4 Ways to Create an Interview-Winning Cover Letter

When in the center of a job search, writing an excellent resume is just the beginning. It's just as important to create a cover letter that will invite hiring managers to contact you for an interview. In this competitive job market, your cover letter needs to be more impressive than ever. So if you're in the process of writing yours, here are four tips to help you win that interview: Always Address a Specific Person Your cover letter should always be as personal as possible, and this is made easier by addressing the person who is in the position to hire you. If that person's name wasn't listed in the job posting, take time to contact human resources to find out who it is. You'll be happy you did! Start With an Interesting Fact or Solve a Problem Your introduction is undoubtedly the most important portion of the cover letter. It dictates whether the manager will be interested in reading the rest of your document. A great way to introduce yourself in your letter is to market yourself with a statement that addresses a problem that you are ready to solve. You could also share an interesting fact about yourself to entice the manager to read on. Demonstrate That You and Your Industry Are a Perfect Match As you move through your cover letter, it's important to show that you know your industry. For instance, if you are in the biotechnology field, consider adding specific keywords like laboratory data, protocols, or even cGMP studies if they fit. Doing this, along with giving examples of how you can help further the industry as a whole with your wealth of experience and knowledge, is crucial. But ultimately, your job is to show that you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate and that you are the person it needs to get the job done. Reference Exclusive Strengths or Unique Value Added Contributions Before you close out your cover letter, it's important to reiterate your strengths and emphasize that you're the absolute perfect person for the job. You could add information about any specialties you have in your industry or mention recognition you've received. The idea of the cover letter is to stress just how strong a candidate you are for the position you desire. If you can get this job done, you're likely to score the interview that leads to the job of your dreams.