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The answer. "To Cover Letter" !! Cover letters are not dead. They may be a bit tired, but not dead. And that's only because we aren't doing what we should to maximize its impact.

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I'm often asked, "do I even need a cover letter?" The answer is "Yes!" It's like the saying...

"it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it".

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What is a Cover Letter?

It's roughly a half-page letter written to an organization to express interest in a position. It's typically sent along with a job application and provides the reader with insight into who you are as an employee - showcasing your strengths and career status. (If the application has the option to attach documents, attach your resume and attach your cover letter.)

Simple tricks to take your cover letter to the next level:

• Address the hiring manager, recruiter, or human resources representative by name. (If you forget everything else, please remember this: stoppppp using “to whom this may concern” at the top of your cover letters). When I see that, I'm truly concerned. Hehe. The best way to find out the person’s name is to call and ask the operator/receptionist. Say something like...

“Hi, I am preparing my cover letter for (XYZ) position and would like to properly address it, would you provide me with the name of the hiring manager?"

• Another key to a great cover letter is if it shows your personality. Think of it more like a conversation that you are having with the reader. Avoid being too formal.
• Highlight your strengths. If the job description says “project management” experience, share a brief summary of the projects you’ve led.
• Explain red flags. If there is something in your resume that is likely going to cause confusion or may elicit the reader to ask you “so why’d you leave ABC Company, looks like you have an 8 month gap” - go ahead and provide a super short explanation. Make it easy for the reader by taking the guesswork out of it. That'll show you’re proactive, accountable, and on board to being open.
• Express how their Company values align with your own values. You can find their core values on their website (usually in their About section).

Lastly, try not to write a novel. Your cover letter can get boring fast and we want to avoid that! So less is more.

Take a stab at it and reach out if you have questions!

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#ArriveandThrive #BeUnapologeticallyThriving

Check out my other thriving career articles.

Contact me: ashton@thrivingcareersandcoffee.com

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