If you are searching for an executive-level job, one of the most important documents that you are going to write is your cover letter. When you are applying for high-level positions, your cover letter will definitely be carefully scrutinized. The content will be looked at, as well as the etiquette, style, and structure. Remember, this will be the first impression that employers will have of you and they'll be able to learn a lot about you from the communication skills you convey in your cover letter.
Tip 1: Avoid flowery verbiage
While it is definitely important that you avoid typos and grammatical errors within the cover letter, this does not mean it is time to use flowery verbiage and elaborate wording. You should make sure that you write with personality, intelligence, and creativity. Keep it simple, with sentences that are short, words that are simple and meaningful, and great transitions.
Tip 2: Show how you can help them
If you want to get hired for the executive job, use the cover letter to show potential employers what an asset you will be to their company, not how much they can help you in your career. Do your research to find out what they are looking for and the challenges that they are dealing with in the company. Then, in your cover letter, offer yourself and your experience. They are looking for someone that can increase productivity and efficiency. The cover letter is the perfect chance to neatly outline why you are the person for the job.
Tip 3: Show your experience and skills
Within the cover letter, it is important that you show your experience and skills. Be sure to mention past experiences when you excelled at the tasks they would have you performing. This goes along with showing you can help them. If you are already good at the job, they would have to spend less time training you. It might also help, however, to express a willingness to learn more.
Tip 4: Express passion
Not only should you show off your experience, but you should show passion and excitement for the job as well. Make sure you show that you find great satisfaction at doing a great job and that you enjoy being the one to solve problems.
Tip 5: Keep it Brief
It is important that you keep the cover letter brief. A cover letter should consist of three paragraphs. The first should state the purpose of the letter, how you know about the job, and maybe one or two sentences that briefly explain why you are good for the job. Many people like to start out with a unique sentence that will really grab the reader’s attention. Be careful if you decide to go this route. You don’t want to come off as silly. The second paragraph should be the longest, and it should be a brief synopsis of the experience and skills you will apply to the position and why you want it. The third paragraph should be the shortest. You should thank the reader, say you look forward to hearing from them, and provide contact information. Don’t write ''call me at'' or ''call me by Monday.'' Be respectful and non-presumptuous by writing ''I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at [your number and email address.]
The purpose of the cover letter is not to rewrite your resume in letter form. You should use it as a chance to express your personality and excitement for the job. Use skills and past experience to do that, but be careful not to just reiterate what can be more easily extracted from the resume. Each step of the job search process should be viewed as a chance to stand out and show employers that you are the right person for the job. Make the best of those chances by putting forth the effort.
