Writing a customized cover letter takes some time. However, it is an effort worth making, and it can make a difference in your job opportunities. By customizing your cover letter, you’ll produce a more convincing result that clearly outlines why you are a great fit for the role.
How to Customize Your Cover Letter
Follow these tips to customize your cover letter when applying for a job.
Research the Hiring Manager
When it comes to cover letters, take the time to learn about the company and the hiring manager. Customize your cover letter, and if possible, address it to the person responsible for hiring. If necessary, research online or call to find out who the hiring manager is.
Mention People You Know
If you know someone at the company, mention their name in your cover letter. Citing known individuals—whether from your perspective or that of employees—works well. This is important from both your perspective and the employee’s perspective, especially if the company has an employee referral program and they are eligible for a bonus.
Indicate How You Found the Job
Indicate how you found out about the job in the first paragraph of your cover letter. The company wants to know how you came across the job, especially when you find the job listing on a job board or another paid site. You could simply say, for instance, “I learned about this position from the advertisement I read on Monster.”
Note: Take the extra step to mention something about the company in your cover letter. For example, you might note a recent story in the news or mention the company’s mission statement from its website.
Highlight Your Qualifications
Employers usually don’t look twice at candidates who don’t seem qualified at first glance. That first glance in your cover letter is your only chance to make a good impression and move forward in the process.
Note: To get past that initial screening stage, you need to specifically address the job advertisement and mention why you are qualified for the position.
To write a customized cover letter, take the job advertisement and highlight the criteria the employer is seeking. Then identify the skills and experiences you have. You can either touch upon how your skills match the job in the form of a paragraph or list the criteria along with your qualifications. Here’s more on how to align your qualifications with the job description. Also, take the time to show how your personality fits with the position and the company.
Include Skills and Outcomes
Also include your skills and outcome-related keywords in your cover letter to increase your chances of being selected for an interview. Here’s a list of skills for resumes and cover letters that you can use for suggestions for your application materials.
This way, the hiring manager can see, at a glance, why and how you are qualified for the job. Here’s how to write a cover letter in five simple steps.
Example of a Customized Cover Letter
This letter focuses on a career change and the skills required for the advertised position in sales and communications. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online). Additionally, check out more cover letter examples to inspire you while writing your own.
Download Word Template
Example of a Customized Cover Letter (Text Version)
Applicant Addison
123 Main Street
Any Town, California 12345
555-555-5555
November 30, 2021
Mr. Eddie Lee
Manager, Human Resources
Wellesley Information Services
123 Business Road
Business City, New York 54321
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am applying for the Inside Sales position advertised on Monster.com. At your convenience, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the position and my candidacy with you. You can find my resume attached to this email.
I am
I seek to bring my skills in public relations, marketing, and both online and interpersonal communications internally to succeed in an inside sales role.
Relevant experience and skills for the advertised position include the following:
- Persuasive abilities. I have pitched stories to executives via phone and email and placed them in major media outlets such as MSNBC, CIO Magazine, Sirius Satellite Radio, MSN Money, AARP Bulletin, and The New York Daily News.
- Strong financial skills. My experience includes over a decade in accounting in client-facing and internal environments.
- Strong computer skills. I have experience with Microsoft and Mac software and have basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and digital design.
I possess a variety of personal skills that will ensure success in this role: I am a good listener with a strong work ethic and a persistent desire to excel. I have a proven ability to meet deadlines and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. I am also a quick learner with an excellent memory for facts.
I would love to know more about the position you are looking to fill, and I would welcome the opportunity to tell you how my skills and ideas can benefit Wellesley Information Services.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Signature (hard copy letter)
Addison Applicant
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-write-a-customized-cover-letter-2060302
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