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When you're looking for an internship or a job, your resume is the most important asset you can have. It's the key component of a job application and what will get you the highly desired interview. It's your first chance at wowing the hiring manager and is your opportunity to showcase skills, experience, and personality. To accompany your resume and provide the reader with greater insight as to why they should contact you for an interview, you'll need to craft a cover letter.
However, for many, the cover letter is the arduous part of writing! The possibilities of what to write are endless and can be quite overwhelming. To help you create a compelling cover letter that will get you noticed, here are some tips on phrases that you shouldn't be using.
The Wrong Company Name
Many candidates usually use the same cover letter for all their job applications, doing small tweaks and changes so that it fits the company. While this is okay, you need to make sure that you always change the company name. Go through the cover letter to make sure everything is changed for the specific company or role that you're applying to or else your resume goes straight to the dump pile.
Using the phrase "I Think I'd be A Great Fit"
This phrase is commonly used on cover letters, but you need to stop using it ASAP! The phrase, "I think," makes the reader question your confidence in your cover letter and your duties if you should get the position. You don't want anyone to "think" you are a good fit for the job, but "know" that you are. To not come across as arrogant, you should also stay away from the words "idea" or "best." Instead, focus on your skill set required for the position.
Using the phrase "This Job Would Help Me"
Know that the hiring manager isn't there to help you with what you want, so skip this phrase and focus more on what you can do for the company. You should wait until you get the position to start going over what you would like from the company.
Using the phrase "To Whom It May Concern"
This phrase is so outdated! Never use it anymore. If you know the name of the hiring manager, use it. Also, skip the phrase "Dear Sir or Madam." Do your research and look for the name of the person who will read your cover letter. And if you can't find a specific name, use "Dear Hiring Manager."
Stay away from clichéd words
Don't use words like "dynamic," "detail-oriented," and "outside-the-box thinker," because they are already overused. These are cliché adjectives that make hiring managers cringe. Instead, describe what sort of work potential you have using examples.