5 Steps to a Killer Cover Letter

5 Steps to a Killer titelblatt LetterCover letters remain a hugely important part of the job search gameno matter what your friends are telling you. And yes, we know its the hard part. We know writing might not be your strong suit. We know the competition is stiff. But still, you usually have to write one, and it should impress. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Dont throw away what could be your best opportunity to charm the hiring manager. Rather than waste your time (and your employers time) with a total stinker, laden with clichs, take the time to really showcase everything thats best about you. Here are five steps to crafting a titelblatt letter that will help you stand out from your peers.1. Wow em from the startGrab them with your opening line, and draw them in. Make it so good that the hiring manager cant help themselves but read the whole thingwithout skimming. Use fresh language. Tell a story. Show your personality (but dont get too cocky remember to keep it professional) and set the tone for the rest of the letter.2. Be specificPick 3-5 points you want to highlight that prove you are a perfect match for the job description. Show youve listened to what they need, then show them you are it. Tell them specifically what you would bring to the job, and why youre the only one qualified to do so.3. Be personalBlend the personal and professional so theyre seamlessly woven into one narrative of your competence and sparkle. If theres something about you that didnt quite fit in your resume, but which makes you just perfect for this position, emphasize it here. Make sure to tie your sharing into the job itself. A personal story about saving a cat doesnt make much of an impression for a data entry job.4. Stick the landingYou dont have to go for the hard close to make the lasting impression. In fact, if youre too brazen with your insistence of being the candidate of their dreams, you might put off the hiring manager. Tr y instead to emphasize how much youd love the opportunity to meet with them and display how your skills and experience could be a real asset to their company.5. Get it into the right handsPut your cover letter both in the body of your email and include it as an attachment. Try to find a real live humans email address, whether an HR manager or a connection-of-a-connection, and craft an informative subject line. Make sure if youve been referred by someone in your network to include their name up front.Finally, hissend, sit back, and see whether you succeeded in nailing your cover letter and getting your dream interview.