Are cover letters really necessary? Well, not always. Honestly, most of the roles I’ve landed didn’t even require one. But when done right, a strong letter can be a game-changer. In fact, 83% of hiring managers say that a well-written letter can secure an interview even if your resume isn’t quite enough.
Think of your cover letter as more than just a formality. It’s your chance to step out from behind the resume and show your personality. If you’re going to put in the effort to write one, you might as well make it count! Here are some pointers to help you write a standout letter that gets you closer to landing the job.
Tell A Story
Want to hook the hiring manager from the start? Share a story. It’s what brand ambassadors do to grab attention and connect with customers, and you can do the same in your cover letter. Many candidates just rehash their CVs, listing achievements and skills, hoping to dazzle employers. While this seems like the logical approach, it often results in a dry, forgettable cover letter that fails to make an emotional connection. When there’s no callback, the reason is often a lack of personality or memorable content.
Forget the laundry list of achievements! Show your qualifications through storytelling instead! Start by mirroring the job description. Let’s say you’re applying for a project management role. Instead of saying, “I led successful projects,” talk about how you guided a team through a tight deadline, using creativity to turn things around. It gives them a window into how you work and fit into their team. Plus, stories are just more fun to read! You can also drop in a fun fact or fresh information that doesn’t appear on your resume, which adds depth and keeps things engaging.
Add A “What I’m Excited to Contribute” Section
Here’s a section that’ll make your cover letter pop: focus on what you can bring to the table. Most candidates talk about why they want the job, but what really makes an impression is when you tell them what you’re ready to do for them. Once you’ve researched the company and reviewed the job description, explain how your skills and experience match their needs.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role and see the company is expanding into new markets, say something like, “I’d love to bring my experience in international marketing to help your team scale even faster.” Want to take it a step further? Talk about a specific project they’re working on and how you could contribute right away. You’ll show you’re thinking ahead and already invested in the company’s success.
And don’t forget to sprinkle in a little about your long-term goals and how they align with the company’s vision. It reveals that you’re not just here for a job and that you’re ready to grow with them.
Celebrate Their Culture, Not Just Their Product
Here’s a pro tip: expressing love for their product or service is great, but what really sets you apart is complimenting their culture. Employers want to know that you’ve taken the time to understand their company and that you’re excited about being a part of it.
Start by checking out the company’s website and social media. If the vibe is more formal and polished, match that tone with a thoughtful, well-structured letter. But if the company seems fun and creative, let that inspire your approach.
Maybe start with something like, “I’ve been following your brand for a while, and I love how your team brings personality into everything you do. That’s exactly the type of culture I want to contribute to.” This shows you’re already thinking about how you’d fit in, not just what you can get out of the job.
Let The Numbers Do The Talking
Stories make you relatable, but numbers make you credible. Want to prove that you’re the real deal? Back up your claims with data. Instead of just saying, “I improved sales,” you could say, “I boosted sales by 30% in six months by introducing a new email marketing strategy.” Numbers and data points provide concrete proof of your value and help hiring managers visualize the impact you can make.
Even if you don’t have exact stats, you can still highlight qualitative results like team successes or customer outcomes. Employers love to see that you’re results-oriented and ready to bring that same focus to their company.
With these tweaks, your cover letter won’t just be another document in the pile; it’ll be the one that gets noticed. So, put in the time, tell your story, and show them what makes you the perfect fit. Rooting for you!