How do you write a persuasive cover letter for a job application?

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A cover letter is your chance to make a good impression on a potential employer and persuade them to read your resume and invite you for an interview. But how do you write a cover letter that stands out from the crowd and showcases your skills, experience, and personality? In this article, we will share some tips and strategies to help you craft a persuasive cover letter for any job application.

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1 Know your audience

Before you start writing your cover letter, you need to research the company and the position you are applying for. Find out what their mission, vision, values, and goals are, and how they relate to your own. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and achievements they are looking for in their ideal candidate, and how you match them. Use the company's name, address, and contact person in your salutation, and avoid generic phrases like "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".

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Muhammad Fauzan Budiharjo

Mandarin Learner, Chinese Language & Culture Studies at Padjadjaran University, AIESECers, Creative Designer
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In my experience as an AIESEC International Support Team on social media, we always try a new way to selling our programs and products with any social media platform, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

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2 Highlight your value

The main purpose of your cover letter is to show how you can add value to the company and solve their problems. Don't just repeat what is already in your resume, but focus on the specific examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your relevant skills and abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your stories and quantify your results with numbers, percentages, or other metrics. Explain how your previous experience and achievements prepared you for the role you are applying for, and how you can contribute to the company's success.

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Dr. José A. Maldonado

Associate Professor I Researcher
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Additionally, avoid deficit-language. Rather than discussing skills or experience you do not have, focus on your assets. If the position requires skills you may not have yet, mention you are looking forward to developing these skills, and that your growth mindset will allow you to adapt to this position's needs.

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3 Show your personality

A cover letter is also an opportunity to showcase your personality and fit with the company culture. Use a professional but friendly tone, and avoid jargon, slang, or clichés. Express your enthusiasm, passion, and interest in the company and the position, and why you want to work for them. Mention something specific that you like or admire about the company, such as their products, services, values, or social impact. Show that you have done your homework and that you are genuinely interested in being part of their team.

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Dr. Jaimine V

Professor | Author | Interdisciplinary | Mental Health
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Open with a warm, engaging introduction that grabs attention. Avoid stiff, overly formal language. Use storytelling and anecdotes to bring your background and interests to life. Share a brief story that conveys relevant skills. Highlight shared values between you and the company through word choice and tone. Align with their mission. Weave in humor, enthusiasm, or passion carefully where appropriate. Avoid over-the-top gimmicks. Research the company culture and reflect language from their website or social media in your letter. Mention any connections you have to the company such as alma mater, geographic location, etc. Close by expressing genuine interest in the role and company. Avoid desperation or hard-sell tactics.

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Dr. José A. Maldonado

Associate Professor I Researcher
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Provide specific examples of your past activities or experiences which directly align to their mission. This will allow you to demonstrate that your journey thus far has prepared you for a role in this company.

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4 Call to action

The final paragraph of your cover letter should summarize your main points and restate your value proposition. It should also include a clear and confident call to action, which is a request for the next step in the hiring process. This could be asking for an interview, a phone call, a meeting, or a follow-up email. Thank them for their time and consideration, and express your eagerness to hear from them soon. End your cover letter with a professional and courteous closing, such as "Sincerely", "Best regards", or "Yours faithfully", and sign your name.

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5 Proofread and edit

Before you send your cover letter, make sure you proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors, and use a consistent and readable font and style. Avoid typos, mistakes, or inconsistencies that could undermine your credibility and professionalism. Read your cover letter aloud or ask someone else to review it for clarity, coherence, and tone. Make sure your cover letter is concise, relevant, and customized to the specific job and company you are applying for.

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Dr. José A. Maldonado

Associate Professor I Researcher
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It is an effective practice to approach your own writing with fresh eyes, so you may want to wait a day or two after having written your cover letter before revising. This will allow new ideas to generate, and being away from it will help you find errors you may have missed during your initial crafting phase.

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Dr. Jaimine V

Professor | Author | Interdisciplinary | Mental Health
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Check that verbs are consistent in tense. Don't switch between past and present accidentally. Confirm all industry terms or company names are correct. Double check acronyms. Read the letter backwards to check for spelling and grammar issues word-by-word. Look for any missing words that may affect meaning or flow. Remove unneeded words or repetition that make sentences clunky. Tighten phrasing. Use free grammar checking tools but don't rely solely on technology. Ensure font type, size, margins, and spacing provide visual appeal. Verify the contact information for the employer is complete and accurate. Ask a colleague or mentor to proofread the final draft for a second opinion.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you write a persuasive cover letter for a job application?

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1 Know your audience

2 Highlight your value

3 Show your personality

4 Call to action

5 Proofread and edit

6 Here’s what else to consider

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