QUESTION:
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A job seeker asked, “What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?”
INTRODUCTION:
You know that your cover letter partners with your resume as your application packet to your job opening of choice. You also know that my mission is to help you live your best career life. So, today, I’m sharing with you the attributes I look for in an applicant’s cover letter.
QUESTIONS I ASK:
I ask the following questions about each cover letter that I review:
- Is the cover letter dated? I, just like the next person, want to work smarter, not harder. So, I understand when job seekers reuse cover letters from past applications. Just be sure to review it carefully and make sure that you update the date, otherwise the hiring manager could perceive you as lacking attention to detail.
- Does it reference the correct employer and position? Again, if you use a cover letter template to apply to job openings, make certain that you update all relevant information for each job that you apply to.
- Does the cover letter begin with a proper introduction? Make sure to adhere to the standards of job application etiquette. Consider using “Dear” plus the recipients last name, or “To whom it may concern,” instead of unprofessional starting greetings like, “Hi,” “Hey,” “Hey There,” etc.
- Is the applicant’s experience relevant to the job opening that they applied to? Some people apply to jobs in hopes of getting their “foot in the door.” I don’t judge them, but the lack of certain qualifications is a deal breaker.
- Does the applicant’s cover letter tell how they used the experience showcased on their resume to resolve a problem, increase efficiency, improve processes, and/or increase revenue? This is what I call your career story. It proves that you’ve positively impacted your profession.
- Is the tone and language of the cover letter business-appropriate? Using slang, profanity, etc., is a quick way to get passed over for an interview.
- Does the cover letter tell the reader how the applicant learned about the job opening? Although this is not a deal breaker, it’s a nice to-know since most employers metrics on their best sources of candidates.
- Does the applicant use their cover letter to explain how their transferable skills will help them to be successful on the job? This is especially important if you don’t have all the requested directly related experience. You may have picked up knowledge, skills, and abilities that can make you a viable candidate.
- Is the cover letter written in complete sentences? I look for an inviting conversation that makes me want to know more about you as a potential team member.
- Is the cover letter free of grammatical errors? Proofread. Otherwise, you will give the impression that you’re not a good writer.
- Is the cover letter free of misspelled words? I’ll just say, see #9.
- Does the cover letter end with a proper ending salutation? Close your letter with “Sincerely, Regards, Best Regards, Kind Regards, Respectfully,” or in a similar way plus your full name.
IN CONCLUSION:
Remember that your cover letter’s role is to partner with your resume. It’s the Ying to your resume’s Yang. Together they tell prospective employers where you got your experience and how long you worked in each role. Then, you share how you’ve used that training and experience to help solve workplace challenges for your past and current employers.
Well, as you know, my goal is to help you live your best career life. So, if you’ve found this post helpful, share it. Like it. Subscribe. Or leave me a comment or a question. I’d love to hear from you.
Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
