Ever wondered what a cover letter should actually cover?

In the realm of job-hunting, your cover letter is the gateway, the intriguing narrative that underscores your resume, showcasing your distinctiveness. But, still, there are many job seekers out there who do not really know what a cover letter is. They only come to know about it when a job opening requires it.

The cover letter (also called covering letter, motivation letter, motivational letter, a letter of motivation, or a job search letter). It is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume. Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background.

Much like the first handshake or the eye-catching storefront, it paves the way for a deeper interaction. But often, many find themselves at a loss - what should a cover letter truly entail?

The essence of cover letters extends beyond a mere introduction. It’s your platform to zoom into achievements, project highlights, and pertinent qualifications, aligning them meticulously with the opportunity at hand. While a resume is your broad spectrum showcase, a cover letter is your spotlight, focusing on the strengths or your soft (transferrable) skills that resonate with the specific role or connection.

Simply put, a well-written cover letter conveys the answer to the question:

Why should we hire you?

OR

What unique attributes will you bring to the benefit of the organization?

But, you will be still wondering, Why Do Cover Letters Matter?

The answer is rather straightforward! You've crafted a stellar resume, a comprehensive track record of your entire professional journey. Yet, when it comes to navigating the diverse, highly competitive job market, a one-size-fits-all approach falls short. This is where the magic of a tailored cover letter comes into play.

Let us delve into the WHY!

• Tailored Narratives: Unlike a resume, each cover letter is a bespoke narrative, honed to reflect the requirements of the particular opportunity you're eyeing. It allows you to underscore the facets of your experience that chime with the role, making you a memorable candidate.

Example: Imagine a seasoned Project Manager, Sarah, applying for a Senior Project Management role in a tech firm. Her cover letter vividly highlights her success in leading a team to deliver a multi-million-dollar project on time and under budget, showcasing her prowess in resource allocation and stakeholder management.

• Beyond The Resume: A cover letter is your canvas to paint a broader picture, to delve into projects or industries you’re familiar with, and to extend beyond the bullet points on your resume. It’s your space to articulate the narratives that might not be the highlights of your career, yet are the highlights for the specific role.

Example: John, a Marketing Executive, shares in his cover letter his experience in a project where he analyzed customer behavior to tailor marketing strategies, which resulted in a 20% increase in customer engagement. This example showcases his analytical and strategic thinking, aligning with a role that requires a data-driven approach to marketing.

• Networking Catalyst: Crafting a cover letter that resonates with your networking contacts is akin to handing them a narrative, a story that they can share, making referrals more impactful.

Example: Emily, eyeing a role in HR, shared her cover letter with a contact who was impressed by her initiative in implementing a new recruitment strategy that reduced hiring time by 30%. This narrative aided her contact in referring Emily effectively to a hiring manager.

• Special Circumstances Narrative: Embarking on a career change? Transitioning from military to civilian life? Your cover letter is the bridge that connects your past experiences to your future aspirations, providing a coherent narrative that your resume might not fully encapsulate.

Example: Mike, transitioning from a military to a corporate role, articulated in his cover letter how his expertise in logistics and team leadership in high-pressure scenarios are invaluable assets in a project management context.

The Modern Cover Letter – A Closer Look

The modern job search letter is not just a letter; it’s a strategic tool, a narrative crafted with precision. Here are the six feature of a contemporary cover letter:

1. Purposeful Introduction: Right off the bat, your letter should articulate the why behind the what, setting the stage for what follows.
2. Self-Introduction: A clear snapshot of who you are professionally.
3. Reader-Centric Approach: Addressing the reader’s needs and interests, making it about how you can add value to them.
4. Value Showcased Through Examples: Specific examples that amplify your value, moving beyond generic qualifications.
5. Readability: A balance of being informative yet succinct, catering to both human and electronic readers.
6. Call to Action: A closing note that propels the reader to act, be it to view your resume, connect on LinkedIn, or schedule a discussion.

Your cover letter is more than just a precursor to your resume. It's a narrative, a conversation starter, a key that can unlock numerous doors in your job search journey.

A Note on Cover Letter Keywords

As you start crafting a cover letter, one aspect that demands your attention is the inclusion of keywords. Much like the strategic placement of keywords in your resume, weaving them into your cover letter is equally pivotal.

But these aren’t just flashy buzzwords to catch the eye. Keywords are the echoed phrases and terms you spot in the job listing. Their inclusion in your cover letter not only augments its visibility but also signals to the hiring manager your keen understanding of the job requisites.

Seek Guidance from a Cover Letter Example

If the blank page syndrome is hitting hard, fret not. A peek into a well-structured cover letter sample can serve as a robust springboard, propelling you into the right trajectory.

Remember, the devil is in the details. The information should reflect the specifics of the role and company you are eyeing. Moreover, the coherence between your cover letter and resume in terms of font and format is crucial.

The Final Brushstroke: Tailoring Your Cover Letter For Each Job

With a compelling cover letter, let’s underscore a basic yet necessary rule: the art of tailoring. Every job application is a unique narrative, and your cover letter should resonate with that narrative.

Sure, updating the company name and job title is basic, but diving deeper to highlight specific facets about the company, the job requisites, and how your skills align is where the magic happens. This extra mile in customization is your cue to woo the hiring manager, showcasing your earnestness.

Fear not the prospect of crafting a new cover letter for every job. Instead, craft a cover letter template, leaving placeholders for the hiring manager’s name, company specifics, and your pertinent skills. With this template, each job application becomes a simpler task, needing just a touch of customization to align with the job description.

With a solid template at hand, you’ve overcome the hard part, paving a smoother path in your job application journey.

Don't wait—implement these tried-and-true strategies today and see the results for yourself!

Eager to refine your cover letter, resume or job search strategy? Reach out to me here and let’s craft your professional narrative together. Your next career leap is just a well-told story away. Click here to get started.