When applying for a new job, people spend a lot of time and energy writing their perfect CV. But the cover letter is often relegated to second place or an afterthought. This is a mistake.
According to resume lab research, 83 percent of HR professionals say that cover letters are an important factor in their hiring decisions. Eighty-three percent also said that a good cover letter could secure you an interview, even if your CV isn’t up to par.
Imagine that you are a recruiter or HR executive who has a lot of applications to review. In your inbox, you will find another uninspired and unresearched cover letter. This is a big no. So is the candidate.
Do not be that person who ends up on the “No” pile. Learn five tips to help you create a cover letter for digital marketing that will get read, remembered, and recommended.
Why write a good cover letter
The job market is very competitive. While digital marketing jobs are in high demand, so are other positions with great pay, benefits, and promotion opportunities. Cover letters are the first thing that anyone reading through job applications will see. Unlike a CV, they allow you to showcase your skills, experience, and personality.
It’s important to take the time to write a cover note that shows that you are familiar with the role and the company. You should also show your ambition by demonstrating the fact that you have the necessary experience.
You have one page for:
Employers are interested in your company.
Show that you are a good fit for your role and the company
Display who you are
Pick up the phone and make them smile
So, let’s get started!
The Lingo
In your cover letter, you should show your employer that you are energetic and inspired. It is important to understand and match the company’s lingo, tone, and language. Modern cover letters don’t have to be dull, stilted and corporate. Especially if you want to work in an exciting and creative environment.
This cover letter, for example, includes a photo that is engaging and uses an eye-catching layout with social media handles.
You can find out more about the culture of your potential employer by doing some research. You can find inspiration by looking at their blog or social media pages, searching for media interviews, and stalking their accounts.
Don’t be afraid to use the same words as the job description. If they say “awesome”, so will you. It’s important to not go overboard and sound fake. Instead, let your natural voice come through.
Display the “Fit”
You can’t just write one cover letter. It’s important to customize it for each job description.
Each one should show how you are a good fit for the role and organization. It’s not enough to address your letter directly to the person who is responsible for the position in the company. You should tailor your cover letter to the employer’s needs and wants. You can get to the core of the issue by –
Why you want to work with them
Why you should be chosen.
You should also show your value proposition. This means that you must address the role description, company culture and how you ‘fit in’. Make parallels between your work, the company’s activities and the requirements of the role.
You can give an example of a campaign concept you have created which has generated sales and/or leads.
Clarity and to the point
The cover letter should be no more than one page long and should not take up much space. You should start with a line that introduces you and your intention (to land the job). The first paragraph? You need to explain why you are the best candidate for the job in the first paragraph.
How? Search for phrases that are repeated, synonyms and “Required Skills” to determine the core element your employer is looking for. You should be able to convey your love of numbers and strategy in the first few lines if they are looking for an “analytical mind”. In your first paragraph, you can also mention the number of years that you’ve worked in the industry.
Offer More Than Your Resume
You’ll have a great CV that is formatted beautifully, and it will include metrics, timelines, and achievements that are streamlined. Your cover letter will be your only opportunity to elaborate on these bullet points, and to add depth to your story.
Say, for example, that your CV states you have increased the leads of your company by 30% in a quarter. You could explain the way you led a team in order to achieve the metric. Also, you can describe the tactics and obstacles you overcame.
Your potential employer will gain insight into your “soft skills” such as motivation, adaptability and communication. These’soft’ skills can often be the difference between landing a job or being overlooked by someone more well-rounded.
End with a call to action
The way you end your cover letter is just as important as the way you opened it. Your closing paragraph serves three purposes.
1. Restate your excitement for the position and why you think you are a good match.
2. Re-communicate your value to the company and role.
3. Provide a confident and clear call to action on how you would like your employer to contact you.
Think about your digital campaigns. You need to include an appropriate CTA in order to engage prospects. The same goes for your cover letter.