How to Optimize the Success of Your Cover Letter

Optimize Cover Letter

A Job Application Letter, also known as a Cover Letter, is a 1-page document you send along with your resume to prospective employers, highlighting specific skills.

A successful Cover Letter briefly and strategically reviews your most important Professional and Educational experience. The Cover Letter should compromise 3-5 paragraphs of 5-7 sentences each.

The body of the document should only be about 300-500 words without including the Greeting, Company Details, Closing, and Name & Contact Information.

THE PURPOSE OF THE LETTER

A Resume alone is not enough to land employment interviews in modern society. Cover Letters are often specifically requested by prospective employers. Not sending one may quickly disqualify you from employment.

A well-written Job Application Letter will gear the reader toward the appropriate information in your resume. It is wise to keep one Cover Letter on file with a general synopsis of your background as well as 2-3 letters that describe your other essential skills.

For example, if you are a Sales Manager, you might have a Job Application Cover Letter that describes your sales expertise and accomplishments as well as a letter that focuses on your cross-functional experience in Marketing and a letter that focuses on your experience with Operations.

PRIOR RESEARCH IS BENEFICIAL

Cover letter Sample

If you are using the Cover Letter to apply for employment with a particular company, conduct research on them before executing the document.

This information should be found on their website and needs to include the company’s: Mission Statement and/or Core Values, Job Description, and goals.

Once you uncover these details, integrate them into your Cover Letter.

Example of integrating the company’s information:

MISSION STATEMENT:
“We provide top service in record time, and our mission is to expand into Sustainable marketing.”

YOUR SENTENCE: “I signed over 70% of new company clients in the last three years. I ensure client satisfaction is met and expectations are exceeded by reducing wait time 40%. I contribute to revenue growth by reducing waste 50% through my implementation of eco-friendly, sustainable methods which include the Recycle/Reuse program I manage.”

Note that the company’s words were not merely repeated, but incorporated into the Job Application Letter in my own dialogue. Each point was accompanied by a quantified example. You can expand upon the information by entering the company’s name in your search engine and keeping vigilant of any unique information that results.

SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION

Resume making

Begin by assuming the interview. State the name of the company and position for which you are applying at the top of the page. If you do not know the interviewer or Hiring Manager’s name, use a general greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”

Your first statement should be to thank the reader for the opportunity. Immediately state your title and years of experience in the common field. Next, follow up with a brief overview of each core qualification.

You may also include specific educational accomplishments such as a degree and/or significant certifications.

THE BODY: FROM START TO FINISH

Your second and third paragraphs should expand upon the information of the first. Use powerful words. Be specific.

Quantify where possible, speak in the present tense, and use an assertive tone.

Examples of passive tone and assertive tone are below:

PASSIVE: “I have built many clientele bases for my companies over the last few years.”

ASSERTIVE: “In the last year, I expanded clientele 50% and increased sales transactions by 90%.”

The fourth paragraph should unify the information presented in a cohesive example of how your experience meets the prospective employer’s needs. State that you are the ideal candidate for this position. Secure the interview by citing that you are looking forward to meeting in person.

Use action words such as “excited” and “eager.” Note that you are ready to begin collaboration with the team on your ideas. Thank them again for the opportunity but in different words.

Say that you are looking forward to beginning a long career with the company.

Then, close the cover letter with a simple “Thank you.” Words like “Sincerely” and “Yours” have become tired clichés.

State your name, title, and contact information. Your contact information should include your phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL.

If you have a website, you should include this information as well.

Let’s review the Job Application/Cover Letter in its entirety:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am excited at the opportunity to be considered for a Sales Manager with XYZ COMPANY. I know that XYZ COMPANY has been in business for over 75 years and that your mission is to provide exceptional value to customers of all platforms.

When I reviewed your Mission Statement, and I know I will benefit your team by significantly building clientele, decreasing delivery time, and contributing to expense control through Sustainable methods. I have successfully earned my Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. In the last three years, I have also signed over 70% of new company clients. I ensure customer satisfaction is met and expectations are exceeded by consistently reducing wait time 40%. I contribute to revenue growth by reducing waste 50% through my implementation of eco-friendly, sustainable methods, which include the Recycle/Reuse program I manage.

In the last year, I expanded clientele 50% and increased sales transactions by 90%. My dedication to company growth is unparalleled. Aside from new accounts, I have also improved client retention rate by 60% through improved service. Through social media platforms, referrals, and market research; I optimise networking capabilities. I also regularly attended local mixers, perform cold-calling, and “hit the pavement;” introducing myself personally to prospects. This is the competitive edge I bring: I am a relationship builder, and the key to building a great business is relationships. Employing these efforts allow me to enhance our company’s image.

Additionally, I participate in defining and improving our brand by promoting company-wide Sustainability methods. These methods have enabled me to significantly reduce expense 60% by decreasing waste and negating unnecessary expenditures through the Recycle/Reuse program I implemented. My project management abilities are not limited to promoting eco-conscious processes. I have also successfully led Advertising Improvement construction and facilitated Operational Efficiency directives. With each managed project, I recruit, train, and onboard each team member through the full lifecycle including ideation, testing, launch, and reporting.

With my educational & professional experience, I am confident that I am the ideal candidate for XYZ’s new Sales Manager. My commitment to ongoing personal development is shown in the workshops I attend, such as Leadership and Negotiations seminars. I have also received notable recognition in the form of awards for successful innovation methods. I look forward to meeting with you in person so we can better discuss my ideas and plans for enhancing sales strategies and working with your team to improve deliverables. XYZ Company provides me a fantastic opportunity to continue my exciting career in Sales Leadership.

Thank You,

Your First & Last Name
Sales Manager (Your Title)
Phone # • [email protected]
linkedin.com/in/personalurl
www.yourwebsiteaddress.com

Download Cover Letter Sample
Cover letter Sample

This is no time to be humble. A strategically written Cover Letter can be the key to your success!

©2017