While most job applications ask for your resume, an increasing number of hiring managers are interested in reading a cover letter. This is because while resumes show a generic timeline of your work experience, a cover letter is tailored for a specific role.
Writing a cover letter not only gives hiring managers insight into skills not listed under your previous work experience but gives you a chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm as a candidate.
Here are three tips to crafting a cover letter that shows off both your personality and professionalism.
- Tailor your resume to a specific role
Hiring managers can tell when a candidate uploads a generic cover letter compared to one specially crafted to their open position. You can stand out from competition by writing a new cover letter for each job.
Include keywords used by the employer in the job advertisement. If the company is looking for someone with experience on a certain project, your cover letter is a great way to expand upon your involvement that otherwise would be too lengthy to include in your resume.
Another way to tailor your resume is to include the company’s name and address the specific title of the open role. This shows hiring managers that you are not only applying for the correct position, but that you are familiar with the job posting. VITUS Search Group takes the stress out of researching an open role. Our recruiting specialists have cultivated strong relationships with our talent seekers and are familiar with all of our current openings.
- Highlight your skills
Many job listings include key phrases like “independently motivated” and “enthusiastic collaborator”. Usually these are used in conjunction with a job’s duty, such as working within a team environment or being proficient in a specific task. Your cover letter should directly address how your work experience and talents make you the ideal candidate for these duties while using these key phrases.
Your cover letter is also a great opportunity to give specific examples of when you demonstrated these skills. This can be while tackling a project, resolving workplace conflict, or solving a problem with creativity. Make sure to include professional experiences that utilize the skills mentioned in the job posting.
- Keep it concise
Cover letters should not be longer than one page. This allows hiring managers to get a sense of your qualifications with workplace examples written at a reasonable word count.
Having a brief cover letter is also easier to proofread. Make sure to check your cover letter’s spelling and punctuation. Additionally, double-check that you have included the exact title of your desired role to limit confusion. VITUS Search Group is an executive search firm with over 50 years of combined staffing experience. Whether you are a professional interested in finding your next role or a talent seeker searching for high-caliber employees, contact VITUS today and take the first step in working with one of our recruiting specialists.