Cover Letter Tips - Part 2: Showcasing Your Enthusiasm and Values
Here we are again, talking about Cover Letters. I know…I’m excited too. According to a survey by GetCoverLetter in 2021, 47% of Recruiters like candidates with cover letters because they show motivation, 30% said it offers more information about the job seeker, and 23% stated that cover letters show an applicant's personality.
Continuing our exploration of the cover letter, let’s delve into how you can demonstrate your value, personality, and enthusiasm for the position.
Tip 5: Express your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
Show your genuine interest in the role and the company. This helps you stand out from candidates who submit generic applications (boo!) and lets hiring managers know that you want THIS job (yay!)
Example: "My lifelong passion for country music and my extensive experience in the industry makes me particularly excited about this DJ opportunity at your station. I am eager to bring my unique perspective and enthusiasm to your 150,000 listeners."
Why It Matters: Sincere enthusiasm is felt throughout the paper. It’s felt because it shows the hiring manager that you read through the job description and are raising your hand to volunteer. As a Job Seeker, your cover letter and resume can be in a folder with 1,000 other candidates. But, as a Recruiter, we can be #24 of the 99 jobs you applied for after a bad day at work when you drank a bottle of wine and your fingers got fancy. An enthusiastically worded cover letter speaks volumes.
Tip 6: Explain details not clear from your resume.
Use your cover letter to clarify details that may not be immediately apparent from your resume, such as career changes or employment gaps.
Example: "After a successful music career, I took a 2-year hiatus to focus on volunteering, which has enriched my understanding of community engagement. I am excited to return to my roots in country music."
Why It Matters: Clarifying potential concerns proactively can reassure employers and provide a fuller picture of your qualifications. Yes, hiring managers want to know why there is a gap in your employment. Yes, we want to know why you only stayed 9 months at your last two jobs. The reasons are likely legitimate, so why not call out the pink elephant?
Tip 7: Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s values.
I mentioned researching the company in the last blog. This time, we’re focusing on values. Show that you have done your research and that you understand the company’s values and culture, through whatever information they provide on their website or social platforms. This builds rapport, shows your tenacity, and sends a little message laced with serotonin to the Hiring Manager.
Example: "I am deeply impressed by your station's commitment to preserving the heritage of country music while also embracing new trends. Your campaign to help music teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms aligns perfectly with my belief in honoring tradition while fostering innovation."
Why It Matters: Demonstrating an understanding of the company's values shows that you spent time and energy doing research, you computed the information found, and you surmised that you are a good cultural fit, which is often just as important as your professional qualifications.
Tip 8: Tell them why your personal values align with the company’s values.
Adding on to the sentence above, let this sentence reflect how your personal values resonate with the business values of the employer.
Example: "Like your station, I believe in the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories, generation to generation. I share that passion and I want to contribute however I can."
Why It Matters: Aligning your values with the company's can strengthen your application by showing that you are not just looking for “a job,” but for a place where you can thrive and contribute meaningfully. It also shows hiring managers that you are self-aware, that you own your value system, and that you are mission-driven.
What did you think of Part 2? I’m open to feedback, new ideas, or topics! Please reach out and let me know.
Cover Letter Tips - Part 1: Crafting the Perfect Introduction
Cover Letter Tips - Part 3: Making a Lasting Impression
Cover Letter Tips - Part 4: 10 Biggest Mistakes Made When Writing a Cover Letter (Drops 07/18/24)
As usual, I’m open to feedback, new ideas, and topics! Reach out!
Deadline Extended:
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