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Monster's new QUICKApply allows seekers to apply to jobs by simply hitting the QUICKApply Now button. Should you choose to use this feature instead of going through the normal apply-online process, you must use the same resume and cover letter for each application. These five tips will help you craft a cover letter suitable for any job you decide to apply to:
1. Scan Job Postings for Keywords
Before you begin writing your cover letter, look at Monster job postings that interest you. Even if you're looking for more than one type of job, there's a good chance you'll see keywords that appear in different postings across industries and occupations. Focus on those words that apply to you, and have a list of them handy when writing your cover letter. If employers use those words to describe the person they want to hire, then you definitely want to use them when describing yourself and what you bring to the table.
2. Use a Standard Salutation
In QUICKApply, you choose your cover letter before knowing where you want to send your resume, let alone to whom. Your best bet is to use "Dear Hiring Manager." "To whom it may concern" is outdated, and "Dear Sir or Madame" is too wishy-washy. Even if your resume and cover letter initially go to a recruiter, the hiring manager is the one making the hiring decision.
3. State Your Goals
You know what kind of job you want, so use your cover letter to get it. If you're looking for a job in healthcare or technology, for example, make sure you speak the language. However, be careful you don't alienate potential employers with too much jargon. If you're applying to jobs in multiple industries, you don't want to get so specific. Instead, speak to your target career level.
4. Focus on Your Accomplishments
No matter where you are in your career, you've achieved results that would surely entice employers. Whether you've led a sales department to its highest-grossing quarter or a school organization in its first fund-raiser, tout what you've done to potential employers. Include these accomplishments in your cover letter as well as your resume. And when possible, quantify what you've done with numbers.
5. Don't Forget to Mention Your Soft Skills
Soft skills are those that are hard for employers to assess through testing and include interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills. No matter what type of job you're pursuing, proficiency in any of these could appeal to just about any employer. So emphasize your ability to solve problems or collaborate with coworkers.
Remember: Although you can't be specific about your target job in a general cover letter, you can be specific about yourself, what you've done and what you want to do next in your career. So play up those personal and work history-related aspects that make you a desirable candidate.
