8 winning cover letter strategies
A winning cover letter takes the same approach as any sales campaign: identify key selling features and communicate those qualities clearly and quickly. Below are 8 winning strategies proven to result in more interviews.
1. Say who you are, quickly
If you are a Nurse, say so in the first or second sentence. Don´t make the reader search your resume to find this critical piece of information.
2. Use a professional format
Use a professional, visually attractive and simple to read cover letter format. Avoid over abundance of color, dividing lines, images, or other page elements that may distract the reader´s attention. A recruiter will go through dozens if not hundreds of documents a day. Don´t make their life any harder by making your cover letter difficult to read.
3. Highlight relevant qualifications
The keyword here is "relevant". Use your cover to highlight your qualifications, achievements and skills that relate directly to the company´s requirements as provided in the job posting
4. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company, industry and job opportunity
Demonstrate your insight and knowledge (for example, products and services, industry outlook, core issues facing the company, etc.)
5. Describe why you want to work for the company
Common reasons include reputation/standing in the industry, products/services offered, financial standing, company philosophy/culture and market potential. Be as specific as possible.
6. Make sure your cover letter is error free
Make sure you triple check for spelling and grammatical errors, inconsistent font sizes/colors and incorrect spelling of the company´s name or recruiter´s name. If possible, put down your cover letter after writing it and revisit it several hours later. You´ll be surprised at how effective a fresh set of eyes can be at catching errors.
7. Keep your cover letter short
No longer than one page. Remember, recruiters will not tolerate long cover letters.
8. Don´t forget the call to action
Ask for a interview towards the end of your cover letter. This may seem obvious, but from our experience simply asking for a interview will result in more interviews.