10 Tips for a Cover Letter That Stands Out
Your cover letter is easily one of the most challenging documents you may ever write, trying to maintain the delicate balance between sounding capable without sounding arrogant.
Not to mention, you have to ensure proper formatting to be perceived as the best fit for the job.
We’ve compiled the following cover letter tips and tricks about how to make you stand out:
1. Avoid awkward wording that sounds overly formal or too rigid.
2. Be thorough, but brief. Cover letters should be short and to-the-point.
3. State specific details about the company that you feel drawn to. The more you
show you’ve researched the company’s values, the more dedicated and informed
the hiring manager will perceive you to be.
4. Explain how the company would benefit from hiring you. Organizations want to
know “what’s in it for me,” and how you’ll contribute to revenue growth.
5. Brevity is essential. Avoid using flowery language, and try not to ramble.
6. In addition to keeping sentence brief, keep the overall length of the letter to a
single page.
7. When possible, send your cover letter as a .PDF. All hiring managers use different
word processers, and a .PDF is a universal document that could be read by any
recipient.
8. Don’t state the obvious or repeat what you’ve already said. The person reading
your cover letter already knows your name and what position your applying for.
9. If you’re going to compliment the efforts of the organization, make sure you
sound authentic. Flattery that sounds forced or insincere can rub a hiring
manager the wrong way.
10. Be sure to thank the reader for their time and consideration.