I'm currently looking for work, which means I am writing a LOT of cover letters. The more you write these essential job search tools, the better you (should) get at it. However, if you are writing cover letters all the time, its easy to slip into formulaic and generic mode — which translates to a hiring manager as uninspired and uninteresting. Here are some tips to help you get started on the letters you have on the back burner right now.
1. Customize to the job you are applying to. Yes, we all know we should be doing this but what does is it really mean? You'll need to think critically about the job description and find something in your professional life that directly translates. I go through the description line by line and jot down applicable skills and projects for each point. Use these as your starting point to craft your letter. (You should also be doing this with your resume every time too!)
2. Use the same language as the job description. If you see a qualification on the job description that matches something on your resume — out with the old and in with the new. Change the wording on your cover letter and resume to reflect the new opportunity. Mirroring the culture of your potential employer can demonstrate that you'll be a good fit there.
3. Use examples to prove your qualifications. Compare these sentences: "I am a competent and successful project manager," and "Over the past summer at X company, I assumed the role of project manager for a content management initiative. Under my direction and careful planning, the project was successfully completed two months ahead of schedule and $10K under budget."
Saying that you have excellent skills is not adequate however true that may be. Proving you have the skills with an example is essential and if you have numbers to back it up, even better.
4. You don't need to stick with the same old boring letter format for every letter. Especially if you are applying to a job in a creative field, make it interesting. Your only guidelines are addressing the job description and remaining professional and courteous. Remember that hiring managers are reading several, sometimes hundreds of cover letters — having one that stands out will separate you from the pack.
5. Don't forget to let your excitement for the job come through in your writing. I always try to let my enthusiasm for a new opportunity shine through. Think about it from the hiring manager's point of view, if it sounds like you aren't really interested in the job, then why would they hire you?
6. If you are stuck, do some research to give you inspiration. Some quick keyword searches on the Internet will yield thousands of cover letter examples for any given job title (cover letter librarian, for example). Use them to give you ideas about formatting, opening or closing your letter, or transitioning from one point to the next. Keep in mind, if they are on the Internet, they are fair game for your hiring manager to search for too, so keep yourself honest and original and don't borrow word for word. If you are in the library and information field like me, I would suggest Open Cover Letters.
