Why Write a Targeted Cover Letter?

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If you have ever been on a search for a job, it is likely that you have at some point written a cover letter, with which you have applied for a job of your choice. Probably, you used a ready template for a “universal” type of cover letter, where all you need to do is fill in your own details, and you can use it to apply for virtually any position at any company.

The Targeted cover letter, on the other hand, allows you to specifically address the position you are applying for, as well as the motivation and reasons for being interested in stepping into this position.

The Targeted cover letter will more likely attract your potential Employer’s attention, since it will be specifically targeted toward their unique organization and the exact position. It will imply that you have a more special interest, because you have spent time especially for writing this certain cover letter. Let’s see how you can start working on writing a Targeted cover letter of your own now…

Make sure you point out that you are the perfect candidate for the position

The most important factor to keep in mind, when composing a targeted Cover Letter, is to make sure you are pointing out the skills, competence levels and personal characteristics in accordance to those, which the Employer has requested for in the job advert. You should also write down your own goals for the future and your career, in accordance to the major goals of the Organization you are applying for. The goals and the mission can be easily accessed at the Organization’s website, their presentation or even through their slogan.

Another good idea, is to look for ways of communicating with current and former employees of the Organization you are planning to apply for. This will come in handy for accessing “inside” information and further tips on how to make your cover letter even more company-specific and targeted. You can easily access such people through social networks such as Linkedln, where certain people may be willing to give you advice and communicate with you – sometimes for free but sometimes for a monthly fee.

Get it touch with your inner feelings about this job

A good tip is to explore the actual reasons why you want to get this specific job. So, you have already found an Employer and job position, whose requirements match your competence, skills and experience? The question is why is it, you really want this job? It is always flattering for the Employer and an excellent incentive for them to chose you if your personal and career goals match those of the company you are applying for.

This, of course doesn’t mean you should overdo the personal flattering and begin to sound like a totally narcissistic person. Just stick to your passions, and point out why your candidacy is so good for the certain job. After all, the final goal of this Targeted cover letter is to grab the attention of the potential Employer, and to convince him or her that you are the best person for this job.

Writing a Targeted cover letter may be more time-consuming than filling in a universal cover letter template, but in the long run it is much more likely to capture the interest of the Employer, win you an interview, and possibly get you the desired job. All you need to do is to actually analyze why you want this job and how you can be the perfect match for this exact position.

Get started with your Targeted cover letter, and sooner than you know it, you will be closer to getting the job of your dreams.

Related articles

• How to Write a Cover Letter That Employers Will Actually Read(lifehacker.com)

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• Internships & cover letters(thejobcouncil.wordpress.com)

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• Cover Letter Example – Unemployed(career-advice.monster.co.uk)

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