10 Elements of a Great Cover Letter

10 Elements of a Great Cover Letter 10 Elements of a Great Cover Letter 1. UniquenessMany hiring managers will trash a cover letter if its bedrngnis customized.Putting in the extra time and effort to write a unique cover letter can make all the difference in the success of your application. Theres nothing wrong with following a formula, but use custom language for each job and company. This simple step shows youre taking the opportunity seriously.2. PersonalizationSkip To Whom It May Concern and personalize your greeting instead by using the name of the hiring manager. Check the job listing for their name and contact details. If the information isnt included, search the company website or call the human resources office.3. Ease of UseIts still accepted practice to include your mailing address in the header of your cover letter, but also remember to include your email address, cellphone number, and website (if you have one). Put this information front and center so a hiring manager can quickly find it when theyre ready to contact you.4. PersuasionThe first one or two sentences after your greeting should demonstrate why youre the best candidate for the job. Giving a very specific reason will grab the hiring managers attention and encourage them to keep reading.5. ConcisionHiringmanagers tend to prefer a cover letter ofhalf a page or less in length. Your aim is to grab their attention and highlight your experience not recite everything in your resume. Include a few key points that will entice the hiring manager to read on (and request an interview).When you send a cover letter digitally, be sure to add links to your website, portfolio, social media channels, and any other sites that apply.6. RelevanceDont simply list your skills. Instead, describe how they apply to this particular job. You need to do this even if your past work experience is not in the same industry Youre trying to convince the hiring manager youre worth interviewing. Its the why, not the what, that sells.7. OptimizationHiring managers are often pressedfor time. They may not read every word of your cover letter, so youll want to include industry-relevant keywords that will help them quickly understand that youre a match for position.8. EagernessShow genuine interest in not only the position, but also in the company as a whole. Do your research and find out about its values, mission, and notable achievements. Again, putting in the extra effort will help your application stand out and show that youre not just sending the same cover letter to every job you are applying for.9. StraightforwardnessEnd your cover letter with a strong closing statement. Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your application and include a call to action most likely a request for an interview.10. Grammatical CorrectnessCheck (and double-check) your spelling and grammar. Simple mistakes can land your cover letter in the trash bin. Dont rely on autocorrect or spell check, since thes e programs dont always pick up all errors. Read and reread the letter yourself, then ask a friend to do the same.The traditional cover letter is still very much a vital part of most job applications. Including these 10 elements will help yours shine and put you one step ahead of other candidates.Jodie Shaw is the chief marketing officer forThe Alternative Board(TAB).Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.