Cover Letter: Smart Tips to Get Read
30 November 2010
Read by 1684 persons
Stand out from the competition with a well-written letter. Due to unemployment, recruiters are highly solicited at the moment. All the more reason to stand out with a strong cover letter! The problem is that they are often boring. To put an end once and for all to bland, tasteless cover letters, here are some simple writing rules to strengthen your sacred mail.
Don't beat around the bush.
Get to the point quickly. Many believe that three or four lines of flattery about the company are necessary before starting. Wrong! The hook of your cover letter must be impactful: the first sentence is paramount. As reported by "Le Monde" on March 20, 2009, the XYZ group is at the forefront in the field of embedded new technologies.
Being particularly interested in this subject… "You wish to recruit an X to strengthen your X division, my professional qualities match the profile you are looking for."
Use a direct style.
To be clear, use a direct style. Write short, clear sentences. Repeat 10 times before writing: "In the present participle, I say N(A)N!" This precept will preserve you from convoluted sentences in favor of a fluid style, therefore much more readable for the recruiter. Your letter will convey an attractive energy.
"Meeting all the required qualities, I would be delighted to join your company." "Having completed a nine-month internship in the trading room, I would like to enrich my knowledge within your company…". After 6 years as a logistics manager on sites abroad, I wish to return to my home region, which is that of your company. "At X, I gained experience as a strategic watch officer for nine months. The position you are offering seems similar and I think I match the profile you are looking for".
Choose your vocabulary carefully.
A letter written in a few minutes during a lunch break is easily spotted. Yes, writing a good letter takes time! Because depending on the position targeted, there are certain words to use, a semantic field to include in your argument. This way, you will speak the same language as the recruiter. So start by thinking about the recurring vocabulary of your profession and incorporate these words into your letter. For a Web product manager job, this could include: email marketing strategy, direct marketing actions, project coordination, loyalty campaign, analysis of user behavior, copywriting, contests, promotional actions.
The letter is not your resume.
Not knowing what to say in their cover letter, too many candidates repeat the steps of their resume. Not clever! The cover letter should be seen as the extra something that will allow the recruiter to differentiate between two applications. A good resume is good. But a good resume with a smart letter that accompanies it is better. It is in the letter that you can show that you also have a vision of your profession. So say it! Talk about technical skills, versatility, ability to supervise, organizational skills, method, efficiency.
Ability to supervise, organizational skills, method.
"Upon arriving at ABC company, I wanted to reorganize my department's work methods in consultation with my close colleagues. The number of meetings was reduced by 15% and professional lunches were increased from 4 to 6 per month. Working time was thus rationalized and the number of projects implemented increased significantly".
Anticipate the interview.
What is the purpose of a cover letter? To get an interview! So, don't hesitate to question the recruiter. The position interests you, but after reading the announcement, you have questions. "What means will the company implement to achieve the objectives of the position?" or "You are looking for a rather senior and experienced profile, which seems to be a factor of stability in a team. What do you think?" Finally, add: "I would be delighted to discuss these questions with you. Can we meet?".
Posted on November 30, 2010
ode.ma
Don't beat around the bush.
Get to the point quickly. Many believe that three or four lines of flattery about the company are necessary before starting. Wrong! The hook of your cover letter must be impactful: the first sentence is paramount. As reported by "Le Monde" on March 20, 2009, the XYZ group is at the forefront in the field of embedded new technologies.
Being particularly interested in this subject… "You wish to recruit an X to strengthen your X division, my professional qualities match the profile you are looking for."
Use a direct style.
To be clear, use a direct style. Write short, clear sentences. Repeat 10 times before writing: "In the present participle, I say N(A)N!" This precept will preserve you from convoluted sentences in favor of a fluid style, therefore much more readable for the recruiter. Your letter will convey an attractive energy.
"Meeting all the required qualities, I would be delighted to join your company." "Having completed a nine-month internship in the trading room, I would like to enrich my knowledge within your company…". After 6 years as a logistics manager on sites abroad, I wish to return to my home region, which is that of your company. "At X, I gained experience as a strategic watch officer for nine months. The position you are offering seems similar and I think I match the profile you are looking for".
Choose your vocabulary carefully.
A letter written in a few minutes during a lunch break is easily spotted. Yes, writing a good letter takes time! Because depending on the position targeted, there are certain words to use, a semantic field to include in your argument. This way, you will speak the same language as the recruiter. So start by thinking about the recurring vocabulary of your profession and incorporate these words into your letter. For a Web product manager job, this could include: email marketing strategy, direct marketing actions, project coordination, loyalty campaign, analysis of user behavior, copywriting, contests, promotional actions.
The letter is not your resume.
Not knowing what to say in their cover letter, too many candidates repeat the steps of their resume. Not clever! The cover letter should be seen as the extra something that will allow the recruiter to differentiate between two applications. A good resume is good. But a good resume with a smart letter that accompanies it is better. It is in the letter that you can show that you also have a vision of your profession. So say it! Talk about technical skills, versatility, ability to supervise, organizational skills, method, efficiency.
Ability to supervise, organizational skills, method.
"Upon arriving at ABC company, I wanted to reorganize my department's work methods in consultation with my close colleagues. The number of meetings was reduced by 15% and professional lunches were increased from 4 to 6 per month. Working time was thus rationalized and the number of projects implemented increased significantly".
Anticipate the interview.
What is the purpose of a cover letter? To get an interview! So, don't hesitate to question the recruiter. The position interests you, but after reading the announcement, you have questions. "What means will the company implement to achieve the objectives of the position?" or "You are looking for a rather senior and experienced profile, which seems to be a factor of stability in a team. What do you think?" Finally, add: "I would be delighted to discuss these questions with you. Can we meet?".
Posted on November 30, 2010
ode.ma
