How to Showcase Your Personality in a Cover Letter

Writing a Unique Cover Letter

The best way to showcase who you are to the company is to avoid writing a generic cover letter for every job. Instead, customize your letter for the specific job and company.

You can write a targeted cover letter in several ways: include keywords from the job listing in your letter. You can also reference the company itself – for example, mention a particular success the company has achieved, or explain why you are interested in working there. When possible, send your letter to a specific person.

Avoid the phrase “To Whom It May Concern” unless you can find a contact. It’s important to do your best to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you have taken the necessary time to write a unique cover letter for the specific position.

Avoid Clichés

One of the best ways to avoid sounding like everyone else in your letter is to steer clear of some of the most commonly used phrases in cover letters. For example, don’t say you are a “hard worker” or that you “exceed expectations.” Try to find unique ways to explain who you are. You can do this by focusing on specific examples – show them who you are rather than telling them.

Try a Creative Opening Sentence

Many cover letters start with the sentence “I am applying for job X.” While this is a good way to start, the hiring manager has probably seen this sentence hundreds of times. Try beginning with a more engaging opening sentence (or sentences) that shows who you are.

You can express why you are interested in the job or the company. For example, you might start with, “I have always been a storyteller. As a child, I wrote countless stories about princes and princesses. Now I have turned my passion for storytelling into a career in marketing.” Or, “When I first researched your company for a business class project five years ago, I became inspired by your mission to provide low-cost technology solutions.”

An engaging opening sentence will keep the hiring manager reading and give them a glimpse of why you are a perfect fit for the job and the company.

Show Connection

If you know anyone at the company, or if someone at the company referred you to the job, mention that in the beginning of your cover letter (in the first two sentences if possible).

This makes you seem more human, and it makes you look like you are already part of the company culture. It also shows that someone at the company considers you qualified for the job.

Think of Unique Examples

Remember that a cover letter should not simply repeat your resume. While your resume lists your qualifications, a cover letter dives deeper and provides examples of times you have demonstrated certain skills and abilities that are essential for the job.

One way to showcase your personality is to include some unique, even surprising, examples that demonstrate your skills. For instance, if you are applying for a position that requires organizational skills, you might mention how you manage and process dozens of monthly shipments from your Etsy account with precision. These examples are particularly helpful if you don’t have much relevant work experience.

Of course, include examples that are relevant – they should relate to a skill or quality necessary for the job.

Show Fit with Company Culture

Hiring managers want to know not only that you are qualified, but also that you will fit into the company culture. Before writing your letter, research the organization. Check out the company’s website, and talk to anyone you know who works there. Then you can mention ways you might fit into the culture.

For instance, if you know they hold a lot of team sports events after work, you might briefly mention at the end of the letter that you love to use your throwing skills.

It gives

Some job listings give you a glimpse into the company’s culture. For example, if the ad itself is quirky or really funny, feel free to add a little humor to your message if that feels natural to you.

Adjusting Your Tone to Fit the Industry

Similarly, you can adjust your message to match the personality of the industry. If you are applying for a job at a corporate company, for example, you might want to write a more traditional cover letter. You can still include some personal examples and perhaps a captivating opening line, but you should avoid too much humor or quirkiness.

If you are applying for a job in a more informal industry – for example, a tech startup – you can be a little more creative. Your tone can be lighter, and you can include some creative examples.

If you are applying for a job in a visually-oriented or creative field, consider showcasing your personality through the format of your letter. You can include discussion points or even a graphic (like infographics). You can also incorporate some of these unconventional elements into your resume as well.

Keep it Professional

Regardless of how much of your personality you decide to put into your cover letter, the message should remain professional. It should be well-written and free of errors. You should keep it focused on the main topic: why you are a great fit for the position.

Avoid Going Negative

Some people try to add personality by using phrases like “I know you hate reading cover letters, but…” or “I know I’m one of many candidates, but…” Avoid any phrases that sound negative.

Avoid phrases that imply you know how the hiring manager feels. You don’t actually know if they hate reading cover letters, nor do you know how many candidates have applied for the position. Focus on the positives, and don’t assume anything about the hiring manager, the job, or the company.

Example of a Cover Letter that Shows Personality

Sarah Jones

7 Chestnut Street

Any Town, Any State, ZIP Code

555-555-5555

January 5, 2019

John Wilson

Editor-in-Chief

XYZ Magazine

5 Main Street, Suite 1

Any Town, Any State, ZIP Code

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I’m writing this cover letter to you at 11 PM. Why? Because I just finished talking with my former colleague, Jane Smith, who told me you’re looking for an editorial assistant, and I wanted to apply right away.

Jane will tell you that I’ve been eager to apply for a position at XYZ Magazine since we worked together, first at the student magazine where I was the editor and she was the editor-in-chief, and then at ABCmag.com as assistants. I’ve always appreciated XYZ’s showcasing of diverse and emerging voices, as well as its commitment to fact-checking and editing.

In fact, my desire to work at your magazine influenced my studies at the large public university. I took several editing and multimedia design courses in my senior year and continued to take classes after graduation.

In addition to my background in multimedia design and editing – and my passion for XYZ – I have:

Three years of experience in brainstorming, pitching, and assigning stories
Excellent research and reporting skills
Extensive experience in analyzing traffic trends using Google Analytics
Expert-level social media management skills
A deep love for the Oxford comma (which I know you share)

I have had some work published in XYZ over the years:

[URL]

I would love to talk to you about the role. Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or email me to discuss or arrange an interview.

Thank you and best regards,

Sarah Jones

Signature of Sarah Jones

More Examples of Cover Letters

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Review examples of cover letters for different types of jobs and get templates you can use to write your own letters.

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About the Author

Alison Doyle is one of the leading employment experts in the country. Learn about our editorial policies.

Updated on December 6, 2022

This article was reviewed by Amy Soricelli

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-show-your-personality-in-a-cover-letter-4174695