How to nail your dream job with your cover letter
The cover letter may very well spell the success or failure of job-hunting. Employers read your cover letter and see if you’re the person they’re looking for. So you have only one shot at making a good first impression. Remember, you’re not the only one applying for the job, so you better make this work. 
In this post you’ll learn some tips that can help you make a good, if not a better, cover letter. If you’ll be diligent enough to follow them, you’ll surely nail that dream job. So, how do you create a cover letter that will assure you of a “yes” from the company?
Nailing that dream job
1. Avoid “Sir” or “Madam”
Companies have taken on a very different standard when checking out cover letters. Avoid the typical “Sir” or “Madam”. Why not use the name of the person? If you don’t know the name, use a different line like “To the Human Resource Management head at (XYZ company)” or something like that. This shows companies that you took the effort to personalize your letter.
2. Companies are turned-off when they see that you only bcc-ed them.
Don’t you just hate it when you receive a bcc e-mail from your friend? Even if the message is good, but it still gives you the feeling that you don’t matter enough for that friend to send you a very personal e-mail. You know what I mean. If a friend feels this way, how much more a company who doesn’t even know you? I insist that you avoid using the bcc when sending cover letters.
3. Show your personality.
Most companies look for clues that show the candidate’s personality based on the tone and voice of the letter. They also look at the layout. So show your personality. Let them know that you didn’t just copy-paste your cover letter.
4. Avoid errors in grammar or spelling.
This is a definite no-no. The cover letter is the first thing that companies see and through it, they’ll know if they will even consider you. Typographical errors will definitely show that you have not put in the effort to make a good cover letter. Read it again. Ask someone to proof-read it for you, if you have the time. You can’t afford to commit this mistake.
5. Address the person you’re sending the letter to properly.
It’s one thing to know the names of the people of the company, but it’s another thing to know the different positions they each hold. When you address the person properly, it’ll show that you took the time to research on the company. This will impress the company and they’ll feel that you really are sincere to become a part of the group/organization.
6. Be assertive and pro-active.
Avoid leaving the “ball” in the employers court. You shouldn’t be bossy in your cover letter, but at least show them that you are pro-active. Heres an example:
“It would great if you’d consider me for a position in your web designing team where somebody of my background could definitely give a contribution. I will contact you in two days to arrange for an interview. Should you need more information, I can be contacted at the phone numbers listed above.”
It’s not too overpowering, but it is pro-active. It gives a sense that you are indeed willing to become part of the team.
7. Say what you can do for them, no what they can do for you.
This may seem far off. How can someone who’s applying for a job ask for the benefits that the company can give him? In his cover letter? I know. It’s crazy right? But just so you know, some people actually do this. So just to make sure, don’t do this. You’ll never get a call back if you do. That I can assure you.
8. “I feel”…“I believe”
Avoid such phrases. Your statements take on a stronger character without them. Or if you do need to place some qualifier, use “I am convinced”, “I’m confident”, or ” I am positive”.
Instead of saying: ” I believe that I will be able to contribute to….” Why not “I am convinced that i will be able to contribute to….”
Point is…
Avoid the archaic way of making a cover letter. Companies are looking for real people: people who have their own ideas, people who are updated, and people who are original. Your cover letter is the first thing companies will see, so you have to make a good impression. Don’t be afraid to use natural speaking language. If you do this, companies will naturally respond to you.
Your thoughts
What do you think? How did you make your first cover letter? Do you think the tips given will work for you? What other things can you add to the list? If you’re an employer, what do you look for in a cover letter?
Let us all know in the comments!
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artwrter2010
This is a great post. Most companies read a lot of cover letters from applicants. Yours should stand out so don’t be like all the rest. When I make my own cover letter, I always see to it that it will sound like how I would say it when speaking personally. So far, it works!
radicalwill2010
Wow, I didn’t know this is the in thing right now. Hmmm maybe that’s why some companies didn’t get me. Oh well, I’d use these tips next time. Thanks you!
Christopher Roberts
A valuable post, because natural writing is good writing, in almost any circumstance. But it’s misleading to suggest anyone can “nail” a job with a cover letter. You can *lose* a job with a badly written cover letter, but no employer worth working for would hire someone based on a letter. Don’t try to get the job with your letter — try to get the interview. In other words, don’t try to hit a five-run home run; focus on making solid contact. That alone will make most people stand out.
MK
Good point Christopher. However, I just recently hired someone based on their cover letter. No doubt, I did the other interviewing and checked out their skills. But it was the cover letter that really stood out and made me think ‘I think I will take this guy on.’
Stephen Nellas
@Christopher, you have a point, and I agree with you. I’m merely emphasizing the fact that the cover letter is the first thing that companies look at. And it’s going to be a make or break situation. You can’t afford to go wrong. Competition is fierce out there and you should be on top of everyone else, so to speak.
Christopher Roberts
I stand corrected: some people *do* hire on the basis of a cover letter.
I didn’t mean to minimize the importance of writing a great cover letter. Perhaps what I should have said is this: An important step in writing a great cover letter is to begin with the end in mind, and to have the *right* end in mind. In my opinion, the goal of a great cover letter should be “to get the interview”. Aiming to “get the job” can be akin to trying to hit a five-run home run: you end up over-swinging and, usually, you strike out. In a cover letter, that takes the form of platitudes, hyperbole and purple prose.
But, hey, we’re on the same page so I think we should agree to agree!