Preparing a Cover Letter for a Job Interview: Tips and Tricks

A cover letter is crucial to your application, even if many job seekers tend to ignore it. Cover letters give recruiters a peek into your thoughts and display your interest in the position. A powerful cover letter for a job interview can reach your goal of getting an interview. Hence, it's vital to learn how to make an effective one.

Writing a Cover Letter

An effective cover letter has your career story written on it. You could write about your background and how it shaped you into who you are today. Use the letter as a chance to showcase your personality. After all, recruiters want a competent employee who can also add to their workplace's harmony.

Before prepping for your job interview with a cover letter, it's important to consider some points.

First off, you should aim to be memorable. Your application could be one among hundreds, so it's crucial to stand out. Write about your background, skills, and how you can contribute to the company's growth. These can all make your letter more worthwhile to read.

Also, write your cover letter for a job interview. It means every part of your letter should express your desire to get the job. Even your personal story should convince recruiters that you're the best fit for the position. If effective, your letter can take you to the next stage of your application.

Tips and Tricks for Preparing a Cover Letter for a Job Interview

It's crucial to make your cover letter accurate and engaging. Without the right approach, it could quickly become hard to read. Consider the following tips to help you prepare for a job interview cover letter.

1. Do your research

   Learning about the company and the position you're applying for is essential. You can tailor your letter to the company by relating your content to your reading. For example, you can mention how impressed you are with their past clients. Doing so tells recruiters that you genuinely want to be part of their organization.

2. Don't copy your resume

   A cover letter for a job interview isn't simply a copy of your resume. Instead, your letter should elaborate on the resume's details. For instance, instead of repeating your employment history, you can write about your contributions to your past job. Also, mention how you can carry them forward to your future company.

3. Grab the recruiter's attention

   Telling a story elaborating on your resume's details can grab the reader's attention. You can discuss why you chose their company or how you can help it grow. Getting personal can also make your letter more interesting to read. It's a good step towards being memorable to recruiters.

4. Highlight your soft skills

   Your soft skills reflect your work ethic and who you are as a person. Highlighting your soft skills can make you more personable to recruiters. Although you've briefly listed your soft skills in your resume, you can elaborate more on the letter. For instance, you can write about your communication skills and how you can use them for your prospective company.

5. Match the company's culture

   Keeping your cover letter's tone in sync with the company's culture is essential. If you're applying for a corporate position, it's wise to be formal. For hip startups, adapting a casual tone instead while still being professional can work wonders. Read the company's job posts and website to get a feel for their preferred style.

Write to Stand Out

As mentioned, making your job interview cover letter stand out through your skills and personality is essential. It can give your letter its unique flair and make it memorable to recruiters. Additionally, every part of your letter should also express your desire to get the job. With the right approach, your cover letter can be the ticket to landing an interview.

Done writing your cover letter? Test it out by applying for a job at Career.com today.