As a job seeker, you’re probably tired of hearing that your cover letter needs to be personalized. But the truth is that successful cover letters are usually the ones that stand out from the crowd. And what better way to do this than by writing something that’s personal?
This can be tricky: After all, you don’t want to get too personal (or too funny) in your cover letter because it could come across as unprofessional or inappropriate for the position. But there are ways to strike this balance between being professional and getting creative with your application materials and here’s how:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Crafting an effective cover letter is important for landing a job. |
| It’s important to tailor your cover letter to each specific job you apply for. |
| Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and highlight relevant skills and experience. |
| Avoid including personal information or common mistakes in your cover letter. |
| Showcasing your personality in your cover letter can help you stand out from other candidates. |
Should A Cover Letter Use First Person?
In a cover letter, the most personal you can get is to use the first person. Here’s why:
You are writing about yourself and your achievements. Using “I” here makes sense. For example, I am applying for this job because my experience in sales will be useful in this role at [Company].
You are writing about your skills and interests in the company or industry you’re applying for. Again, using “I” makes sense here letting them know that you have these skills is important! For example: Because I have experience as a marketing coordinator at [Company], I would love to help out with any marketing initiatives on behalf of [Company].
Crafting an effective cover letter can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Our guide on how to start writing a cover letter provides tips and tricks to help you get started and land that job.
What Pronouns Should A Cover Letter Use?
If you were to read a sentence that used the pronouns “we” and “us,” what would it be? Your first thought might be, “It’s a group of people talking!” That’s right! When you’re describing your team’s qualifications, use these pronouns. For example:
- We have years of experience in the industry.
- Our skills include pitching new clients and managing their accounts.
You can also use these words when describing yourself as part of a team (or even just an individual). For example:
My goal is to help companies grow through digital marketing strategies that are proven to work for them and I’m eager to show you some examples! Or: We went above and beyond by providing high-quality services at an affordable price point so our clients could focus on what matters most: their business goals.*
Should You Write About Your Personal Life In A Cover Letter?
Write about your personal life if it will help you get the job.
If you are applying for a job that requires travel, mention that you have a family and explain how you plan to manage that with your employer. If there is an opportunity for advancement in the future and it’s something that would be important to you, include that information as well.
You don’t want someone else applying who has different needs than yours or who is looking for more out of their career than what this position can provide.
It’s normal to be nervous when writing anything new, but try not to let fear stop you from doing what needs to be done-especially if those fears are based on something trivial like whether or not it’ll impress an interviewer!
Are you unsure of how cover letters work and what their purpose is? Our career advice on how cover letters work can help clear up any confusion and provide insights on how to make your cover letter stand out.
Should You Address Your Mental Health In A Cover Letter?
You may be wondering, “Should I include my mental health challenge in my cover letter?”
Maybe it’s something you’ve been asking yourself for a while. You might think, “I want to work at this company, but maybe they don’t want someone with a mental health challenge.” Or maybe you’re thinking, “This company seems like the perfect fit for me! But they won’t hire me if they know about my mental health challenge.”
We understand that it can feel scary to share any aspect of yourself especially if that part of your life has been hard. That’s why we encourage people with disabilities and other forms of difference to be honest and transparent about their experiences when applying for jobs.
We know firsthand how difficult it can be to disclose one’s disability (or any other part) on an application form or during an interview but there are also many benefits associated with being open about these things!
When Should You Also Submit A Writing Sample?
If you are applying for a creative position, you may also want to submit a writing sample. If your portfolio includes writing samples, submitting them is worth considering. The same goes for if you have a blog or published articles on your resume; including those would make me very happy!
If you’re funny or have a good sense of humor, it doesn’t hurt to include some jokes in your cover letter. I love having fun in my job and am always looking for ways to make myself laugh.
I also like having people around who are smart and quick-witted (and not afraid) because these qualities will help us work well together as we try new things together as part of our team at VSCO (we’re hiring!).
If the person reading your application has been working in their field long enough (like me), they may remember what it was like when they were just starting and this can be helpful if their early experience lines up with yours!
Even though there aren’t any hard rules about what type of experience makes someone more likely than others to succeed here at VSCO HQ it’s still nice when there’s some overlap between what they’ve already done before coming onboard today plus whatever else might be happening tomorrow.
