Get hired now: Writing an outstanding cover letter to grab a hiring manager’s attention

sample cover letter

You’ve polished your resume and you’re ready to apply for your dream job. But there’s one more critical piece of the puzzle: the cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview. It’s your opportunity to show off your skills, share your passion for the job, and explain why you’re the perfect person for the position.

So how do you write a cover letter that will get hiring managers’ attention? Check out our tips below.

Research the company and tailor your message

Your cover letter should start with a strong opening statement that explains why you want the job and what you bring to the table.

Be sure to mention the job title and where you found the position. And most importantly, personalize the letter. This shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and that you’re truly interested in the opportunity.

Include some of your personality

When it comes to writing your cover letter, think about including some of your personality.

After all, this is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show the hiring manager that you will be a great addition to the team. How do you do that? Do it through a story or two from your career that demonstrates your skills.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position, talk about a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer. Or, if you’re hoping to work in marketing, share the lessons you’ve learned from a successful campaign you spearheaded.

By allowing your personality to shine through stories like these, you will help the hiring manager see that you don’t just have the skills and experience they’re looking for, you’re more than that. And that’s always a good way to start a conversation.

Understand who you’re writing to
man using his laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Bear in mind who you’re writing to. After all, you want to make sure that your letter is tailored to the person who will be reading it.

Ideally, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, search through LinkedIn. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager” as a last resort.

Keep it concise and relevant

Focus on the qualifications and experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

The hiring manager will appreciate it if you can communicate concisely, in four paragraphs or fewer, why your skills make you a great candidate for the role.

You don’t need to go into all of your experience, just a few relevant points, and remember: focus on the job description requirements. Any non-relevant information should be left out as it will only add clutter and confusion to your letter.

How to end your cover letter

Now that you have the main body of your cover letter sorted out, it’s time to start thinking about how to artfully conclude it.

To make a lasting impression, you should always express a bit of your passion and confidence. Everyone wants a motivated employee, so why not let them know that’s exactly who they’re getting?

When wrapping up your cover letter, show appreciation for the reader’s consideration (and time) while also taking a gentle interest in the next steps. For instance, you can close by saying something like:

“Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in this process.”

By crafting a confident yet courteous conclusion to your cover letter, you can make an even bigger impact on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a job interview.

In summary, a well-written cover letter can make a big difference in whether or not you get hired. Follow these tips to write an outstanding cover letter that will grab a hiring manager’s attention and help you land the job you want.

Read More...

You Need To Know These 7 Job-Hunting Tips

Due to the global economic shifts brought by the pandemic, the unemployment rate in Singapore raised to around 4.38 percent in 2020. Unemployment has forced many Singaporean workers to reinvent themselves and pursue different career paths. It does not necessarily mean that they will try to get back the job they once lost.

If you are one of this people, you may turn to technology for advice. As you dive into the pool of job vacancies, you will encounter a massive wealth of job-hunting advice online. It is easy to get lost in the pile of articles found in Google. Avoid overwhelming yourself.

Let me start by cutting down the list of timeless job-hunting tips to help you survive this complex process.

#1: TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION

When applying for a job online, it is highly likely that your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or resume will be screened by an applicant tracking system. The first human encounter your C.V. will encounter is from a recruiter or an entry-level HR officer. It is best to tailor your application to the company you are applying for. Make it obvious that you are fit for the job!

Start by studying the job description and all the available information about the vacancy. Then, mirror the words and phrases found in the job description. Showcase your strengths in the areas that are important to the role being filled. Connect your skills to what they are looking for.

#2: CONSIDER FACE-TO-FACE JOB SEARCH

While most companies accomplish the initial hiring process online and thru Zoom interviews, you must not limit yourself to online applications. Accelerate your chances of getting the job by dropping by the office and handing over the application in person.

Schedule informational interviews with would-be peers, if possible. You may also approach the internal recruiter and ask a few questions. This will get you on their radar. Remember that decision makers usually interview people who were recommended or referred. Letting the company know your genuine interest can help you set yourself apart.

#3: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Always come prepared. Do your research on your target companies. Once you know what you want, it is time to find out what the companies want.

A great tip is to find out the company’s culture and structure through their LinkedIn page and website. Figure out what questions they commonly ask during job interviews and discover the approximate amount of salary you may get.

#4: CURATE YOUR ONLINE BRAND

It goes without saying that modern recruiters search through the Web to find out who you really are. It is best to build a brand that showcases your expertise and passion. Most recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool. Use it to your advantage!

Moreover, you must be cautious about you post online. It can make or break your chances of getting the job.

#5: ORGANIZE YOURSELF

During the early stages of job-hunting, you must gather all the documents supporting your claims. This includes Transcript of Records and Recommendation Letters. Ensure that your C.V. and cover letter are up to date. Then, determine how many hours per day will be dedicated to job-hunting or networking.

You can neatly compile all the professional email accounts and job interview schedules into a spreadsheet. This way, your job search process can be faster and easier.

