Cover Letter Customization: 5 Tips for Making The Cut

The major job boards allow you to create and store your cover letter.  This feature makes it quick and easy for applicants to include a generic cover letter with each resume submission. It’s as easy as clicking a box. I urge you to think before you click. Using this feature is a trap that derails your chances of making the cut.  If you’re serious about a position, please avoid this trap.  Here’s why.

What Are Resume Screeners Looking For?

HR resume screeners are charged with the task seeking job fit.  But they often have to sift through mass quantities of resumes that don’t match their laundry list of qualifications. It then becomes an overwhelming job.

Let’s remember that you’re selling yourself. And the first step in your selling process is securing the initial interview. No matter what you’re selling, it is important to make it easy for your prospects to buy.  In this case, you’re selling the idea that YOU are the ideal fit for the job compared to a horde of other applicants.

How Can You Make Yourself Easy to Buy?

First remember:

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

In this case, your first impression is your cover letter.  Resume screeners don’t have time to read every word in either your resume or your cover letter.  So they visually scan them in their effort to check off their list of qualification needs. If your cover letter is generic or catch-all, it does little to make your talent easy to buy.

If making yourself easy to buy was easy, everyone would do it.  But they don’t.  So a customized cover letter is an opportunity for you to show that:

1. You’re a great fit.
2. You pay attention to details.
3. and that you will…

Go the Extra Mile

Job board postings typically give you all the information that you need to structure a cover letter that increases your chances of making the cut. That information is in the list of qualifications.  Screeners need to complete their qualification checklist.  If your cover letter makes their job easier, what does that do for your chances for making the cut?

5 Tips for Effective Cover Letter Customization

Here is a proven, step-by-step process for improving your chance of making the cut:

1. Go to the job posting and copy the qualification list into a Word document.
2. For each qualification create a bullet point that describes how you meet or exceed their needs.
3. Use every possible opportunity to write about quantifiable achievements instead of just activities
4. Don’t be reluctant to use resume bullet points as you customize.  There’s a marketing axiom: Say it well and say it often.
5. Preface your checklist of qualifications with a sentence like:

I’m confident that you’ll discover that my talent and background are an ideal fit for ___________ (name the position):

You then have the content that you need to send a customized cover letter that makes it easy for the screener to green light your resume through for their next step.

The Choice is Yours

You can present yourself like everyone else.  Or, you can stand out as a qualified candidate who clearly communicates and brings an extra effort to the job.  Make a conscious choice before clicking the same cover letter check box as your less qualified competitors.

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