What Else Should You Include In A Cover Letter?
If you’re applying for a position that requires you to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications, it’s also a good idea to include some additional information. The following is a list of things that should be in every cover letter:
- A list of your qualifications
- A list of your achievements
- A list of your skills
- A list of your references (if requested by the company or organization)
- Awards earned by yourself or others on behalf of the company or organization
Looking for comprehensive information on cover letters all in one place? Our career advice guide on all you need to know about cover letters is your go-to resource for crafting an effective cover letter and advancing your job search.
How Much Research Should You Do On The Company Before Writing Your Cover Letter?
You should do as much research about the company as possible. Doing your homework will help you with two things:
It shows that you are serious about this job opportunity, and it will help you show how your skills align with their mission, values, and culture.
You can also see if there is any information or ideas from them that you could use in your cover letter or resume!
How Much Humor Should You Include In Your Cover Letter?
The answer to the question “how much humor should you include in your cover letter?” is, as with most things, it depends. A little bit of levity can go a long way to putting the reader at ease and helping them connect with you as an individual.
You don’t want to be too funny, though; there are few things more off-putting than a joke that falls flat. Similarly, if your sense of humor leans too far toward the dry side or gets overly quirky, hiring managers will find it difficult to get past those qualities and focus on what you have to offer their company.
One way around this problem is by staying away from puns completely; they are almost always terrible (and yes I did just make one).
Wondering how important a cover letter is in the job application process? The answer is very! Check out our career advice on how important a cover letter is when applying for a job to understand why a well-written cover letter can make all the difference.
How Can You Get Creative With Cover Letters?
When it comes to standing out from the crowd, you’re probably already trying your best. But what if you could take it one step further? A cover letter is a great place to showcase your personality and show off your creativity.
If a hiring manager opens your letter and sees that you took the time to draw a little picture or write an original poem, they’ll want to meet with you in person ASAP. Here are some more ways to get creative with cover letters:
- Write your haikus! Hiring managers love them! (See above.)
- Use emojis instead of words they’re just as good at conveying emotion! (See below.)
Bring in props this could be anything from a tambourine and juggling balls to an inflatable bedazzled unicorn horn hat. Put on a live performance for whoever opens this letter! It might even win over their hearts enough that they hire someone who does music instead of writing content for websites about making money online
Do you find yourself asking whether or not a cover letter is necessary? Our career advice on how necessary cover letters are provides insights on why including a cover letter can boost your chances of landing a job and how to write one that sets you apart from the competition.
Conclusion
We hope these tips have helped you understand the many, many ways you can be personal in your cover letters. Remember that your cover letter is about more than just getting the job it’s a chance for you to show off what makes you unique, and it can help make a lasting impression on an employer.
So get creative! You never know when inspiration will strike or if there will be an opportunity to do something special. If we had one last piece of advice for anyone looking to stand out from their peers, it would be this: don’t let fear hold back any idea that pops into your head.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about crafting a cover letter that showcases your personality and skills, check out these resources:
Show Personality in a Cover Letter: Tips and Examples – This article provides tips on how to infuse your personality into your cover letter while still maintaining a professional tone.
How to Show Personality in Your Cover Letter – TopResume provides insights on how to showcase your personality and stand out in your cover letter to impress hiring managers.
What Not to Put in a Cover Letter – Before sending off your cover letter, make sure you’re not including any of these common mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing an interview.
FAQs
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, highlight relevant skills and experience, and provide examples of how you can contribute to the company. It should also be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and showcase your unique strengths and qualifications.
How long should my cover letter be?
A cover letter should generally be no more than one page in length. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing enough information to convince the hiring manager to invite you for an interview.
Should I include personal information in my cover letter?
It’s generally not necessary to include personal information in your cover letter, such as your age, marital status, or hobbies. Instead, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the position.
Can I use the same cover letter for every job I apply for?
While it may be tempting to use the same cover letter for multiple job applications, it’s best to tailor your cover letter to each specific job you’re applying for. This shows the hiring manager that you’ve taken the time to research the company and understand the requirements of the position.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Whenever possible, it’s best to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. This shows that you’ve done your research and are serious about the job. If you’re not sure who to address the letter to, it’s okay to use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager”.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
