What Makes for a Great Resume Cover Letter?

In today’s competitive job market, it is not enough to just have a great resume. A well-written cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to standing out from the crowd and getting noticed by potential employers. A great resume cover letter should highlight your strengths, experiences, and qualifications in a concise and engaging way.

In this article, we will discuss what makes for a great resume cover letter, and provide tips on how to create one that will help you land your dream job.

Tailored to the Job

A great resume cover letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for. This means doing some research on the company and the position. You should be customizing your letter to show how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the job. According to Forbes, “Customizing your cover letter shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to research the company.”

Clear and Concise

A great resume cover letter should be clear and concise. This means getting to the point and highlighting your most important strengths and experiences. Recruiters receive dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters for every job opening. It’s important to make sure that yours stands out by being easy to read and engaging. According to The Balance Careers, “A well-written cover letter should be clear, concise, and engaging. You want the recruiter to read your letter from start to finish, so make sure that it is easy to follow and that your most important points stand out.”

Customized Opening

The opening of a great resume cover letter should be customized to the job and the company you are applying to. This means avoiding generic openings that do not show any knowledge of the company or the job. Instead, try to make a connection between your skills and experiences and the requirements of the job. According to Harvard Business Review, “Your opening sentence should be customized to the job and the company. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company and understand their needs.”

Demonstrate Your Value

A great resume cover letter should demonstrate your value to the company. This means showing how your skills and experiences can contribute to the success of the company and the achievement of its goals. According to The Muse, “Your cover letter should be a marketing tool that demonstrates your value to the company. Use examples from your work experience to show how your skills and experiences can help the company achieve its goals.”

Professional and Polished

A great resume cover letter should be professional and polished. This means using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and avoiding slang or informal language. You should also make sure that your letter is well-organized and easy to read, with a clear and concise message. According to TopResume, “A professional and polished cover letter shows that you take your job search seriously and that you are a qualified and professional candidate.”

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a great resume cover letter is an essential part of any job application. A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from the competition. It also can show potential employers why you are the best candidate for the job. Some of the key qualities of a great resume cover letter include tailoring it to the job, being clear and concise, customizing the opening, demonstrating your value, and being professional and polished.

By taking the time to create a great resume cover letter, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers and landing your dream job. As The Balance Careers notes, “Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression. Make sure that it is well-written, engaging, and customized to the job and the company, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your next job.”

Be sure to check out this post for more tips: Yes, You Need A Cover Letter. Here’s 3 Tips to Succeed.