How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like YOU (and Gets Noticed)

Summary

In this video, Elainy Mata tackles the dreaded task of writing a cover letter with the help of Amy Gallo, an expert from Harvard Business Review. Together, they break down how to make a cover letter stand out by researching the company, addressing it to a specific person, and writing a strong, engaging opening. Amy emphasizes the importance of conveying enthusiasm, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, especially when lacking experience. Elainy’s process of revising her cover letter offers viewers practical tips on how to craft a more personal and effective job application.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cover letters are important, but they can be challenging to write—acknowledge the difficulty and approach the task step by step.
• 😀 Avoid generic phrases like 'To whom it may concern.' Personalizing the greeting by addressing a specific hiring manager can make a big difference.
• 😀 The cover letter should be concise—no longer than one page—and the font and margins should be standard. No tricks to reduce text size.
• 😀 Research the company thoroughly: check their website, mission statement, and social media profiles to understand their values and current priorities.
• 😀 Find the hiring manager’s name to address your letter more personally—use tools like LinkedIn to figure out who's posting the job.
• 😀 Start your cover letter with a strong and engaging sentence to grab attention. A concise, enthusiastic opening is key.
• 😀 Highlight your skills and experience, but focus on how you can add value and solve the company’s problems rather than just describing your past roles.
• 😀 For entry-level applicants or those lacking experience, focus on transferable skills and show eagerness to learn and grow.
• 😀 Strive for balance: convey enthusiasm without sounding desperate. Over-eagerness can sometimes work against you.
• 😀 After drafting your cover letter, have someone else read it for feedback. A second pair of eyes can help spot errors and improve clarity.
• 😀 While the process may seem overwhelming, it's easier to tweak a single, well-written cover letter for each job application than to start from scratch each time.

Q & A

What is Elainy Mata's attitude toward writing cover letters?

Elainy admits that she hates writing cover letters but acknowledges their importance. She emphasizes the need to face the task and make the process easier with the right approach.

What are some common mistakes people make in cover letters?

Elainy highlights mistakes such as using generic openings like 'To whom it may concern' and overly formal or cliché language, such as 'I am a passionate, detail-oriented person.'

Why is it important to address the cover letter to a specific person?

Addressing the cover letter to a specific person makes it more personal and shows that you've done your research. It’s more effective than using a generic greeting like 'To whom it may concern.'

What advice does Amy Gallo give about the length and format of a cover letter?

Amy advises that a cover letter should be no longer than one page. She also warns against manipulating the font size or margins to fit unnecessary content, stressing the importance of concise, focused writing.

How can you find the right hiring manager to address your cover letter to?

You can research the company’s LinkedIn or Twitter, or check job posts to see who has shared the job listing. If necessary, you can directly ask someone at the company who the hiring manager is.

What is a strong opening line for a cover letter?

A strong opening should be brief, direct, and enthusiastic. For example, 'I saw your listing on this website, and I was thrilled to see it, because it's exactly the kind of job I've been looking for to apply my skills in X.'

What should you emphasize in a cover letter?

You should emphasize how your skills and experience can help solve the company’s current problems. Research the company to understand their needs and show how you can provide value.

What advice does Amy Gallo give for recent graduates applying for jobs that require more experience?

Amy suggests that the focus of the cover letter should not be on past experience but on future potential. It's about how you can apply the skills from your resume to the job you’re applying for.

How can you balance enthusiasm without sounding desperate in your cover letter?

You should convey excitement for the job and the company, but avoid overdoing it. Too much enthusiasm can come across as desperation, which may work against you.

Why is it important to get a second opinion on your cover letter?

Getting a second opinion helps catch any typos, errors, or unclear sections. It also ensures that your tone is appropriate and that the letter makes sense to someone else.

Is there a way to make writing cover letters more efficient for multiple job applications?

Amy suggests creating a template based on your first cover letter. After that, you can tweak it for different jobs, adjusting the specifics to fit each company and role.