it through ATSs is by taking key words/skills from the "Job Requirements" section, and ensuring your cover letter addresses these skills either as a soft skill or within an accomplishment at a prior employer. The most important thing to a future employer, is the value you provided to your previous employer.

Don't send anything if it's not mentioned in the job advertisement. Cover letters Those days are not that critical. Make a strong profile: A professional resume with a catchy LinkedIn profile optimized is all you need. Who might ask about a cover letter? Some companies, like Ngo, still prefer it.