You've found the job you want. You've got the skills they want. So, now it is time to create a standout cover letter to help seal the deal. Not sure how? Using a cover letter template is a great start because it takes the guesswork out of formatting and spacing. A template also helps you determine what information you need to include and where it should go.
Choose a template
Before you can decide on how you want to present yourself in your application materials, you need to know what kind of company you are applying to. Is it casual and hip, or traditional? Find out by thoroughly investigating all of the company's social platforms. Zero in on the language that is used (is it chatty or formal?) and the visual tone (does it include flashy font styles and colors, or is it more conventional?). Then make your choices accordingly.
A good rule of thumb: The more creative the field, the bolder you can be with the design of your header and font choices. "Using Palatino or Times Roman font was once the gold standard," explains Stacey Staaterman, a Certified Professional coach who has worked with executives at top companies including Google, American Express and Bloomberg Media. But if you're applying to a tech company or another vanguard brand, Staaterman cautions that something as seemingly inconsequential as using a serif font can make you look like you're stuck in the last century.
Draft your content
The building blocks of most templates are the same: Your contact information, a greeting and one or two paragraphs that drive home why you are qualified and what you can bring to the position. As you start to compose these sections, keep in mind what sort of company it is you are applying to—because the greeting you might use for a fashion house might be different from the best choice for a Wall Street bank.
Another important note: Do not rewrite the job posting in your cover letter, or make it a laundry list of accomplishments. That is what your resume is for! "Use the cover letter to elaborate on the results you've achieved in previous positions and the impact you had," explains Victoria Vitarelli, a career coach and marketing executive who has worked with MasterCard and New York Jets. "Focus on the value you can add to the company, not just what you've done."
Read the rest of this article by Audrey Brashich over on My Perfect Resume