#6: ASK PEOPLE FOR ADVICE

During the end of your job interview, it does not hurt to become vulnerable. It is alright to ask your interviewer for advice on how to build strong working relationships and how to succeed in the current vacant position. Do not forget to admire their company and the work they do.

#7: NOTICE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Carry yourself well during interviews. How many times have you heard this: “body language is vital in job interviews”? It is in your interest to take this advice seriously. Watch out for your posture, gestures, and non-verbal cues. These may either exude confidence or incompetence.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Communication, much like dancing, is a two-way street. Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language too. This will help you know if you are on the right track.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

Here are 6 simple ways you can use Instagram to help you land a job

A random Instagram profile

Are you aware that recruiters are now using Instagram as part of their search for potential candidates? If no, it’s not too late to jump on the trend.

It’s probably a no-brainer that LinkedIn is the most preferred social media platform for recruiters and job seekers alike. But based on a new 2020 Recruiter Nation report, LinkedIn is facing a downward trend in job searches.

Instead, Instagram had a 20% surge with recruiters now using the photo and video-sharing social networking service as part of their scout for the best candidate.

Kelly Lavin, senior vice president of talent at Jobvite, an HR software firm, says that an individual’s Instagram content can give recruiters a personal idea of who the person really is. That is what sets itself apart from LinkedIn.

Even if you’re not desperately searching for a job at the moment, it’s still crucial that you pay attention to what you’re sharing with the world now. For those who are currently job searching, here are six simple ways you can use Instagram to help you land a job.

#1: Take charge of your content
content on Instagram

Image Credits: Leevia Blog

Should you want a recruiter to check your Instagram profile and browse your content, you will have to make it public. In other words, Instagram is now your ‘open resume’ so take charge of what you’re planning to post.

Vicki Salemi, a career expert at job search website Monster.com, advises us to think about whether the content posted reflects you as a professional. She adds that the postings do not need to focus just on your professional pursuits but should paint you as a multidimensional candidate.

At this point, some of you might be thinking it would make better sense to set up a separate Instagram account. But Lavin reveals that it may feel less authentic. Since employers are looking to get a glimpse of you as a whole person, having a version just for the sake of a job search might backfire.

#2: Flaunt your skills

 Many of us use Instagram to showcase our lives and the new happenings that come with it. While you can still go ahead and post that picture at the beach or a new device you’ve just bought, Salemi noted that it’s essential to flaunt your skills, values, experience, and professional pursuits.

“For instance, if one year ago you completed running a 1,000-person conference and managed budgets and vendors, post a photo of you from last year saying something like, ‘Hard to believe this was one year ago! Lots of hard work but seeing the results of XYZ was (a) sweet success,’” she adds.

To ensure more reach and to demonstrate professionalism, use specific industry buzzwords and hashtags alongside your post.

#3: Use it to research more about a company
onechampionship Instagram page

Image Credits: instagram.com/onechampionship/

As much as recruiters or employers are using Instagram to their advantage, you can also do the same by using it to research more about a specific company you want information on.

Salemi points out that you can quickly get an idea of a company’s culture by browsing through their content on Instagram. Other than the inner workings of the company, you can also catch sight of upcoming job opportunities on their feed.

Pay close attention to their content and decide for yourself if it’s aligned with what you’re searching for in a company. Their images and messaging can give you key clues to their employee branding. Also, knowing what’s the latest ins and outs could be useful for any upcoming interviews.

#4: Engage to get noticed
engage on Instagram to get noticed

Image Credits: instagram.com/klooksg/

Corey Berkey, vice president of human resources at JazzHR, a human resources consulting firm, advises job seekers to follow the companies that interest you and engage with their posts. But remember to do it only when your Instagram profile is ready.

Just like how you connect with key personnel and recruiters on LinkedIn, do the same on Instagram. But Lavin warns us not to overdo it. You can choose to like an individual’s or company’s posts appropriately and add to a conversation with insightful remarks to gain some attention.

#5: Play the hashtag game
Instagram hashtag

Image Credits: Instagram

Hashtags like #nowhiring, #hiring, #jobs, and other more country- or industry-specific keywords can bring to light some opportunities you might not have known before.

Salemi states that as you start following the employers that interest you, pay extra attention to the hashtags they are using. When it’s relevant, share their content and hashtags. That’s one way to show that their content resonates with you.

#6: Allow the algorithm magic to work
Instagram algorithm

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Avid users of Instagram will know how the Instagram algorithm can work to your advantage. As you follow your ‘dream companies’, the algorithm will offer suggestions for you to follow similar ones.

When the right associations and professional organisations pop up, here’s your chance to follow them to keep sight of trends and new developments in the various industries. If you can’t seem to find them on Instagram, head to the company’s website to see if you can spot their Instagram icon on their homepage.

As you slowly build your Instagram profile as a visual resume of your strengths, skills, and interests, do ensure that you do not neglect the type of content on your other social media channels too.

Set aside some time to ponder over the art of personal branding as the year slowly comes to a close.

Read More...