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The following six keys correspond to the red circled numbers in the cover letter above:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Skip the personalized salutation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEven if the position description gives the hiring manager\u2019s name, they may not be the one who reads your letter. Instead of spending your time hunting for a name and honorific, focus on writing a strong letter and write a general salutation like \u201cDear [Company Name] Hiring Team\u201d or the more formal, \u201cTo Whom It May Concern.\u201d No one will be offended. On the other hand, it\u2019s easy to screw up an honorific, like mistaking a Ms. for a Mr., and people do take offense at this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Be yourself and forget the formula<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCover letters are concise\u200a\u2014\u200athey\u2019re not term papers with introductions and conclusions. Traditional cover letters have an introductory paragraph that contains obsequious bullshit like, \u201cI\u2019m honored to apply for your position of Product Manager and believe my qualifications are a superb match for the job.\u201d In the same vein, don\u2019t waste words with anodyne compliments like, \u201cYour terrific mission aligns with my worldview,\u201d unless you have a heartfelt passion for the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask any blogger, and they\u2019ll say that readers skim, spending a few moments seeking something that captures their interest before moving on. Opening with a confrontational anecdote like the yelling incident is a way to hook the reader. From there, it\u2019s an easy ride through this succinct, sub-350 word letter. The end of this cover letter eliminates the traditional, \u201cThank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience,\u201d because, again, it\u2019s unnecessary blather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the company is conservative and you\u2019re not, or vice versa, don\u2019t tone down or punch up your letter to conform. Instead, have the courage to show your true self and let the chips fall. If they don\u2019t want you because you\u2019re sassy, you probably don\u2019t want them either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Don\u2019t beat around the bush<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA glance at this candidate\u2019s resume will reveal their lack of qualifications for the position, so there\u2019s no point pretending. Directly call out the qualification discrepancy and use the cover letter to engagingly argue your case. This is the purpose of writing a cover letter! The ability to write a persuasive and straightforward business letter is an asset that prospective employers will view favorably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Bullets should make contact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe reader\u2019s eye goes to bullets, so use \u2019em and make \u2019em count. In this letter, the first bullet shows the candidate\u2019s out-of-the-box approach is tolerated because it yields excellent results, quantified by a hard number. The other two bullets show how the candidate\u2019s strengths fit neatly into a Product Manager role. These bullets should reflect some of the important desired qualities specified in the position description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Sell thyself, softly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRemember, you\u2019re trying to land an interview not sell a used car. So, skip the hard sell. In this letter, the candidate humblebrags about patience\u200a\u2014\u200aa double-edged virtue. In our personal lives, we positively regard having patience with spouses, children, and elderly relatives. For this type of position, potential employers may view having too much patience as a weakness. The candidate makes it clear they will become a Product Manager eventually, but they want it now. In this case, the candidate\u2019s impatience is a virtue disguised as a weakness because it demonstrates ambition and proactiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Anticipate red flags and neutralize them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust about everyone has small bumps in their resume that don\u2019t warrant mentioning in a cover letter. But if you have a big red flag like a significant gap in employment history, it\u2019s advisable to address it since it\u2019s so easy for an unimaginative recruiter to toss out resumes that don\u2019t check all the boxes. In the cover letter, the candidate hints their ambition is borne from a hardscrabble life. Their resume may reflect progressively higher-level jobs with blue-collar roots and possibly a lack of a college degree. By mentioning privilege, the applicant provides context for the recruiter to appreciate the candidate\u2019s challenges and better understand their ambition. This candidate succinctly addresses potential question marks in their resume without belaboring them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis applicant faces an uphill battle, competing against more experienced candidates. An intriguing cover letter may be enough to win an initial phone interview. From there, it\u2019s up to the job seeker to pull all the stops so interviewers feel this person\u2019s success in the role is less a gamble than a sure thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most online applications make cover letters optional so most applicants probably skip them. Don\u2019t be that applicant, ever. Cover letters are vital because they humanize an often inhumane process. Don\u2019t half-ass it with a two-sentence letter or a boilerplate letter where you change a couple of words. Craft each letter to reflect the job and argue why you\u2019re a fit. Sure, it takes time, but a carefully worded cover letter elevates you from the pack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cover letters are concise\u200a\u2014\u200athey\u2019re not term papers with introductions and conclusions. Traditional cover letters have an introductory paragraph that contains obsequious bullshit like, \u201cI\u2019m honored to apply for your position of Product Manager and believe my qualifications are a superb match for the job.\u201d In the same vein, don\u2019t waste words with anodyne compliments like, \u201cYour terrific mission aligns with my worldview,\u201d unless you have a heartfelt passion for the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask any blogger, and they\u2019ll say that readers skim, spending a few moments seeking something that captures their interest before moving on. Opening with a confrontational anecdote like the yelling incident is a way to hook the reader. From there, it\u2019s an easy ride through this succinct, sub-350 word letter. The end of this cover letter eliminates the traditional, \u201cThank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience,\u201d because, again, it\u2019s unnecessary blather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the company is conservative and you\u2019re not, or vice versa, don\u2019t tone down or punch up your letter to conform. Instead, have the courage to show your true self and let the chips fall. If they don\u2019t want you because you\u2019re sassy, you probably don\u2019t want them either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Don\u2019t beat around the bush<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA glance at this candidate\u2019s resume will reveal their lack of qualifications for the position, so there\u2019s no point pretending. Directly call out the qualification discrepancy and use the cover letter to engagingly argue your case. This is the purpose of writing a cover letter! The ability to write a persuasive and straightforward business letter is an asset that prospective employers will