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Cover letters for multiple jobs
How do you prepare cover letters for different job applications? Do you tweak a few things here and there, and if so, what? Or do you write an entirely new cover letter for each position?
Anonymous
09/06/19 at 5:51PM UTC
I've previously customized cover letters, but use a templated format that includes the role I'm applying to, 1-2 sentences about why I'm interested in the work of the organization, 1-3 sentences about why my background/experience are a fit, and a conclusion sentence reaffirming my interest in the role. I like to keep it short and sweet, no more than 2 concise paragraphs.
BrookieI assist momentum so that we never stop growing
414
09/09/19 at 4:58PM UTC
I'm impressed you're able to keep your cover letters so concise. Mark Twain once wrote, “I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” It's a lost art to keep things short. Good for you!
You mentioned something REALLY important about the cover letter, and that's the use of clarifying why you're interested in the role. I'm nabbing the wisdom of Dr. Dawn Graham, from her new career book, "Switchers" on how to convey interest in a role by not doing so at all.
Pg. 115-116 Put Their Needs First
"Successful Switchers communicate their abilities and interests in ways that demonstrate how they will benefit the company. The hirer isn't interested in what you want or what you're interested in learning. they care about hiring someone who is motivated and capable of performing effective work with little hand-holding. In the interview, in your cover letter, and on social media, ensure the expertise you share clearly points out how the company will benefit. Take a look at the following example:
~Before: "I'm a project manager with ten years of global experience in healthcare managing multiple projects. In addition, I've earned an MBA with a specialty in strategy, and speak fluent Hindi. I'm interested in a role that allows me to use the strategic planning skills I've gained while expanding my international exposure."
~After: "My particular expertise in project management is mobilizing diverse teams across cultures to effectively execute on a common goal. In addition, my knowledge of strategic planning enables me to see multiple contingencies when unexpected challenges arise. Your company's operations span three continents, and I'm confident my ten years of global experience, deep business acumen from my MBA, and proven collaboration skills will enable me to hit the ground running to ensure a seamless transition in this role."
Notice the difference? The first version was mostly a list of skills, degrees, and interests, which means the hiring manager is left doing the work to figure out how it will solve her problems. The second version conveys similar skills and interests, but in an applicable way, so the hiring manager can clearly see a connection to the position. The before was impressive, but the after will land the job!"
MelanieHR Leader giving my own two cents to help women.
585
08/26/19 at 8:19PM UTC
Agree with the other ladies. Write a standard one and tweak a sentence here and there to customize to the target audience to highlight your skills and/or to the role or industry. Good luck!
Molly_Kowaleski
17
08/26/19 at 5:33PM UTC
I agree with the initial comment here about creating a template you can tweak! And, I only would add that depending on what types of positions you're applying for, you should maybe consider 2-3 "templates." So, for example, if you're interested in social media opportunities, you could have two templates - one for social media manager (highlighting the skills needed/the experience you want to highlight for that type of position) and one for social media specialist (highlighting the skills/experience needed for that position). You would still need to tweak them based on the actual job descriptions at each organization, but by creating multiple templates from the get-go, you're laying the groundwork, which makes your job application process pretty seamless if you're applying for several positions at the same time. Good luck!
Afo Ogbeyalu Kalu
214
08/26/19 at 4:59PM UTC
I suggest creating your own cover letter template, and then tweaking it to meet the criteria identified in each company's job posting notice. That tweaking would typically only impact your introductory paragraph, so it shouldn't be too cumbersome; and the potential reward would be securing a lucrative position.
BrookieI assist momentum so that we never stop growing
414
09/09/19 at 5:05PM UTC
Agreed wholeheartedly! Just like I included a segment of Dr. Dawn's new book, "Switchers" down below, I find her solid experience worth sharing here as well. She's reaffirming what you're saying Afo, and expanding on the rest of the needed paragraphs in the cover letter as well...
Pg. 134-135 The Dreaded Cover Letter Made Easy
"Create a cover letter shell that can be tailored, versus re-created, for each job application. Once you have the basic shell, since you have focused Plan A, you'll just need to switch out specifics like company name, the title of the role, and key strengths. You can create a solid cover letter using four brief paragraphs:
1. Opening Paragraph. Grab the reader's attention with the first sentence through an industry statistic, quote, or the name of the person who referred you. Avoid the overused and boring, "Please find enclosed my resume...". Connect with the reader and show how you can solve the company's problems.
2. Second Paragraph. Identify three to four strengths that align with the needs of the job. Show how you'll use these skills to make an impact. Consider bullet points to add some white space and break up the paragraph format. This also draws the reader's eyes to the meat of the letter.
3. Third Paragraph. Include additional reasons why you're a fit for the company and the role. Reiterate your motivation for and dedication to this specific career path.
4. Closing Paragraph. End strong. Thank the reader and let them know you will follow up. A call-to-action is bold (not blah!). "
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