Crash Course: Creating a Cover Letter That Stands Out [Video Webinar]

Do you struggle with writing cover letters? Ever find yourself wondering why they’re even still a thing?

You’re not alone, but many applications still require a cover letter. Though, if written correctly, a cover letter can significantly increase your chances of getting the interview (and the job).

In this Premium webinar, “Crash Course: Creating a Cover Letter That Stands Out,” you'll learn best practices, view examples, and get answers to common cover letter questions.

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Freddie Rohner, Certified Master Resume Writer and Product Manager at iHire, shares his expertise on:

• The basics of writing a cover letter that works
• Proven approaches and formats for each section
• Common mistakes to avoid
• How to address unique situations like employment gaps and career changes
   

How to Write a Cover Letter

Writing an effective cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview or not. So, how do you craft one that catches the reader's interest and stands out from the rest? How long should a cover letter be?

Aim for a cover letter that is about half to three-quarters of a page long. Make sure to keep it concise and engaging. Highlight your skills relevant to the position and draw the reader's attention with unique information or quantifiable achievements. Show your enthusiasm for the role and convince the reader why you would be the best fit.

Cover Letter Tips: Introduction

The introduction to your cover letter can take several approaches. You could keep it simple and state the position you're applying for and where you saw the job posting. Or, you could grab the reader's attention with impressive information about your qualifications. If possible, leverage any referrals or talk about your core qualifications and professional identity.

Cover Letter Tips: Body

The body of the cover letter is where you should dive into your skills, qualifications, and achievements. Briefly tell your story, use paragraphs or bullets for easy readability, and include quantifiable information wherever possible. Avoid filler language and professional jargon, and don't forget to focus on the company.

Cover Letter Tips: Close

In the closing paragraph, keep it short and sweet. This is the time to include any additional information like salary requirements or relocation preferences. And don't forget to thank the hiring manager or recruiter.

Bonus Cover Letter Tips

Customize your cover letter for each application. At the very least, address each letter to the specific company and find the hiring manager's name to include. Even if you're applying for similar roles, taking the time to personalize each letter can make a big difference.

If you're sending the cover letter via email, keep it even shorter. Use a simple, descriptive subject line and follow all the other guidelines.

For those with unique situations, such as employment gaps or career changes, the cover letter is an excellent opportunity to address these. However, only mention it if it's relevant to the position, and keep it brief.

Your cover letter offers a golden opportunity to make your application stand out. So, put in the effort to make yours shine. And remember, a well-crafted and personalized cover letter can tip the scales in your favor! Get even more cover letter writing advice in our Resource Center or check out our resume and cover letter writing services for personalized guidance.