What are the most important things to keep in mind when customizing a cover letter?

Customized means customized! Lots of jobs (across myriad companies) can all feel the same, especially when job descriptions have canned, stale language, but that should not hold you up! It is worth putting in the time to research the company and its pain points, and this is where digging through the website and talking with folks who work there through informational interviewing are critical. You can find out so much about what a team really needs from the person they are seeking by talking to folks on the inside. Once you have that information, you can craft a cover letter that really speaks both to your ability to perform well in the job AND how you can be the solution to those pain points. That cover letter will stand out!

When customizing a cover letter, thorough research into the company and the role is paramount. ???♂? Tailoring your letter to the specific needs and values of the company showcases your genuine interest and alignment with their goals. ?? Understand the company culture, values, and recent achievements to demonstrate your awareness. Likewise, delve into the role's requirements, emphasizing how your skills and experiences align. This personalized touch not only makes your cover letter stand out but also communicates your dedication and suitability for the position. ??

Al personalizar una carta de presentación, una de las estrategias mas importantes es la personalización de la misma. Es decir, dirigirla específicamente al empleador que estamos contactando. Para lograr esto, una de las acciones que podemos implementar es la investigación de la empresa, su cultura, misión y visión y el rol al cual estamos aplicando a fin de incluir información al respecto en nuestra carta. ?Como? Incluyendo como me veo reflejado en todo esto, y en la carta de presentación.

It is incredibly important to customized your cover letter to the role you are applying. This is best way to grab the employers attention while you illustrate your story allowing you to set apart from the pool of candidates.

In Denmark, using salutations like Dear Hiring Manager or To whom it may Concern is super formal. Denmark is overall an informal culture in many ways compared to other cultures. You more or less go directly straight to the point as the culture is pretty direct to your motivation of applying. It’s quite common that the hiring managers name is in the job ad to contact directly with a telephone number and/or email. If you successfully manage to contact them and ask relevant questions, then you can mention their first and last name in the cover letter and thank them for their time with the date that you contacted them. Don’t use Mr. Ms. Or Mrs. Also too formal in Danish culture.

Addressing the hiring manager by name adds a personalized touch to your cover letter and is a crucial element in making a positive first impression. ?? Take the time to research and find out who will be reviewing your application. Using their name shows attentiveness and a genuine interest in the position. ?? It also establishes a direct connection, making your letter feel more individualized and increasing the likelihood of it being well-received. Remember, the details matter, and addressing the hiring manager personally sets the tone for a strong and professional application. ????????

I always tell my clients to avoid “To Whom It May Concern” as it will make you sounded dated. It is important to do your research before hand to include it the cover letter as personalization is key! But if you can’t seem to locate a name, then put down “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Ensure your cover letter shines by highlighting your most relevant skills and achievements. ?? Tailor your content to align with the specific requirements of the job, showcasing how your unique skill set perfectly matches the needs of the role. ?? Use concrete examples of your achievements to demonstrate your capabilities and provide evidence of your past success. Whether it's measurable results or specific projects, this not only makes your cover letter more compelling but also positions you as a valuable asset to the prospective employer. ?? Make it clear how your skills and accomplishments uniquely qualify you for the position, making a compelling case for your candidacy. ??

Its important in a cover letter to tailor it to the role you are applying for. In my experience a lot of application processes are cover letter and CV and companies will look at both when reviewing a candidates details. Highlighting your skills and achievements is great but if it's not relevant to the role, then it could be presumed that you have not read the advert / Job description and it could show a lack of care in your application.

This is the meat of the cover letter. Not only do you want to include your skills and experience, it needs to be exactly what the employer is looking for as it needs to be relevant to open vacancy. Next, tie each skill to examples of your work experience to show the employer that you have what it takes to fulfill the role.

Injecting enthusiasm into your cover letter is key to showcasing your genuine fit for the position. ?? Express your excitement about the opportunity and explain why you are passionate about joining the company. ?? Demonstrate your understanding of the company culture, values, and mission, emphasizing how they align with your own. ?? Share specific examples of projects or aspects of the role that particularly resonate with you. Your enthusiasm should radiate through your words, leaving no doubt that you are not just a qualified candidate but also someone genuinely excited to contribute to the team's success. ?? Conveying your enthusiasm sets you apart and leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager. ??

When applying for roles, your relevant skills and experience is of course important but you mustn't forget your soft skills. Do show your enthusiasm for the company, and show them that you have done your research. It could make all the difference.

Don’t be afraid to hire a professional who is a native speaker in the language of application to proofread and edit your letter to make sure that your spelling, grammar punctuation and formatting is error free. In addition, a professional can give you feedback to make sure that the letter not only is concise, clear and professional, but also can make sure that you are presenting your value to the company and that you are using the right cultural language tone. When you invest in a professional, you ensure that the mistakes you made have been eliminated so that you can make make a good impression on paper.

Before submitting your cover letter, meticulous proofreading and editing are imperative. ?? Eliminate any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies that may detract from your professionalism. ?? Read your letter aloud to catch awkward phrasing or unclear sentences. Consider seeking a fresh pair of eyes for feedback. ? Ensure your language is concise and impactful, with each word contributing to your overall message. ?? A polished cover letter not only reflects your attention to detail but also enhances the clarity and effectiveness of your communication. Remember, a well-edited letter increases your chances of leaving a positive impression on the hiring manager. ??

I have worked with companies who will rule out anyone with bad spelling, grammar and punctuation on their CV and covering letter. Its easy to spell check and there are plenty of apps you can download. Don't skip the final check!

I agree! Proofread it a few times before sending it off as you can’t take back a bad impression. If you don’t have someone to review your work, there are various tools that can be use such as a the Read Aloud feature in MOS Word. Make sure your cover letter is precise and avoid any fluff.

I don't know who asks for cover letters these days. But, if you find a role where it is required, consider the points below: - Don't copy it from the internet or with ChatGPT (you and 100 other candidates will have roughly the same thing written). - Try to create original and qualitative content (quality over quantity). - Compose your specific cover letter (with examples in case you need them) - Keep the introduction, content, and conclusion - Don't write a thesis but definitely don't write 2 lines

These all create a personal connection, showcase cultural fit, and demonstrate motivation. Being informed about the company's situation indicate that you follow market updates and will show your research skills. Remember that it's all about standing out with a personalized and compelling approach! ??

?? Cover letters don’t seem to be the wave anymore but if a role is asking for one or you want to create one, my advice is to keep it simple! ?? ????♀? No recruiter or hiring manager wants to read a 4 paragraph letter while scanning through 100s of resumes. ?? Use a few sentences to relate your self to the role and organization. Highlight key skills and competencies using bullet points. Wrap up by thanking the reader for their time. That’s it ?????

Don't make your cover letter too long. It does depend on the role and in my experience there is normally a word / character count as a guide, but don't "waffle". Make sure it contains quality content.