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A cover letter is a letter to a recruiter. It is an important document that must be attached to your résumé or curriculum vitae. You may have heard it called a motivational letter or a covering letter, or one of several other names.
Your cover letter should be as attention-grabbing as your resume. Hiring managers look at resumes for 6 to 7 seconds, so make sure that you have a cover letter that grabs their attention right away. Your cover letter for recruitment should also have a header that contains your name, the date it was written, and the contact information of the person who will be reading it.
Who Reads Cover Letters?
Large corporations and smaller businesses are the two main categories of employers who examine cover letters. Even though smaller companies employ fewer people annually than larger corporations, they are nonetheless significant. Big companies tend to hire fewer candidates at once, and they examine cover letters before making a hiring decision. However, the smaller businesses might not have the same screening requirements. They might only hire one individual for each post and might not care about the private details in a cover letter.
More often than not, the recruiting managers read the cover letter. It’s imperative to make your message brief but convincing enough to catch the hiring manager’s eye. When it comes to resumes and cover letters for a hiring manager of a smaller company, make sure to tailor your letter to the position you’re applying for as these companies may not have the same automated process as larger corporations.
Keep in mind that large companies use applicant tracking systems, which pre-sort the applications before the hiring managers have time to review them. So make sure your cover letter includes keywords that are relevant to the position. The hiring manager may be looking for a specific keyword or a certain experience that relates to the job description.
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What Do Employers Search For in Cover Letters?
Cover letters are mainly meant for hiring managers. One of the most important questions when it comes to writing a cover letter is what are employers looking for? There are certain things employers want to see in a cover letter, and it depends on the industry. Technical details will vary depending on the position you’re applying for, but generally speaking, employers are looking for an organized document that conveys your personality and shows the company you’re passionate about.
A boring or non-personal introduction will not make it past the first paragraph. Instead, make the cover letter for the hiring manager as short and professional as possible while still demonstrating that you’ve got the skills necessary for the job and are eager to learn! Make sure to plan your cover letter strategically.
Introduction
As the cover letter is for recruitment, you can mention some basic information about yourself and the position you’re applying for in the first paragraph. Mention your accomplishment or job title, as this will show the employer that you’re enthusiastic and competent. If possible, include your experience or any other relevant skills you might possess. Aside from this, include any secondary connections you have with the company. Mentioning that you know the person personally is an excellent way to build a professional relationship.
Background Check
Besides the introductory paragraph, include a background check. Highlight your knowledge of the company and industry, and include your skills that match the job description. Don’t forget to include your contact information and your LinkedIn profile if possible.
Experience
Students often focus on their educational background. However, hiring managers are most interested in your work experience. This may include summer or volunteer work experience, as well as your academic accomplishments. Employers look for people with the ability to meet key priorities. If you’re writing a cover letter for an entry-level position, include concrete accomplishments that can be quantified. Moreover, you should use the same language as the employer.
Objective Statement
Your objective statement should include specific examples of your work experience. Highlight your past successes in a concrete way, such as a project you worked on that has benefited the company. It also helps to highlight your personality and how it has benefited you in the past. For example, if you were an international finance manager for a Fortune 100 company, you would have demonstrated your ability to improve productivity by 30%. You should also discuss any relevant achievements.
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What Else Do Hiring Managers Look For in Cover Letters?
Hiring managers are looking to hire the right person to get the job done perfectly, so you need to show them how much you understand the company and its needs. The cover letter to the hiring manager is your opportunity to show how you fit in with the company’s mission and culture.
Don’t just repeat what you already said on your resume; expand on that information. Highlight skills that are relevant to the job description and emphasize them in the letter. Employers want to know that you are interested in this position, and your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to show them!
One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a cover letter is talking about a great position without focusing on the specifics of the role. Hiring managers are well aware of this common mistake and want to find out what you’ll bring to the table. If you’re unsure about the tone of your cover letter, you should always ask someone who has worked in the same industry as you to help you.
How Should Your Cover Letter Look Like?
A cover letter should be one page in length, with short, readable paragraphs. Recruiters are often reading hundreds of applications, so it’s imperative to keep yours concise and easy to read. You also don’t want to include too many personal details unless they directly relate to the job. The balance career template contains the essential elements of a short cover letter: excitement about the job, qualifications, and a call to action for the recruiter to follow up. Combine these elements into a compelling narrative that convinces the reader to hire you.
Your cover letter should tell the employer why you are the best candidate for the job. Ideally, you will demonstrate your understanding of the organization’s needs and how your background and skills match the company’s needs. Look up the job description and make note of any company goals or culture. Alternatively, the job description should contain details on the company’s hiring objectives. Make sure you follow through with the stated follow-up actions.
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Conclusions
When writing your cover letter to recruiters, remember that they are looking for more than a resume. Cover letters should highlight your professional achievements along with your unique skill sets. However, if you’re not applying for a position right now, you should emphasize why you’re interested in that position. Employers don’t want to hire unmotivated employees. To make a good impression, reference a little-known fact or achievement about the company.
Are you hunting for jobs these days and need help? Apptree Staffing Solutions is one of the leading recruitment specialists offering tailored staffing solutions in Michigan. We can help you find the next role and build your career. Apply today!
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