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Writing a cover letter for a professional job can be tricky, but it is an essential part of your application. A well-crafted cover letter can make you stand out among candidates and demonstrate your sincere interest in the position. So what are the essential steps to creating an impactful cover letter that will attract the attention of recruiters ?
Always personalize your cover letter
The key to an effective cover letter is personalization. Do not hesitate to consult the site for Application Help. Indeed, it is not enough to copy and paste the same letter for each application, because this is immediately detectable. You basically need to find what makes your application stand out among many others.
If you’re looking to create a universal cover letter, be aware that slight adaptation is necessary for each application. Once you’ve established the foundation, it’s quick and easy to customize the parts related to the specific company you’re applying for. This shows your commitment and genuine interest in the position.
Don’t try to be original at all costs
Another central question is how original you can make your cover letter. Finding the right balance of originality in your cover letter is essential. Of course, the goal is to leave a lasting impression on recruiters, but originality must be measured with caution. For example, stating your passion for cheese or revealing the names of your six dogs can make you memorable, but it can also make you seem less serious or overly exuberant for the job.
It is better to opt for well-targeted originality by highlighting your “Mad Skills” – atypical and exceptional skills, such as a high-level sport or a passion that has developed transferable skills at work. This can make you stand out in a positive way without seeming inappropriate.
Make some research about the company
Personalizing your cover letter also involves knowing the company, its sector of activity and its team well. This research work is neither long nor complex : a simple online search will provide you with the necessary information. Don’t forget to check the company’s social media channels, if available, as well as their career site.
Arm yourself with this newly acquired knowledge about the company, and identify what is particularly important to you about the position and the company. Highlight skills and professional experience that match the employer’s needs. This approach demonstrates your commitment and shows that you have taken the time to understand the challenges of the company.
Do not repeat the same things as in the CV
Avoid repeating information already present in your CV. A cover letter should not be a simple rehearsal of your journey. While the CV provides a chronological overview of your education and experience, the cover letter allows you to select and detail relevant skills and experience.
When writing your resume’s catchphrase, make sure to maintain the same tone in your cover letter. Consistency between your application documents is essential, leading to any unnecessary redundancy.
Think about highlighting your skills
It is essential to highlight your skills convincingly in your cover letter. When you say that a particular skill sets you apart as the ideal candidate for the position, explain why. If the job offer requires behavioral qualities such as perseverance, flexibility or organizational skills, provide concrete examples of situations from your private or professional life where you have demonstrated these skills.
However, keep in mind not to exaggerate or claim to be the best. Stay balanced and humble. Highlight the skills that you actually possess and mention those that you would like to develop thanks to the company for which you are applying. This shows your consideration for the company and strengthens your application.
Mention your medium or long term vision
You can also mention your career plans and expectations for the future. Be careful, however, not to fall into one of the most common cover letter pitfalls : digressing and telling your life story. If you don’t have a real vision of your professional future. A sentence or two to talk about your projects is more than enough. This will at least give the impression that you are planning ahead and have a head on your shoulders.
Do not hesitate to elaborate further if and only if talking about your long-term vision in your cover letter allows you to talk about your skills, your past experiences or even the company for which you are applying. Writing a powerful cover letter should not be like writing your memoir. Never lose sight of the objective : to convince the recruiter that you are made for the position.