Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out to Employers

In today's competitive job market, a good cover letter can truly help you to stand out. Unlike a resume that lists your skills and experiences, a cover letter allows you to add a personal touch, showcasing your enthusiasm for the position and understanding of the company's needs.


To create a compelling cover letter, highlight your qualifications and personality. This approach helps you connect with the reader and makes your application memorable. By aligning your unique experiences with the company's mission, you can create a narrative that grabs attention and increases your chances of being noticed. Here's a guide to writing a cover letter that sets you apart from the competition.




Make sure your professional goals and company goals are aligned



In our previous post, we went through a list of questions to ask yourself when you are at the stage of job change. You should do it before looking at jobs to better understand yourself.


Just like starting a journey of self-discovery, it's important to spend time researching the companies you want to join. Look for reviews and testimonials from past and current employees to learn about their experiences. Check social media and news articles about the company's reputation, mission, and any major events that could affect its work environment. Company culture is the basis for deciding whether you and the organization match.


Many job seekers also underestimate the importance of the tone of their cover letter. A good cover letter not only shows your qualifications but also demonstrates your ability to connect with the company's values. By using a tone similar to that in the job description or the company's overall communication style, you show that you are a good match for the role.


To help with the cover letter, use the Hoba Joba Cover Letter AI generator. This tool helps you create personalized cover letters for each job application, making sure your message fits with what the hiring team is looking for.




Personalize and show an individual approach



Take the time to carefully review the job description to identify and prioritize skills and qualifications necessary for the job, but don't forget about your uniqueness.


Though it's important to have alignment, it's also crucial to explore new concepts and be able to bring something new to the table. So, if there are specific qualifications you lack, great! Look at your resume for elements within your expertise that suggest potential for growth in those areas in which you are not currently as experienced. Striking a balance between conforming to the established norms and introducing innovative ideas is crucial for advancing the goals of any role.


Of course, as you craft your application, write about experiences and skills that are directly relevant to the position. Otherwise, there won't be any foundation for your individuality to shine. By reinforcing your suitability for the role through concrete examples, you will present yourself as a compelling candidate capable of contributing meaningfully to the team.




Be concise



The ideal length for a cover letter typically falls between 250 and 400 words. It means you need to fit all you want to say into approximately three to four well-structured paragraphs. This length allows you to effectively introduce yourself, showcase your relevant qualifications, and communicate your enthusiasm for the position without boring the reader with excessive detail.


A cover letter of this size should be over half a page, not exceeding one full page. Recruiters often skim through tens of hundreds of applications on a daily basis, and they appreciate cover letters that are concise and to the point. By adhering to this recommended length, you increase the likelihood that your letter will be read thoroughly and considered seriously by hiring managers. A focused and clear cover letter stands out in a crowded applicant pool, making a positive impression.




Effective structure and format



Before most hiring managers see your cover letter, it's sorted via an applicant tracking system (ATS). So make sure your cover letter is ATS-friendly by applying these points:

  • Submit your cover letter in Word format (.doc or .docx) unless specified otherwise. PDFs are common now, but some older ATS may struggle with them, and you don't want this technicality to create unnecessary issues.
  • Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, using a standard size of 10 to 12 points.
  • Do not include images, graphic charts, or data tables.
  • Place your contact information within the body of the letter rather than in a header or footer so that it's not skipped by many ATS.


One of the most important things is text formatting. Don't make it too complex. Here is a recommended structure:

  • it would be great if you could find a specific person within the company to address in your cover letter.
  • start with something that excites you the most about the vacancy to show your enthusiasm for the position
  • show you're a good fit by talking about your relevant experience and alignment of your values with the values of the company
  • suggest interview as a next step



Seek feedback



Don't shy away from getting feedback on your cover letter. Another person can catch details you may have missed. Ask a friend or find a mentor or colleague to review your work. Their comments will give you new ideas and help clarify or improve your writing. Whether you choose a human reviewer or use an AI tool, you must be open to constructive criticism.




A personalized, well-structured cover letter is your chance to stand out in a sea of applicants. By tailoring your message to the job and employer, you show that you're the thoughtful, dedicated candidate they seek. Take the time to craft a cover letter that reflects your unique qualifications and enthusiasm, and you'll significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.


Our Cover Letter AI generator can help you stand out and express your excitement for the role you are applying for.

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