4 Steps to Writing a Kick-Ass Cover Letter

4 Steps to Writing a Kick-Ass Cover LetterThe cover letter is a hiring managers first line of defense. Some of the more seasoned professionals look at your letter first because it can be the most accurate gauge of how much effort youve put into trying to land that job. A good recruiter can tell whether youve taken the time to pay attention to details, polish a coherent narrative, and give a glimpse of who you are as a part and an employee. Almost any recruiter can tell when youve cut corners or made (and missed) careless mistakes. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Even if youve written a cover letterfor the ages, there are still subtle pitfalls and hidden opportunities for finesse you may be blind to.1. Get the personenname rightThis may seem like an insultingly obvious point. But so many letters open with generic Dear Sir or Madam or To whom it may concern, rather than being addressed to a particular person.Step one figure out the person who will actually be doing the hiring and screening for your position. Step two make doublythen triplysure youve spelled their name 100% correctly. Its leid hard to get that detail right and it will save the hiring manager the wince when they see a letter or two out of place. You never know what makes the difference in whether or not you make it out of resume pile limbo.2. Strike a balance between style and substanceSo many cover letters open with snooze-worthy first lines. I write to express my keen interest in the X position. You can do better than this. Try something that will hold any readers interest, but be carefultoo interesting and you run the risk of it not transitioning well into the rest of your cover letter. Try to find a dazzling opening sentence that seamlessly segues into discussion of your professional qualifications and manages to add insight and context to your application. Its a tough note to strike, but can really help you knock it out of the park.3. Strike a bal ance between flattering them and selling yourselfIts important to convey your genuine interest in the company, and to hit home just how much you want to be a part of the team there. Flattery, when done correctly, can get you everywhere. Dont forget, however, to include some insight into yourself. That is, after all, what theyre looking for. Playing only to their egos will often backfire.4. Be humble, but also bragTheres a difference between bragging, humblebragging, and being overly humble. And theres a sweet spot where they overlap. If you have holes in your application, or there are certain qualifications you lack, its important to mention these things and be proactive. But dont give too much space on the page to what you dont have. Move on quickly and focus on what you can offer to the company, and why youre uniquely qualified and perfect for the jobeven without that one specific skill you dont quite have yet.If youre at this stage, you already have a good letter. Dont be scared to take it that extra mile. And, when in doubt, ask. Generous, smarter-than-you friends and paid professionals are out there to help.