The woman is sitting at a desk and writes the cover letter on PC monitor in front of her
The new year is here, and the race for top jobs is already heating up. According to a recent survey, Monday, January 13, was the most popular day of the year to submit resumes nationwide. But don’t stop there— a strong resume is only half the battle in today’s job market. The often-dreaded cover letter is your secret weapon for standing out. Despite its importance, only 38% of candidates submit one for a job posting when required. The truth? A generic, formulaic cover letter might as well not be submitted at all. A killer cover letter isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to grab attention, prove you’re the perfect fit, and leave a lasting impression. Tailoring it to every job posting takes effort, but the payoff is worth it. In a competitive job market, the candidates who rise to the top are those who go the extra mile. By following these strategies, you’ll turn a daunting task into an advantage— and leave the competition behind.
Make it extremely personal to the company, role, and your background.
No one understands your qualifications and fit for the role better than you. Do you have a transformational story from your life that has to do with the company’s mission? Tell it here. Did you have an epiphany about one of your superpowers, and is it consistent with the job description? Describe that upfront. It will also benefit you to research, research, research: explore the company website, read press releases, study their mission statement, and review social media platforms. Go deeper— listen to interviews with leadership, read news coverage, and consider reaching out to current and former employees. Don’t forget to review the job description more than once, underlining repeated phrases, desired skills, and core values. Use these insights to craft an application that reflects your expertise and genuine interest. Don’t overlook the small but critical details, like addressing the right company or triple-checking for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-researched, thoughtfully written cover letter shows hiring managers you’ve done your homework— and positions you as the candidate for the role.
Don’t just copy and paste keywords from the job description.
It might fool applicant tracking systems, but it won’t impress a hiring manager. A copy-paste cover letter feels lazy, generic, and inauthentic. Instead of wasting valuable space regurgitating job description language that the hiring manager is familiar with, use it to tell your story: why the role excites you and how you align with the company’s values. This is your chance to stand out, so don’t waste it by sounding like everyone else. Relying too much on borrowed phrases can also backfire during an interview when you’re asked to elaborate on your qualifications. Use the job description as a guide, but rewrite it in your own words. This approach isn’t just more genuine— it shows you’ve put thought into how your background fits the role. In today’s job market, hiring decisions are made by people, not machines (at least for now), so make sure your application speaks directly to them.
Don’t have ChatGPT write it for you.
OpenAI’s platform is great for brainstorming ideas, summarizing emails, or even planning your next vacation. But writing a cover letter that captures your voice? Not so much. According to a Financial Times report, nearly half of job seekers use AI tools to apply for jobs— but companies are catching on. 74% of hiring managers claim they can spot when AI has been used in a job application, and that’s a surefire way to get disqualified for a competitive role. Even worse, an AI-crafted cover letter can backfire in an interview if your voice doesn’t match what’s written. To hiring managers, using AI to apply for a position signals laziness and raises concerns about how you’ll perform on the job.
Have a close family member or trusted friend read your cover letter before submitting it.
Ask a friend or family member to read your cover letter. Does it actually sound like you? Ask them to poke holes in it— are there critical pieces of your professional story missing? Aim for constructive feedback, not just a casual “looks great!” or “good job.” Push them to be honest: does the letter read like something anyone could have written, or does it showcase your unique voice and story? Your cover letter should feel like an authentic extension of who you are— something that mirrors how you’ll present yourself in an interview. Don’t shy away from thoughtful critiques from those who genuinely want to see you succeed. The more personalized and authentic it feels, the better it will resonate with hiring managers.
Customizing your cover letter for every job might feel tedious and repetitive, especially during an application blitz. But the extra effort is what sets you apart. A tailored cover letter signals to hiring managers that you’re not just interested in the role— you’re excited about it and understand how your experience fits into their needs. In a competitive market, every detail matters. By refining your voice and incorporating honesty and vulnerability, you’ll position yourself as a candidate who goes the extra mile— and earns opportunities that others overlook.
