Assistant Director for Professional Development
In this job market, with employers receiving hundreds of applications for each position and having to review them as quickly as possible, how do you make yourself stand out? Having worked with GGU Law graduates for almost two years, I have seen a pattern emerge. Those job applicants who provide the following in their cover letters increase the chances of being called in for an interview:- Employers view the cover letter as a writing sample. They want to see that you can articulate in a brief and succinct manner what they are looking for in a candidate.
- Start off the letter by telling the reader why you are writing to them. The first paragraph should simply state who you are and for what position you are applying. Be sure to use the exact position title as indicated by the employer. This is a good place to name drop and inform the reader that someone they know has recommended you or believes you may be a good fit for the position.
- You will stand out from the rest by articulating why you want to work for this specific employer. Most applicants will not spend the time to learn about the specific organization and articulate why they want to work for this particular employer versus other similar organizations; it means learning about the organization beyond a cursory read of their website. It may take some time to find out what is unique and special about the employer, but this will help you stand out from the rest. For example, if the employer handles certain things in a unique way from similar organizations, has started a new initiative, been in the news lately, or achieved a major accomplishment, talk about it in the letter and why/how it impressed you. This is also the place to talk about why you are passionate to work for this employer. If, as is sometimes the case, the posting doesn't reveal the employer, research the employment sector and articulate why you want to work in this field.
- The employer is looking to see that you have those skills that it has outlined in the job description. Due to volume, most submissions are initially screened by someone other than those close to the job. Carefully examine the job description for the primary skills required. Identify in the cover letter those skills where you do have experience and provide examples. (If you don't have the exact experience, you may be able to correlate some of your skills and past experiences to what the employer seeks.) Use the exact language from the listing in all your application materials. The initial reviewer is especially looking for this jargon in the cover letter and your resume. Only under exceptional circumstances should you provide additional information, especially if it is described in your resume.
- Close the letter with only the essentials. Tell the reader what you are enclosing or attaching, that you look forward to speaking with them further, and thank them for their consideration of your application. Refrain from writing more.
