You have finally discovered a job that fits your personality perfectly. It took you months of scouring the Internet to find your employment passion. Your networking with other individuals and organizations paid off. It’s time to apply for this dream job.
Impress this possible future employer with your excellent online application. How do you make your own great first impression? Amaze them with your fantastic cover letter. When it comes to a cover letters, there’s so much pressure to impress the hiring manager. One goof-up could land your application in the trash.
Eighteen percent of employers say a creative cover letter is appreciated. Allow your personality to shine through with this important document. It will distinguish you from other job seekers applying for the same position. Here are five unconventional ways to allow your cover letter to stand apart from the others:
1. Break
it down: Employers like numbers when they have
meaning. If you choose to use numbers to illustrate your experience in your
cover letter, use them within context. This will allow employers to understand
your accomplishments and how they qualify you for the position.
Example: 640 hours, 50
volunteers, eight weeks, one event. That’s what it takes pull together Spring
City’s Annual Community Expo.
2. Illustrate
your passions, dreams, and goals:
Employers
not only want to hear why you’re qualified for the position, but they also want
to know why you chose your career path. Employers want to hire passionate
employees because they know these individuals will be motivated to do their
job.
Example: Content marketing,
social media, and research are my passions and areas of expertise. Not only are
these my passions, but also I believe these skills are the foundation for any
digital marketing professional. These passions, combined with my enthusiasm,
would make me a great candidate for your Digital Media Manager position at ABC Marketing,
Inc.
3.
Say it in 140 characters or less: Brevity is important when applying for any job. The
shorter and more powerful statement you can create, the stronger your cover
letter will be. Remember, employers don’t have a lot of time to review cover letters
and resumes. However, if you can make your introduction short and sweet, you’ll
help the employer decide if they should keep reading.
Example: Design and nature
are my elements. Let me tell you how my web design experience will help you
protect the environment.
4. Speak
as if you’re already hired:
When you
jump into writing your cover letter, shift your mindset to as if you’re already
hired. Pretend you’re in the break room and one of your coworkers or manager
asks you why you chose to work at their company. This is a great way to show
your interest in your cover letter.
Example: When I discovered
Accounting Solutions was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I’ve been waiting to
find a company where I feel like I can make a difference while working as an
accountant. Not only are your clients awesome, but the overall mission of your
company is something I believe in, too.
5. Tell
a mini anecdote: Telling a story in your cover letter
allows employers to see your more personal side. When employers search for
candidates, they’re not only looking at your qualifications, but they also know
if you’d be a good fit for their culture, too. By telling a story that relates
to your career path, it will allow you to reveal your genuine self to the
reader.
Example: I fell in love with
basketball at a very young age. Not only do I love the sport itself, but also I
loved the numbers behind the scores. Because of this life-long interest in
sports and numbers, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for the Data
Analyst position for the Washington Wildcats.
6. Use
a quote describing your work ethic:
Although
it may seem cliché to use a quote in your cover letter (when used well and in
context) a quote can add more value to your cover letter. Select a quote that
relates to your experience, passions, and the position for which you’re
applying. Once you find a quote, tie it into the elements of your experience
and explain how it summarizes your qualifications.
Example: Stephen R. Covey
once said, “Accountability breeds response-ability.” As an experienced manager,
I believe accountability is the key to success in any work environment. In
every management position I’ve had, I’ve encouraged my employees to be
accountable for their successes and failures, which is why my leadership style
will be a great fit for this position.
“The best cover letters I've
read are from people who have a passion for my company, and can make that
passion come to life on a page. The letters that make me say, 'Yes! This person
really gets it…At the end of the day; I want to hire people who already get it.
Most hiring managers do.” (Kathryn Minshew) [i]
[i] Adapted from: “6 Unconventional Ways to Start Your
Cover Letter” Heather Huhman
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