Let’s be honest, nobody really likes writing cover letters. Especially if you’re applying for multiple jobs. Remember that a cover letter gives you the opportunity to illustrate your personality. Your experience and knowledge is essential, and that’s what your CV is for, but your CV rarely gives any insight into who you are. Little things make a difference, try these tips for your next cover letter;
- Address the cover letter to the right person
- Include the position title that you’re applying for
- State where you saw it advertised
- Remember to mention what makes you special.
For more, read this Alexandra Franzen article on writing to someone who already believes you’re qualified. Once you’ve mastered your cover letter, carefully craft your CV to make sure you have the best chance of landing a job. Here’s a simple formula from a lifehacker article that will help you put the best information on your resume.
I accomplished X, relative to Y, by doing Z.
The article suggests that most people would write, ‘Wrote editorials for The New York Times’ but they should write, ‘Had 50 books published compared to average of 6 by most writers as a result of providing deep insight into the following area for three years.’
Put simply;
- highlight your accomplishments by providing concrete details
- show a benchmark you exceeded
- include your specific strengths and skills
This works particularly well in automotive if you work with KPIs. You should also avoid having a generic “experience” section. Personalise your experience by using “Automotive Parts Experience” or “Automotive Sales Experience” — keep it specific and relevant. Take a look at this article on how to ensure your CV isn’t boring.
