Write Your Cover Letter Like an Acceptance Speech
SEXPAND
Cover letters can be pretty boring, and some hiring managers don't bother looking at them at all. If you want yours to stand out, you'll need to make a great impression. Think about how you would thank that company for hiring you, and start your letter there.
The Glassdoor Blog runs down several useful ways to make your cover letter stand out that don't begin with "Dear sir or madam, I'd like to apply for the position of X." Instead, they suggest, tell a mini anecdote that's relevant to the company or the job, or better yet, write it as if you already have the job—you'll show confidence (within reason, of course) and hit the important points at once:
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.
We think it's a solid approach, and if you do it without getting too full of yourself, it's convincing at the same time. They also suggest keeping it brief, and remembering that the cover letter is supposed to introduce you and your passion for the job, and let your resume do the real talking. Hit the link below for more cover letter tips.
6 Unconventional Ways to Start a Cover Letter | Glassdoor Blog
Photo by bearstache.
Don't use the word "awesome" in your cover letter unless you want to come across as a 15-year old, or a young newbie to the job hunt. Hiring managers need to know you're going to be professional in your communications when they unleash you upon their clients. And if you're going to reference the company's mission statement, then briefly back it up with at least one sentence that tells why you believe in it, or why you're targeting them in particular, and that you're not just copy/pasting that same flattering statement to hundreds of companies. Differentiate yourself from the form letter senders. Not all hiring managers throw out cover letters. They need to see that you can construct good sentences. And last, focus on what you can do for the company instead of going on and on about how much you'd love to work there.
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