Cover letters can be time consuming, but they are the perfect interview door-openers. Think about it, a cover letter is a brief document showcasing the reasons why you are the perfect fit for the job. Before the interviewer even meets you, they see your cover letter. Our team at Exact Staff has compiled some information on how to create a cover letter that positions you above your competition.

First things first, put yourself in the position of the hiring manager. They have seen hundreds (if not thousands) of cover letters and resumes and it can get tiring. It’s important to get their attention right off the bat because otherwise they will not read on. Peter Shrive, a partner with Cambridge Management Planners suggests, “”Make it short and sweet. Tell me how you heard about me; tell me what job you’re applying for. I’ve had people send me really long cover letters with every award and certificate they’ve ever earned. Keep it short and sweet and to the point.”

As mentioned above, you want to grab their attention. Right up front include your key selling point that will get the reader’s attention. Give examples of what you’ve previously done, and show the results. For example, “I helped increase store sales by 5 percent, surpassing our top two competitors for the first time in six months,” is a lot more effective than, “Store sales went up during the time I worked there.”

Also, make sure you address your cover letter specifically to the hiring manager. If you don’t know his/her name, do some research to find out. Ways to find the hiring manager’s name include searching social media platforms such as LinkedIn, visiting the company website, or do a basic Google search. If you can’t find the name through any of these methods, make a call to the receptionist and ask.

Here are a few other things you can do when it comes to writing a successful cover letter:

• Include something that is not in your resume
• Customize to fit the job position and organization
• Check and then check again to make sure your cover letter is typo-free

These tips may seem simple, yet they are all important when it comes to getting in front of a hiring manager. With a little bit of creativity you will have the tools to get noticed. For more tips on how to make your cover letter stand out, contact one of our staffers today!