Do you need a great cover letter to backup your resume? Are you wondering what you’re supposed to say in a cover letter and how you can use it to effectively communicate what you have to offer?

If so, then tune in, because here, you’ll learn 5 cover letter hacks that will help you you set yourself apart, present your best self, and streamline your way to your dream job!

And hey, if you need even more direction and guidance when it comes to landing your ultimate role, stick around until the end to find out how you and I can work together to get you the position you’ve always dreamed of.

Ah, cover letters! I get questions about cover letters all the time. Do I even need one? What am I supposed to say in my cover letter? How do I write cover letter that helps me stand out? The things is, cover letters are still used by many hiring officials to make many important hiring decisions, including who they should bring in for an interview and what should they offer the potential client as a compensation package. You won’t need a cover letter in every situation; however, having one ready to go when needed will eliminate the stress involved and help you properly sell yourself. Let’s dive right in!

Step #1 – Format Your Cover Letter Strategically

The look and feel of your cover letter should mirror the look and feel of your resume. For example, if you have your name and contact information is a nice neat header on your resume, include that same nice neat header on your cover letter.  This quickly lets a hiring official know that these documents belong together. After your header, include the date and contact information of the hiring official. Then add a customized greeting like… “Dear Mr. John Doe.” If you are unable to find the name of the hiring official, add “Dear Hiring Manager.” Now if you’re wondering how to create a winning resume to go along knock out cover letter, I created a video that will show you exactly how to do this.

Tip #2 – Include a Strong Introductory Paragraph

Start with a powerful introductory sentence that states what position you are applying for and exhibits your passion for the position and the company.  You only have a few seconds to engage your reader, so avoid generic statements like, “Please accept this letter as application for the digital marketing manager position.”  Rather, mention why you want to work for the company and what makes the company unique to you.

Tip #3 – Show Them that You Are the Solution

In the next paragraph, explain how your skills and expertise are the perfect match for the position or organization. Pinpoint your most relevant qualifications and important career accomplishments and discuss them in detail. This will clearly demonstrate what you can bring to the position and how you are the solution the company is looking for. To gain greater insight into what the company’s pain points are, carefully review the job posting, research the company’s website, and review their activity on social media. Remember to place keywords and phrases from the posting into your cover letter.

Tip #4 – Share Your Story

Now is the time to explain your skills and talents in action. To stand out from other candidates, include a story about you that relates to the position you are applying for.  Give clear and direct examples of your accomplishments. Today, more than ever, it’s important to show your reader who you really are. You could even include a funny story. Humor is a great way to captivate an audience. Just make sure your skills are highlighted in the story.

Tip #5 – Give a Call to Action

In the final paragraph of your cover letter, write a clear and concise conclusion that contains some type of call to action, such as a reference to your resume or an invitation for an interview. The purpose of the call to action is to get the hiring official to take some action and to let them know you are eager and excited about the opportunity. End your letter with a nice friendly close, like:  Warm Regards, [Your first and last name]