Looking for a job can be grueling. Let’s face it, it isn’t much fun. You have to create a resume, search for job openings, and fill out application after application. Now you are hearing that you should write a cover letter too; ugh. What more do you have to do just to make some money?

I know, this might seem daunting and overwhelming. However, let me frame this a little differently. If you take the time to do your best and do all of the work mentioned above, it will shorten the job search time. How you ask. Well, a well-written resume, a complete application, and an interesting cover letter will get you hired sooner. That means you don’t have to spend as long in the job search phase of things.

Let’s be real; looking for a job is competitive. A hiring manager often receives hundreds of applications for a single job opening. A cover letter is a way for your to sell yourself to the hiring manager before you are interviewed. It helps you to stand out from the countless other applicants.

A poorly written cover letter can work against you and make you look lazy. So be sure to take the time to write an interesting and quality cover letter.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

A cover letter should always be individualized to the job you are applying for. Not tailoring it to the specific position will make you look lazy. That is not the impression you want to leave!

Review the company’s mission and values – Take note of keywords they use and use them in your cover letter (in context).

→ Look at the job description and identify how your skills and experience fit – Identify a couple of these in your cover letter.

→ Write a strong opening statement that captures your reader’s attention – You want them to read the entire letter.

→ Keep your cover letter short, sweet, and to the point – Remember, the hiring manager has a lot of applications to go through. You want him or her to see your professionalism and value quickly.

→ Write with feeling – Yes, I know that sounds silly. However, you want to communicate excitement about working for the company.

→ Be authentic – Don’t overdo it with flattery about the company.

→ Don’t try to be funny – This will often backfire. Not all people share the same sense of humor.

FORMAT YOUR COVER LETTER PROPERLY

This is a professional letter, not a note that you are passing in class or a casual exchange between friends. It is important that you format your cover letter properly.

While this probably doesn’t need to be said, I am going to say it anyway. Cover letters should always be typed. Don’t even think about submitting a handwritten cover letter.

→ Write your cover letter on personal letterhead that has current contact information included – Microsoft Word and Google Docs have free letterhead templates.

→ Use 10 or 12 point font

→ Text color should be black – Don’t use colored fonts.

→ Use a professional font such as Ariel, Calibri, or Times New Roman – Don’t use fonts that look like handwriting or are decorative.

→ Use 1” margins on the top, bottom, and both sides

→ Lines should be single-spaced

→ Add space between paragraphs

→ Include the name and address of → the person you are sending the letter to

→ Have all text aligned to the left or the first line of each paragraph be indented to the right

→ Be centered between the top & bottom

→ Have 3 spaces between your closing (i.e. sincerely) and your typed name

→ Include your signature in blue or black ink – it is unprofessional to use anything else.

Make sure to check your cover letter for mistakes in spelling and grammar. Also, make sure it clearly says why you’re a good match for the job.