Job search must do: Cover Letters
Are cover letters still relevant in 2024? Yes!!
Why?? Because they allow you to “speak” directly to the hiring leader. You are making your pitch as the outstanding candidate who will solve their problems and deliver value to their team.
To actually do this, you will have had to do research and think critically about who they (the company and team) are, and what you have to offer that THEY need.
Most people don’t do this. Hiring managers know that. Right off, you are differentiating yourself positively from other candidates.
Additionally, by creating and submitting a letter, you are proactively demonstrating that you know how to: 1) tailor your communication to a specific audience; 2) communicate effectively (e.g. you have presented a writing sample); and 3) build a short but powerful business case.
Writing the letter – The Basics
1. Address the letter to an actual person (name and title): Do some research on LinkedIn and the internet. With a bit of luck, you will uncover either the hiring manager, one of their peers, or an appropriate Talent Acquisition staffer (internal recruiter).
Large companies typically have multiple hiring leaders in a single department, so if in doubt, look for the head of the function, and address your letter to that person. While they aren’t likely to be doing the hiring themselves, they will typically get your letter and resume into the hands of someone in a position to take action – the hiring manager or Talent Acquisition.
2. Demonstrate your understanding of the company: Show that you've done your research on the company and industry by referencing company news, products, processes, comments by the C-suite about their business strategy, or relevant trends in the industry. Next, explain how your professional experience relates to their goals, mission, or new initiatives.
3. Explain why you're a good fit: This is the absolute must-do. Explain why you're the best candidate for the job, focusing on only your most relevant skills (3 - 4 at most). Include one, two, or three measurable accomplishments that make you a strong fit for the role the company has posted. You must show them that you can do what THEY need done. (The job description is your guide to this.)
4. Conclude with a call to action: In your last paragraph (3rd or 4th), express your interest in the opportunity to interview. Be sure to provide your contact information in the letter.
The Fine Points
Tone: It’s OK to allow your enthusiasm to come through, and also your personality. Strive for a professional tone that would be similar to the one you would use at work when writing to your boss’ boss or the CEO, formal, but not stiff or stilted.
How long a letter? 3 - 4 relatively short, concise, paragraphs. Your goal is to create a fast read, and ensure data capture and retention. You want to be memorable — in a good way. The last thing you want is a long letter that will not be read; or a three paragraph letter that is very dense and wordy. Either one will defeat the purpose.
How to deliver the letter?
If possible, attach it with your application to the company.
If the Applicant Portal doesn’t accept cover letters, and you have the name and email of the internal recruiter / HR / Talent Acquisition staffer handling the job, email your letter to them. Be sure to restate in your email that you have already applied for the role via their on-line portal.
If you don’t have an email, research the email convention for the company and take a guess at emailing it to the hiring manager, head of function, or Talent Acquisition.
Research the mailing address for the company and actually mail it – stamp and everything
Summing up: Write the letter. You’ll be glad you did!
A great cover letter amplifies the strength of your candidacy. It will make you stand out above the vast majority of candidates. Accomplishing these two things won’t guarantee an interview for every job, but it vastly improves your chances of being interviewed. It’s worth the effort. A final point, if you do win an interview, you will have already done research and thinking about the story you want to tell and the messages you want the audience to hear. That’s a time-saver in this next critical phase of your job search and a real competitive edge in the interview process!