Crafting a cover letter can be a little nerve-racking, but the cover letter serves as an introduction to your qualifications to prospective employers. While your resume highlights your strengths, abilities, and relevant work experience, your cover letter is an opportunity for you to explain why you are interested in the position and why you will be an excellent addition to the company/organization. An article from the Muse provides tips on how to help make your cover letter stand out. Here are some main points to consider:

1.      Your cover letter should be interesting. Hiring managers review hundreds of applications for an open position, so it is important for your cover letter to be intriguing enough for them to want to learn more about you and what you have to offer. Start by conveying who you are as a professional and why you want the job. If possible, use a personal story that demonstrates your passion for the kind of work the position entails.

2.      Use a conversational tone. Write as if you are communicating to the hiring manager in person about how your skills, experience and interest will be of great value to the employer.

3.      Don’t focus too much on the length. Yes, your letter should be succinct, but it is more important that it reflect your personality and enthusiasm for the job opportunity.  

Overall, an effective cover letter can prove useful in securing an interview. It may take time to create, but it is doable!

For more information, take a look at “Mastering Your Cover Letter,” in the Looking for Work section of our website and join us for our upcoming Balancing Work & Cancer webinar on the Job Search, Wednesday, December 14th, at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT. Registration is free and can be done here. Good luck!