Mastering the Art of Cover Letters: Essential Do’s and Don’ts

After months of job searching, you’ve found it—your dream job. You’re highly qualified and have the CV to prove it. You send everything to the hiring manager and wait. And wait. Eventually, it’s clear you won’t get a callback. So what went wrong? Despite your impressive experience, your cover letter might be holding you back.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of a cover letter when applying for a new position. Often marked “Optional” on digital applications, it can seem unnecessary. But just like you can’t skip tying your shoes, neglecting it can cause you to stumble. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help your cover letter stand out.

Cover Letter Do’s

Research the Company

Show genuine interest in the role by including specific information about the company in your cover letter. Mention their mission statement to reflect their core values. Going further, find interviews with the CEO and quote them to show deeper interest in the company.

Use Keywords

Hiring managers and recruiters often use screening software for popular roles. This software relies heavily on keyword analysis. Ensure your cover letter and CV include relevant keywords to increase your chances of passing the screening process.

To find these keywords, compare the job posting with others in the same field. Look for common skills and buzzwords. Rather than stuffing keywords into your CV, use your letter to include them contextually.

Highlight Your Strengths

Your experience may be impressive, but there will be other qualified candidates. When your work history alone isn’t enough, focus on what makes you unique. Use your cover letter to share noteworthy achievements from previous roles, showing your ability to exceed basic job responsibilities.

Be Authentic

You are more than your work experience. Employers want to understand who you are as a person. With workplace culture becoming more important, how well you fit into the office environment will affect hiring decisions. While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through your writing.

Keep it Brief

Include all key points, but keep your cover letter under one page. Lengthy letters may be discarded. Focus on the most important details and results of your achievements, not the process. In this case, it’s the destination, not the journey, that matters.

Cover Letter Don’ts

Don’t Reuse the Same Letter

While it’s tempting to copy and paste your cover letter for multiple applications, avoid this. Hiring managers can easily spot generic ones. Personalize each letter to show genuine interest in the position.

Avoid Cliched Openings

Skip the generic opening lines. Instead, start with a particularly impressive experience that highlights why you deserve the job. Grabbing the hiring manager’s attention early increases your chances of making a strong impression.

Don’t Focus Solely on Your Benefits

While it’s natural to consider how a job will benefit you, companies want to know how they will benefit from hiring you. Use past achievements to demonstrate what you can offer them, rather than focusing solely on your gains.

Use Overcomplicated Language

Avoid overcomplicated language. It might seem smart, but it can come off as trying too hard. Aim for readability. Clear, simple language is often more effective and easier to understand.

Craft Your Perfect Cover Letter

A unique, well-crafted cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview or a rejection. Practice self-editing with these tips until it becomes second nature. Once you’ve mastered your yours, our team of recruiters is ready to help you find your next career opportunity. Get in touch today.