Cover letters are probably one of the most over-looked pieces of material in the job-search process. Why? Because they almost always read exactly the same. Cookie-cutter cover letters are the culprit for resumes getting over-looked and for missed opportunities.
More often than not, as we prepare a resume, we skimp on the cover letter. Using a standard one where we can simply plug in keywords such as the company, the job title etc. But what we should really be doing is carefully creating a cover letter (from scratch) specifically for the position we are applying for.
Here are some common cookie-cutter cover letter mistakes:
“To Whom It May Concern”
“My name is _______ I would like to apply for the position of _______ at __________”
Working for _________ would be an honour.”
“I am certain that my skills and experience will be an excellent fit for the position you
are offering.”
Those are just SOME of the common sentences employers come across in cover letters. And if you have used any of those, you can bet you’re not the only one. To make your cover letter really stand out from the rest, try reinventing it with the following ideas:
- Have you considered video?
Video is a really great way for an employer to get to know you right off the bat. If you decide to use a video as a cover letter, make sure the company is a good fit for a video cover letter (i.e. tech, marketing, digital, modern agency etc.) Before you start your video, write down key notes you want to cover so you stay on topic and keep it structured. Do your best to keep it under 1 minute to a minute and a half. Be sure to include your resume as well. - Why do you really want this position?
Of course, we all need to pay bills and buy groceries. So, at the end of the day, we’re all in it for the money. But otherwise, what stands out about this position? Have you heard great things about the company? Is there an executive you would love to work under/work for? Will this opportunity help you expand your skill set and help you achieve your career goals? Be sure to descriptively explain this in the beginning of your cover letter so the employer understands your motive. - What can you honestly offer to this company, that you feel others cannot?
We all have great communications skills, are detailed-oriented and are great team players. Even when we’re actually not. These famous skills aside, what else do you have to offer that would be important for this role/company? Really put some thought into the skills you have that can help them. Consider both skills you have gained in your career, but perhaps you have some skills you have gained outside of work that may have a great influence on your performance in this role. - Bring out your personality (your “work” personality)
A cover letter is the perfect opportunity to show the employer who you really are. When you address a friend from work, do you start with “To Whom It May Concern?” Or do you say, “Good morning! I hope you have been doing well. I wanted to follow up….” Just be you. And if you can’t, then maybe this job is not the best fit for you. Go ahead and be natural with a formal edge. “I was enjoying my morning coffee when I came across this position and it caught my eye. The more I looked into it, the more excited I got because _____”. Suddenly, your cover letter is different from everyone else’s because you are being yourself. - Explain what’s important to you in a role and office environment
One common question that comes up in job interview is “What are you looking for in an office environment?” The key to happiness at work, is being happy when you come in each day. If the thought of a completely quiet office makes you cringe, it’s not a good fit. If having a review at the end of each month makes you feel micromanaged, you don’t want to accept a position at a company that does this. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to define exactly what you are looking for. If you explain what you want and the company is the complete opposite, than a smart employer would not consider you, which in turn is a good thing for you.
Your cover letter should be considered just as important as your resume. It’s okay to outline a sort of template, so you keep it structured, but really tailor it for a specific position/company so it is different each time.