You've spent hours polishing your resume, highlighting your skills and achievements, and tailoring it to the job description. But before you hit send, you need to write a cover letter that will capture the attention of the hiring manager and make them want to read more. How can you do that? By using storytelling to make your cover letter stand out.
Storytelling is the art of creating and sharing narratives that engage, inspire, and persuade. It's not just for fiction writers or marketers; it's also a powerful tool for job seekers who want to showcase their personality, values, and fit for the role. Storytelling can help you connect with the reader, demonstrate your passion and motivation, and provide evidence of your accomplishments and potential.
You want to engage the reader, right? Instead of using boring and generic writing, give storytelling a try. Captivate the reader, draw their attention, and make them want to set up an interview to learn more. Storytelling matters when writing a cover letter because it adds depth and engagement to your application. By framing your experiences and qualifications within a narrative, you capture the reader's attention, making your letter more memorable and relatable. This approach allows you to showcase not only what you've done but also why you're passionate about the position and how you can contribute, making a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate.
To craft a compelling story for your cover letter, you need to find the intersection between your own experiences and the needs and goals of the employer. Start by researching the company, the industry, and the specific position. What are their challenges, opportunities, and expectations? What are their values, culture, and vision? Then, reflect on your own career journey, achievements, and aspirations. What are the most relevant and memorable examples of your skills, knowledge, and impact? How do they align with the employer's objectives and mission?
The narrative of your story should be uniquely YOU, but also aligned to the position you are targeting. How can you step into the position and make an immediate impact? To craft a compelling story in your cover letter, start by identifying the key qualifications and qualities the job posting highlights. Then, select specific experiences from your background that directly relate to these requirements and demonstrate your abilities. Weave these experiences together cohesively in your cover letter, using industry-specific language to convey how your past successes make you an ideal fit for the role.
Once you have your story in mind, you need to organize it into a clear and concise structure that follows the logic and flow of a cover letter. A simple but effective formula is to use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This means that you describe a specific situation or problem that you faced, the task or goal that you had to accomplish, the action or steps that you took to solve it, and the result or outcome that you achieved. This way, you can show how you applied your skills and abilities to a real-world scenario and delivered value and impact.
Now that you have your story structured, you need to write it in a compelling and relevant way. To start, use a hook to draw in the reader. This could be a question, quote, statistic, or surprising fact that relates to your story or the employer's situation. Then, provide specific and concrete details that illustrate your story and make it vivid and memorable. Use numbers, names, dates, locations, and outcomes to demonstrate your achievements and impact. Additionally, express your passion, enthusiasm, and motivation for the role and the company through words and phrases that convey your feelings and values. To create a smooth flow throughout the letter, use transitions to connect paragraphs and sentences. Use words and phrases that signal contrast, comparison, cause and effect, and sequence. Finally, finish your cover letter with a confident statement that invites the reader to contact you for an interview or to discuss your qualifications further. Express your interest and excitement for the opportunity while thanking them for their time and consideration.
Before sending your cover letter, you should edit and proofread it to ensure it is concise, clear, and error-free. To help with the editing process, aim for a one-page document that includes only relevant and valuable information. Ensure the tone is professional, respectful, and positive. Use a tool such as Grammarly or Hemingway to check for common errors and improve readability and clarity. Use a standard font, size, and margin while aligning your text to the left. Include a clear header, salutation, and signature. Utilize bullet points, bolding, or italics to highlight key points or achievements. Finally, make sure your cover letter reflects the job description and employer's needs and expectations. Through storytelling in your cover letter, you can increase the chances of getting noticed and invited for an interview. Remember that your cover letter is not just a summary of your resume; it's an opportunity to demonstrate who you are, what you can do, and why you are the best fit for the role and company.
I always tell my students that their resume is the skeleton of their story and the cover letter fills in the rest. It’s a great opportunity to tell your personal story and why you want the job. This is where you let your personality shine.