view favorably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Bullets should make contact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe reader\u2019s eye goes to bullets, so use \u2019em and make \u2019em count. In this letter, the first bullet shows the candidate\u2019s out-of-the-box approach is tolerated because it yields excellent results, quantified by a hard number. The other two bullets show how the candidate\u2019s strengths fit neatly into a Product Manager role. These bullets should reflect some of the important desired qualities specified in the position description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Sell thyself, softly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRemember, you\u2019re trying to land an interview not sell a used car. So, skip the hard sell. In this letter, the candidate humblebrags about patience\u200a\u2014\u200aa double-edged virtue. In our personal lives, we positively regard having patience with spouses, children, and elderly relatives. For this type of position, potential employers may view having too much patience as a weakness. The candidate makes it clear they will become a Product Manager eventually, but they want it now. In this case, the candidate\u2019s impatience is a virtue disguised as a weakness because it demonstrates ambition and proactiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Anticipate red flags and neutralize them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust about everyone has small bumps in their resume that don\u2019t warrant mentioning in a cover letter. But if you have a big red flag like a significant gap in employment history, it\u2019s advisable to address it since it\u2019s so easy for an unimaginative recruiter to toss out resumes that don\u2019t check all the boxes. In the cover letter, the candidate hints their ambition is borne from a hardscrabble life. Their resume may reflect progressively higher-level jobs with blue-collar roots and possibly a lack of a college degree. By mentioning privilege, the applicant provides context for the recruiter to appreciate the candidate\u2019s challenges and better understand their ambition. This candidate succinctly addresses potential question marks in their resume without belaboring them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis applicant faces an uphill battle, competing against more experienced candidates. An intriguing cover letter may be enough to win an initial phone interview. From there, it\u2019s up to the job seeker to pull all the stops so interviewers feel this person\u2019s success in the role is less a gamble than a sure thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most online applications make cover letters optional so most applicants probably skip them. Don\u2019t be that applicant, ever. Cover letters are vital because they humanize an often inhumane process. Don\u2019t half-ass it with a two-sentence letter or a boilerplate letter where you change a couple of words. Craft each letter to reflect the job and argue why you\u2019re a fit. Sure, it takes time, but a carefully worded cover letter elevates you from the pack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The reader\u2019s eye goes to bullets, so use \u2019em and make \u2019em count. In this letter, the first bullet shows the candidate\u2019s out-of-the-box approach is tolerated because it yields excellent results, quantified by a hard number. The other two bullets show how the candidate\u2019s strengths fit neatly into a Product Manager role. These bullets should reflect some of the important desired qualities specified in the position description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Sell thyself, softly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRemember, you\u2019re trying to land an interview not sell a used car. So, skip the hard sell. In this letter, the candidate humblebrags about patience\u200a\u2014\u200aa double-edged virtue. In our personal lives, we positively regard having patience with spouses, children, and elderly relatives. For this type of position, potential employers may view having too much patience as a weakness. The candidate makes it clear they will become a Product Manager eventually, but they want it now. In this case, the candidate\u2019s impatience is a virtue disguised as a weakness because it demonstrates ambition and proactiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Anticipate red flags and neutralize them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust about everyone has small bumps in their resume that don\u2019t warrant mentioning in a cover letter. But if you have a big red flag like a significant gap in employment history, it\u2019s advisable to address it since it\u2019s so easy for an unimaginative recruiter to toss out resumes that don\u2019t check all the boxes. In the cover letter, the candidate hints their ambition is borne from a hardscrabble life. Their resume may reflect progressively higher-level jobs with blue-collar roots and possibly a lack of a college degree. By mentioning privilege, the applicant provides context for the recruiter to appreciate the candidate\u2019s challenges and better understand their ambition. This candidate succinctly addresses potential question marks in their resume without belaboring them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis applicant faces an uphill battle, competing against more experienced candidates. An intriguing cover letter may be enough to win an initial phone interview. From there, it\u2019s up to the job seeker to pull all the stops so interviewers feel this person\u2019s success in the role is less a gamble than a sure thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most online applications make cover letters optional so most applicants probably skip them. Don\u2019t be that applicant, ever. Cover letters are vital because they humanize an often inhumane process. Don\u2019t half-ass it with a two-sentence letter or a boilerplate letter where you change a couple of words. Craft each letter to reflect the job and argue why you\u2019re a fit. Sure, it takes time, but a carefully worded cover letter elevates you from the pack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Just about everyone has small bumps in their resume that don\u2019t warrant mentioning in a cover letter. But if you have a big red flag like a significant gap in employment history, it\u2019s advisable to address it since it\u2019s so easy for an unimaginative recruiter to toss out resumes that don\u2019t check all the boxes. In the cover letter, the candidate hints their ambition is borne from a hardscrabble life. Their resume may reflect progressively higher-level jobs with blue-collar roots and possibly a lack of a college degree. By mentioning privilege, the applicant provides context for the recruiter to appreciate the candidate\u2019s challenges and better understand their ambition. This candidate succinctly addresses potential question marks in their resume without belaboring them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
This applicant faces an uphill battle, competing against more experienced candidates. An intriguing cover letter may be enough to win an initial phone interview. From there, it\u2019s up to the job seeker to pull all the stops so interviewers feel this person\u2019s success in the role is less a gamble than a sure thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most online applications make cover letters optional so most applicants probably skip them. Don\u2019t be that applicant, ever. Cover letters are vital because they humanize an often inhumane process. Don\u2019t half-ass it with a two-sentence letter or a boilerplate letter where you change a couple of words. Craft each letter to reflect the job and argue why you\u2019re a fit. Sure, it takes time, but a carefully worded cover letter elevates you from the pack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"