Details You May Not Have Considered for Your Cover Letter

by | Aug 22, 2017 | Blog

Writing a cover letter can be tough. You don’t want to sound overly enthusiastic, but you also don’t want to sound like a bore. You also want to highlight what makes you a great fit for the company and position without rehashing your entire resume. There’s a fine line to tread.

To overcome these obstacles some candidates use the same cover letter over and over again just swapping out tidbits of information. While this can be effective if you’re carefully tailoring the content, it can also pay off to freshen up your cover letter with some new information or a different approach.

Here are some details you may not have thought to add:

  • Information about the company’s achievements

Yes, your resume and cover letter are about you, but more so they’re about the company and why you’d be a great fit. Employers don’t want to know why you benefit – they want to know how you benefit them. Show that you’ve done some research by calling out key accomplishments or values of the company. Tie these into your experience and how you can help them keep moving forward.

  • The company’s pain points

Some people have found it beneficial to write a pain letter. This approach highlights challenges the company may be facing and how you would help them to overcome these obstacles. Or perhaps touching on a new idea you have to support their business. It aligns their needs with your strengths.

  • Details that show your personality

Your resume doesn’t have to be stiff and formal. If appropriate, show how some of your personal endeavors make you a good fit. For instance, you’re a life-long athlete and your ability to lead a team, manage your time, be resilient, and remain competitive are top notch. This can be a real asset if you’re working in a field such as sales. Just make sure you have a clear connection as to why you’re sharing this information.

  • The fact that you’re relocating

You live in Nebraska yet you’re applying for jobs in California. This can raise red flags. Your cover letter can be a great opportunity to mention that you’re in the process of relocating or are interested in moving (and will incur all relocation costs). Let them know that you are serious about finding a job in said city. You may even offer some upcoming dates that you’ll be in the area and available for an interview.

Remember that your cover letter has a little more flexibility than your resume and it gives you an opportunity to point out details that might not be included elsewhere. While you want to keep it professional, be yourself and really drive home what makes you a great candidate and someone worth bringing in for an interview.

Not sure how to convey what you want to say or what should be included or left out? Let the team at Grammar Chic lend a hand. Our team of resume writers are prepared to help you polish up your resume and cover letter so you feel more prepared to tackle your job search. Contact us at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to get started.