Write an Amazing Cover Letter: 3 Golden Rules (Template included)

Summary

This video script offers valuable insights on crafting an effective cover letter, emphasizing its emotional impact over a resume. It outlines three key strategies: creating a compelling hook by connecting with the company, ensuring each sentence serves a purpose, and using a clean template with attention to white space. The script shares a success story of securing multiple job offers by applying these principles, and concludes with a unique formatting tip to make a cover letter stand out.

Takeaways

• 📄 The importance of a cover letter is highlighted as it can evoke emotion, unlike a resume, and can help secure a first-round interview.
• 🔑 A good cover letter should start with a 'hook' that connects the reader to the company and keeps them engaged beyond the first paragraph.
• 🔍 Research is essential to create a compelling hook; it involves speaking with industry professionals and reviewing customer testimonials for relevant software products.
• 🤔 The hook should be relatable to the reader, often a recruiter or hiring manager, and should not be overly ambitious but rather insightful about the company.
• 📈 The cover letter should be purposeful, with each sentence having a reason for being there, focusing on why the applicant is a good fit for the position.
• 📊 Amanda's example shows how to use personal experiences and relevant achievements to tie into the job responsibilities and demonstrate project management skills and reliability.
• 📝 The cover letter should avoid generic introductions and instead focus on the applicant's unique qualifications and reasons for interest in the role.
• 📑 A simple template with attention to white space makes the cover letter more readable and professional-looking.
• 🖌️ Including a relevant job title below the applicant's name can be beneficial for automated resume screening processes.
• ✨ A unique header with the first letter larger than the rest can give the cover letter a distinctive and professional appearance.
• 💡 The video offers a template download for those who want to replicate the cover letter format discussed in the script.

Q & A

Why is a cover letter considered more important than a resume in some aspects?

A cover letter is considered more important because it can evoke emotion in the reader, something that even the best resume cannot do.

What are the three key things that Amanda did in her cover letter to land multiple job offers?

Amanda hooked the reader by mentioning a connection with the company, was purposeful about the information she included, and used a simple template with attention to white space.

Why is it crucial to hook the reader in the first paragraph of a cover letter?

Hooking the reader in the first paragraph is crucial because it keeps them reading past the first paragraph and onto why the applicant should be considered for the position over other applicants.

What common perception did Amanda mention in her cover letter to hook the reader?

Amanda mentioned the common perception that all entry-level consultant positions in the Big 4 firms are the same.

How did Amanda demonstrate her proactive nature in her cover letter?

Amanda demonstrated her proactive nature by mentioning that she attended five career fairs and spoke with over 20 professionals.

What is the significance of mentioning a connection with the company that is relatable to the reader?

Mentioning a relatable connection with the company helps to ensure that the reader, often the recruiter or hiring manager, can relate to and understand the applicant's interest in the specific company.

Why is it important for each sentence in a cover letter to have a reason for being there?

Each sentence should have a reason for being there to ensure that the cover letter is concise and every piece of information contributes to the applicant's case for being considered for an interview.

How did Amanda highlight her relevant achievements in her cover letter?

Amanda highlighted her relevant achievements by mentioning her experience interning in management consulting firms, working on a $2 million project, and receiving recognition for her project management skills and reliability.

What is the purpose of using a simple template and paying attention to white space in a cover letter?

Using a simple template and paying attention to white space makes the cover letter more visually appealing and easier to read, which can make a positive impression on the reader.

What is the 'power tip' for cover letter formatting mentioned in the script?

The 'power tip' for cover letter formatting is to make the first letter in the header two sizes larger than the rest, creating a unique yet professional-looking header.

How can a cover letter convey the applicant's personality and skills to the recruiter?

A well-crafted cover letter can convey the applicant's personality and skills by using a personalized hook, purposeful information, and a professional yet engaging writing style.