Are you wondering how to write the perfect cover letter? Are you wondering if you even need a cover letter with your resume?

Today, you’ll learn these answers and more in 5 simple tips!

If we’ve never met before, I’m Heather Austin from ProfessorAustin.com and The Career Club on Facebook, and here, I share simple solutions to help you build a business or launch a career you love.

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Do You Really Need a Cover Letter?

Some argue that the cover letter is dead. However, most hiring managers, recruiters, and employers agree that you should spend just as much time creating your cover letter as you do your resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Your cover letter becomes the most important at the very last minute, when the hiring manager or employer is deciding which candidates they want to interview.

Before we jump into the 5 tips to write the perfect cover letter, remember that your cover letter can take on a few different forms. It can be a document:

• Inside the body of an email.
• Attached to an email.
• Inside an applicant tracking system.

Either way, follow these tips for the perfect cover letter:

Tip #1 – Customize Your Cover Letter

Take the extra time to find out to whom the letter is going so you can write a proper salutation. You may have to place a phone call to the company or doing research on LinkedIn.

Address the person in a statement like:

“Dear Mr. John Doe” or “Hello Ms. Jane Smith”

Avoid statements like:

“Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”

Introduce yourself to the reader and let him or her know what position you are applying for. This is normally done in the first paragraph of your cover letter.

If you were referred to the position by someone in the company, or someone that knows the hiring manager or employer, make sure you mention it up front.

Tip #2 – Show That You Are the Solution to Their Problem

Start by evaluating the job posting. What particular pain points can you solve? Explain how your skills and expertise are the solution they’ve been looking for.

To gain a greater insight into what the company’s pain points are, research the company’s website and their activity on social media. Read articles the company has published and articles that have been written about the company.

This is also the perfect time to mention why you are interested in the position and the company. Why do you like them? Why do you want to work there? Talk about them and what makes them unique.

Tip #3 – Demonstrate Your Personality

Today, more than ever, it’s important to show your reader who you really are. Have you ever heard the saying, “Facts tell, stories sell?”

To stand out from other candidates, include a story about you that relates to the position you are applying for. Consider a funny story. Humor is a great way to captivate an audience. Just make sure your skills are highlighted in the story, and don’t over-share. Keep your cover letter concise and to the point.

Tip #4 – Don’t Rehash Your Resume

Think of your cover letter as a supplement to your resume. This is the perfect opportunity to share more details about your most important accomplishments.

Explain your skills and talents in action. Give clear and direct examples of your accomplishments and how they relate to the position you are applying for.

Tip #5 – Structure Your Cover Letter Appropriately

Begin with a customized salutation, followed by a strong introduction that explains what position you are applying for and why you want to work for the company.

Your second and third paragraphs should demonstrate what you can bring to the position and how you are the solution to the problem. Insert your story here and mention your passion for the position and the company.

Finally, round it all off with a clear and concise conclusion that contains some type of call to action, such as a reference to your resume, an invitation for an interview, or a time that would work well for you to talk.

Let’s Recap

Remember, to write the perfect cover letter, follow these 5 tips:

• Tip #1 – Customize your cover letter.
• Tip #2 – Demonstrate that you are the solution to their problem.
• Tip #3 – Show your personality.
• Tip #4 – Don’t rehash your resume.
• Tip #5 – Structure your cover letter appropriately.

Remember these, and you are well on your way to landing an interview for your dream job!

The Ultimate Guide to Surviving your Job Search

Don’t let your job search get you down. Get your FREE Ultimate Guide to Surviving Your Job Search here!