1 Easy Way To Create A More Powerful Cover Letter

It’s simple – just search your cover letter for the word “get” and replace it with the word “give” then adjust the sentence to be relevant from a “giving” perspective vs. a “getting” perspective.  Let me explain further…

The last thing you want to create is a cover letter that goes on and on about what you want to GET out of a particular organization or job – (i.e. “… your company seems to offer so many opportunities for me to expand my skills and experience…”).  Instead, the tone of your cover letter must convey that you want to GIVE others what you have to offer – your knowledge, skills, experience and natural abilities.

Even if you don’t yet have lots of knowledge, skills or experience, offer what you have to give – your education, your natural abilities, your motivation, and your observation of how your interests and values are a match with the organization’s – (i.e. “… I am a recent graduate of name or school with a degree in major who is ready to contribute a natural ability you have…” OR “…your company mission appeals to me since I am dedicated to leading/teaching/enlightening others about use words from their mission statement that appeal to you …”). 

Powerful cover letters offer information about you – but info about you is way more powerful when it’s worded in a way that showcases how YOU may be relevant to the organization and those they serve.  Here are a few more ways you can pump up the power on your cover letter – in a “giving” way vs. a “getting” way (of course!)…

• Why you’re interested in the organization and/or line of work you are pursing – write about how you discovered your passion for/interest in the line of work you are pursuing and/or why you are a fan of the organization you’re applying to (i.e. “… I first discovered my passion for describe the line of work when describe when or how in a brief statement…” OR “… I most admire that your organization describe what they do that you most admire/respect and how you see it to be different from other organizations who do what they do…”).  
• What you can be relied upon for time and time again – write about opportunities you naturally notice and take advantage of in relation to your personal qualities and how that benefits others – (i.e. “… I continually seek out opportunities that enable me to contribute my natural ability to describe a skill or ability you have which enables others to describe how others benefit when you share your skill/natural ability with them…”).  
• What you have learned in past job experiences – share your most cherished lesson from a past experience was and how you regularly apply that in your career or life  – (i.e. “… at company name I learned how to something you learned to do or a way of being you learned is effective and appealing to those you serve and how you observe that to impact others favorably...”).  

A good cover letter always closes by expressing excitement to speak with them…  (i.e. “…It would be an honor to talk with you about the possibility of contributing to your team and aligning with the mission of the organization…”).  Everyone likes to feel like they matter to others – organizations and bosses are no exception – let them know you are excited to meet with them, to learn more about them, and to see if it would be a good opportunity for both of you to align – for the benefit of those served by the organization.