How to Write a Cover Letter That Sells YOU

The best thing about a cover letter is that it is an introduction. It is a chance to show an employer your personality. In other words what makes you different, what makes you stand out.

It isn’t a chance to showcase your writing skills – which is lucky because most people wouldn’t call that their strength. If it is your strength then kudos to you.

Anyway, back to my main point. you need to get into the mindset that a cover letter isn’t a summary of what is already in the resume. It isn’t the blurb you find on the back of your favorite bestseller.

What it is though is a sales presentation.

I want to give you 3 of the best tips to conveying yourself in a cover letter so that your employer will be grabbed by your personality and actually want to meet you.

1- Avoid at all cost’s the standard ‘to whom it may concern’ or ‘dear human resources’. Do you research and address their full name if possible.

2- Give your presentation, state how the position fits with your life goals and back it up by 2 main points as to why you are different to the next applicant.

3- Now, for the most important part. Tell the employer that you will follow up to answer any questions they have regarding your skills and qualifications.

It is my recommendation that if possible hand your resume over in person. For the very reason that it isn’t done anymore. Everything is submitted digitally. Do not fret though, as some of you may be applying for a lot of jobs and it may not be logistically possible to do so.

So now you have written you cover letter to accompany your resume, you have ideally hand delivered it to your employer.

What do you do now?

It is vitally important that as you have said you will follow up in 7 days, or 10 days what ever you stated. That you make the effort to follow up. Again ideally with a phone call. Do not go in person to follow up, it leads to awkward situations.

What ever way the conversation goes, in the following 3 days follow up again with an email thanking the employer for their time and for the opportunity. Let them know that if you were unsuccessful you will continue to stay up to date on their openings and submit your application at the next possible opportunity fitting your skill set.

So there you have just a few simple suggestions to help you make the best impression possible and improve the employers perception of you.

It takes devotion and the mind set that you are in this for the long game. You will get the job you want if what you want is clear enough in your mind and you take action to achieve it.