Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Less Generic and More Original

The biggest mistake a job seeker can make is to send out the same generic template cover letter to all of the jobs they are applying for. This is a recipe for disaster. The job may be the same, but the companies are not. Overlooking the value of a good cover letter can leave many skilled job seekers without a job interview. A cover letter is the first impression job seekers make. So, make a good impression by writing a cover letter that stands out from the generic ones.

When it comes to writing a good cover letter, the little things are paramount. Proper grammar, length and addressing it to a specific person or department can be difference makers. Having a cover letter that is one long paragraph long is going to make hiring managers throw it in the “no” pile. Furthermore they should be concise, as well as readable and visually pleasing at first glance.

When deciding what style you want to write in, remember to tailor it to your target audience. Do some research on the company and decide how formal you should be. Once you determine whether to write in a casual or professional format, ask yourself why you want to work at their company. Show them that you know about their company by telling them what it is about their company that interests you. This will make the cover letter more personalized.

Your resume lists your qualifications and skills for you, so don’t reiterate the same information in the cover letter. Use the cover letter as a way to show them how your specific qualifications match the job description and give short examples. The cover letter should leave hiring managers wanting to know more about you by asking you to come in for an interview. If they like what they read, they will ask you to elaborate more in the interview, so don’t give all of your anecdotes and experiences away.

Finally, use it as a chance to share your personality. This is the best way to make your cover letter less generic. Use the cover letter to sell yourself as a person because your resume will sell you as a professional. If you do these things, your cover letter will not be just another generic formality.

What are some ways you made your cover letter more original? Share below!

IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by woodleywonderworks

Hanna Guerrero

Hannah is an intern writer here at Spark Hire. She is from the northern suburbs in Chicago and is currently studying journalism at DePaul University. She has always had a passion for writing which is why Journalism has proven to be the perfect career for her. She has written for the DePaulia Online on various topics such as fashion, music, movies and television. She loves living in Chicago because it offers exciting events to write stories on. In her free time she enjoys going to music concerts, watching movies with friends, cooking vegetarian food and walking her adorable Cocker Spaniel Coco.

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