One of the worst things you can do during your job search is send a generic cover letter to a potential employer. And by generic, we mean using openers such as, “In response to your advertisement for the position, I am sending my resume for your review.” The problem with this is, everyone uses “stock” openers such as this, so it will rarely (if ever) help you stand out from the crowd. Instead, use a branding statement as your opener such as, “With more than 10 years of forensic accounting experience…” See the difference? The second opener addresses the company’s need for a forensic accountant and it let’s them know right away that the applicant is well seasoned.
Once you’ve made it past the opener, it’s important to include facts that support the requirements. The International Business Times offers this example:
“I see you are interested in hiring someone with strategic-change management experience.” (Or whatever the key requirement of the position is-highlight it here). Then tell-or even better, SHOW-the reader why you have that experience: “In my present role with ABC Distributors, I did XYZ, which resulted in JKL.” Showing the potential employer-right off the bat-you possess a desired attribute or requirement for the position will prompt the hiring manager to invest more time in reading your resume.
If your cover letter states-in so many words-“I am the perfect match for your opening, and I can meet/exceed your needs…” then you immediately get my attention, and I’m more likely to invest time in reviewing your resume.
Here’s a tip: do not use bullet points or material word-for-word from your resume; provide the hiring manager with fresh information on your cover letter.
Details are important too, so make sure:
- -The formatting for your resume and cover letter match
- -The headings match
- -There are no typos or spelling and grammatical errors
- -Your contact information is current, including your main email address
And finally, at the end of your cover letter, always offer to follow up by phone or email within one to two weeks, then mark your calendar.
