Writing a Cover Letter? Double Check These 4 Things First

Your cover letter can be the deciding factor between landing your dream job or losing out on the opportunity.

In the competitive job market, writing a great cover letter can help set you apart from the rest of the candidates. It’s crucial to make a great first impression because you only have a few paragraphs to convince the hiring manager to consider you for the position.

A professional, well-written cover letter can create a positive impression and enhance your job application.

While some may see writing cover letters as a redundant task, it is a critical component of a job application that should not be overlooked.

It’s the first thing a prospective employer will see before reviewing your resume, and it provides a glimpse into who you are as a person and employee.

A great cover letter should showcase your skills, experience, and qualities, while also demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position.

A poorly written cover letter, on the other hand, could lead to your resume being tossed aside, even if it’s well-crafted.

To make your cover letter stand out, it’s important to plan and execute it correctly. In this article, we’ve outlined four key things that you must double check in your cover letter if you want to impress the hiring manager.

The Recruiter’s Name

Addressing your cover letter to the appropriate person is key in making a great first impression.

Instead of using ambiguous greetings like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To whom it may concern,” it’s important to find out the name of the person responsible for reviewing your application.

This demonstrates your dedication to the company and shows that you’ve done your research. Typically, the person reviewing cover letters will be an HR representative, a recruiter, or the hiring manager themselves.

Taking the time to research and address your cover letter to the specific person can give your application a personal touch that sets you apart from other candidates.

If the job posting includes the name of the person to address, use it. Otherwise, call the organization to inquire about the appropriate person and make sure to spell their name correctly.

Don’t forget to address them with their last name and a respectful title, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” This approach will help you stand out and demonstrate your professionalism to potential employers.

Find out: 10 Short Cover Letter Sample That’ll Get You Hired

Your Contact Details

Picture this: You’ve crafted a flawless job application that’s sure to impress any hiring manager, and they’re eager to invite you for an interview.

However, when they try to contact you, they find that your cover letter and resume lack essential information like your phone number or email address.

While it may seem like a small oversight, neglecting to include your contact details can be a costly mistake. To avoid this, make sure to provide your full name, phone number, and email address on both your cover letter and resume.

If you’re submitting your application online, it’s a good idea to use the same header format for your contact information on both your cover letter and resume, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance.

When selecting a phone number to include, choose the one where you have control over the voicemail message and can answer calls at your convenience.

As for your email address, select one that presents a professional image of yourself. Avoid using email addresses that may seem unprofessional or childish. If necessary, create a new email address with a free provider, keeping it simple with just your first and last name.

And if you’re currently employed, be sure not to use your work email address for job applications. This will help avoid raising any concerns with your current employer before securing a new job opportunity.

Find out: Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

Verifying the Company’s Name

One of the crucial points to double-check in your cover letter is the accuracy of the company’s name, especially if you are applying to multiple organizations.

Not only should you ensure that you have mentioned the correct company name, but also verify the spelling.

Remember to include the complete name of the company, including any suffixes like Inc., Corp., etc.

Although it may seem trivial, many applicants make the mistake of not mentioning the company’s full name. Neglecting to spell the company’s name correctly can create a negative impression and reduce your chances of being hired.

By paying attention to the prospective employer’s reputation and verifying their name, you increase the likelihood of your cover letter being read.

The Accuracy of Your Writing

Why submit a cover letter that you’ve spent hours perfecting without ensuring that it’s free of spelling errors and grammatical mistakes?

A comprehensive proofreading session is critical in avoiding any mishaps – even small things like “you’re” versus “your” or “effect” versus “affect” (one is a noun, the other is a verb!) can cause you trouble.

It’s a good idea to print out your cover letter and give it one final read-through to check for spelling and grammatical errors. Remember that even the slightest errors in your cover letter can cause a busy hiring manager to lose interest, particularly if the position requires “strong communication skills.”

When your writing contains spelling and grammatical errors, it can give the impression that you lack a solid grasp of the language and are careless.

Don’t rely solely on spellcheck when proofreading; printing out your cover letter and reading it on paper can help you catch any mistakes you may have missed.

It’s best to have someone else review your work and point out any confusing phrases or errors. Family members, friends, teachers, professional resume writers, and career coaches are all excellent resources to turn to for this.

Closing Thoughts

While having an error-free cover letter won’t necessarily guarantee you the job, it greatly increases the likelihood that your application will be given a fair consideration.

It is crucial to ensure that you carefully review your cover letter to avoid any errors or mistakes that may hinder your chances of getting the job.

Paying attention to the key aspects outlined above can help you create a polished and professional cover letter that will catch the attention of prospective employers.

If you need assistance in crafting a compelling cover letter that showcases your strengths and experience, consider utilizing CEOMichaelHR Cover Letter Writing Services. Our team of skilled writers has a wealth of experience in creating winning cover letters that will help you stand out from the competition. Collaborate with us today to take the first step towards landing your dream job.