Crafting an effective cover letter is a crucial step in securing your dream job. In a world where hiring managers spend an average of seven seconds per cover letter, making those moments count is essential. Here’s an in-depth look at the importance of cover letters and how they can be optimized for success:
So why write one?
In the brief time it takes a hiring manager to scan your cover letter, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impression. While your resume outlines your professional history, a cover letter complements it by showcasing the skills you’ve listed. Don’t merely reiterate your resume; instead, leverage this space to demonstrate practical applications of your skills. For instance, if you claim to possess creativity and communication skills, narrate a relevant experience that vividly illustrates these qualities.
The goal of the cover letter is to secure an interview. You must separate yourself and show why you’re more qualified than the other candidates. Consider the responsibilities of the hiring manager and answer the question:
Why should I be one of the five (out of 100) applicants who deserve another 30 minutes to demonstrate why I’m the best candidate?
What can cover letters reveal?
Your concise writing abilities, attention to detail, researching skills, reading comprehension, interest level, personality type, and creativity…essentially a lot, so you can’t use the same cover letter for each application. Customize!
Tailoring Each Cover Letter
One common mistake job seekers make is using a generic cover letter for multiple applications. However, customization is key. Each one should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlighting misconceptions, explaining achievements, and expressing genuine interest in the company can set your letter apart from the rest. Remember, a generic cover letter may be perceived as a lack of effort, potentially jeopardizing your chances.
Unveiling Skills Beyond the Resume
A well-crafted cover letter is a window into your abilities beyond what’s listed on your resume. It reveals your concise writing skills, attention to detail, research capabilities, reading comprehension, and even your personality. This multifaceted snapshot of your abilities requires careful consideration and customization. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who take the time to showcase their unique qualities, as it reflects genuine interest and effort.
The Ultimate Goal: Securing an Interview
The primary objective is to secure an interview. In a sea of applicants, your cover letter should answer the hiring manager’s unspoken question: “Why should I choose you for a more in-depth conversation?” To achieve this, align your skills and experiences with the company’s needs. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role, and articulate how your unique qualifications make you the ideal candidate.
Selecting the Right Cover Letter Template
Various templates are available, catering to different styles and preferences. It’s essential to choose a format that aligns with your personality and the industry you’re applying to. Whether it’s a traditional format, a narrative style, or a visually appealing design, the key is to strike a balance between professionalism and individuality. Finding the right style enhances your chances of making a memorable impact.
In conclusion, despite the brevity of their attention span, hiring managers value cover letters as a means to distinguish exceptional candidates. Use this opportunity wisely, customize each letter, and aim to secure that coveted interview. It’s not just a formality; it’s your unique voice in a competitive job market.
It’s not impossible to get hired before you finish school – many students do it. Domenic Sgambelluri, our Alumni of the Month for October 2017, did it. This is his advice on how you can too:
“Get your resume reviewed by someone else. Preferably your school internship/job coordinator, career services centre, etc. Two, three, four sets of eyes and advice are better than one.”
Prepare your application materials. Keep your resume concise, but include the URL to your LinkedIn, where you can provide more detail. Include only school projects that are related to the job you’re applying for.
“Apply early and often! Don’t wait until four weeks before the end of exams of your final year to start looking. Everyone else will already be interviewing.”
Most post-secondary students graduate in April, creating greater competition.
“Go to the career events/fairs that your school holds! This may seem like a waste of time, but companies are there with job vacancies looking for fresh talent. The job market is hot and the fight for talent is real. Your skills are desirable.”
Many employers will offer conditional offers of employment to graduating students because they prefer recent graduates possessing the latest education. Top companies value diversity and innovation, and new graduates provide these.
“Network. Get used to people telling you ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. This statement often holds true. Get out there.”
At any moment, you could meet the right person who can connect you to your career-launching, life-changing opportunity.
“No opportunity is too small or insignificant. If someone offers even a one day per week internship that requires an hour bus ride each way, take it or someone else will.”
A short-term entry-level position could turn into a permanent role. Many employers offer internships to recent graduates confident enough to bet on themselves, and give them the chance to prove their value and indispensability. If your program curriculum didn’t implement work-integrated learning, you’ll likely need to acquire some related experience. A company could offer you a short-term opportunity that exceeds the average time it takes for a recent graduate to secure a full-time position, so any related experience is better than no experience.
“Don’t become discouraged if you don’t find a job as soon as you would like. Keep taking advantage of all of the opportunities presented to you, including your resources. The right job is out there for you and good people don’t stay unemployed/underemployed very long.”
Domenic is now a member of the talent acquisition team at the City of Brampton. He serves one of Canada’s fastest-growing and ninth-most populous municipality, a city with 209 distinct ethnic backgrounds and 89 languages represented. Performing high-volume, full-cycle union and non-union recruitment, he finds the best candidates for the Flower City.
Looking for a job can be a daunting task, but there are some things that could make the process easier and more rewarding. If you’re in the process of applying for a job, here is a resume checklist that Career Edge’s recruiters recommend doing before submitting your resumé: Read More
Slow and steady doesn’t always the win the race.
If you see a job you’re interested in, apply quick. That doesn’t mean clicking ‘submit’ right away – it means not wasting time by waiting. If the job’s been posted for longer than four days, don’t wait any longer – apply ASAP! Make it a priority and schedule it in your calendar. If you wait, you’re wasting your time by applying later. Read More