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Many job seekers mindlessly send out their resume without as much as giving a thought
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to a cover letter. So if you've been doing the same and you're wondering why you haven't heard back from
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the recruiter, here's why. A cover letter is your resume's best friend and should aim to highlight the reasons why
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you're a great fit for the job in just three paragraphs. So let me walk you through the steps of writing an eye-catching cover letter
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Number 1. Address the hiring manager correctly. Whatever you do, make sure to address the correct person when opening your cover letter
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The simple mistake of using the generic phrase, dear hiring manager, could cost you the job
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Instead, do a bit of digging to find out who you'll potentially be interviewing with
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Number 2. Don't repeat information from your resume. Your cover letter should support your resume, so instead of using the same information
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make connections between the key points in your resume. For example, expand on your experience by discussing the methods that you used and the
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results you achieved in your previous positions. Number 3. Use keywords from the job specification
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To make your cover letter unique, use keywords from the job posting to highlight your skills
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By doing so, you'll also ensure that your cover letter makes its way through ATS software
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and into the hands of the hiring manager. Number 4. Keep your cover letter short and sweet
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Recruiters only spend around 10 seconds reading through your cover letter, so you'll need
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to keep it short and precise. Within three paragraphs, you'll have more than enough space to convince the hiring manager
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that you're a good fit for the job. Start off by opening the letter with a brief introduction on who you are, what role you're
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applying to, and why you think you're capable of doing the job
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Then continue to discuss your most recent experience by providing evidence of your accomplishments
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Finish off by thanking the employer for their time and encourage them to get in touch
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If you've had any major employment gaps, here's where you should explain the reasons why
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Number 5. Pay attention to the structure of your cover letter. To ensure your cover letter is readable and attractive, you'll need to pay attention
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to your font size and layout. Your letter should begin with the date, your name and address in the top left-hand corner
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Your font should also be the same throughout and size between 10 and 12
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And don't forget to add hyperlinks to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, and other supporting documents
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Number 6. Don't forget to proofread. Even if you're the best writer in the world, you're bound to make a few typos every now
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and again. So, before sending your cover letter off, run it through a proofreading tool or ask
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a trusted friend to have a readover. So, that's all you need to increase your chances of securing the job
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That said, if you're looking for more advice, visit CareerAddict.com. And don't forget to like the video and click on the subscribe button to get more insightful
