cover letter help

Okay for all my jobseekers, let's talk 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

First - You don't have to attach a cover letter if it's optional but it can help you get noticed. It's why I tell my clients to only apply to roles that they're truly excited about - an 8 or higher on a scale of 1-10. When you do that, you have time for cover letters. 😉

Second - I know, cover letters can be tough! But if you play them right, they're a game changer. One thing I like to think about is, what would grab their attention? What could make you stand out? How could we highlight that right off the bat?

So after your hot hook, I'd add a section where you talk about why you like the company/job and how it connects to what you're doing now. How is this job the next logical step for you?

Then I'd talk about your soft skills - pick a few that would most benefit you in this job + elaborate on them by giving brief examples. We want to show them how you use these skills.

Then just thank them, sign it and you're done!

If you want an example, scroll to the bottom for a cover letter I did recently. 😉

And remember: you got this! You're a great fit for this role and a cover letter is a great way to highlight that - and show the things that aren't as easy to highlight in a resume.

#burnout #greatresignation #coverletter #interviewing

MY EXAMPLE:

Dear David and Team,

Years ago, two weeks before my wedding, I was let go as part of a large layoff. It felt unceremonious, cold and devastating. Since then, it has been my mission to help people who are going through a career transition to feel guided, cared for and confident.

After having to let associates go while supporting staff of 117 retail stores, I knew I wanted to shift from being a thoughtful and compassionate HR rep during their termination to someone who could fully support them as they searched for a new role.

So I started my own career and life coaching business. I’ve loved working one-on-one with job seekers across the US to find work that they are passionate about. Especially with the rise of unemployment recently, I know so many people need this help.

RiseSmart has been on my radar for a while, as I’ve been wowed by how you serve job seekers through outplacement and career development. I can only imagine how transformational it would have been to be able to provide outplacement services for the employees I laid off or have been offered that myself when I was let go.

I’d love to bring my coaching and trust-building skills that I’ve honed, such as reframing situations to nudge clients see things differently, to RiseSmart. It would be my honor to serve as your Career Coach Specialist.

What, specifically, could I bring to RiseSmart in this role?

Ability to be a connector. In all my professional roles, I’ve been the hub of the wheel, connecting all of the pieces of the project together. I’ve been a resource for all of my clients – whether they’ve been doctors and nurses, pharmaceutical market research teams, store managers or executives. I love being able to figure out the answer, and I’m not afraid to ask for backup when I need it.

Curiosity to ask thoughtful questions. The quality of our life is determined by the quality of the questions we ask. Especially when it comes to helping people find the next right step for them, I know that they already intuitively know the answer, even if it’s hidden deep inside. When I ask thoughtful questions and get them to think outside the box, they’re able to articulate a far better answer than I could have spoon-fed to them.

Meticulous organizational & project management skills. As someone who has been juggling multiple work projects and many extra curriculars for as long as I can remember, it’s my second nature to bring efficiency and order to even the most chaotic situations. I have a passion for continuous learning and the maturity to prioritize a never-ending to-do list with initiative and poise.

Sunny disposition. I’ve always been the person people reach out to when they’re feeling down. I’m more than just the workplace cheerleader, I’m an accountability partner and stress relief teacher. I see every so-called problem as a possibility and push for the best possible scenario.

I believe my energy, compassion and strengths in building strong relationships will serve RiseSmart very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next Remote Career Coach Specialist. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.

Looking forward,

Liesl Drought