Maybe some people like writing cover letters, but if you’re like me, you have a mostly hate relationship with sitting down to a creative bragging writing session. Whether you love or hate writing your cover letter, you still have to do it, so you might as well figure out a way to make yours great.
Your cover letter may be directed toward a recruiter, but at other times it will go in front of a program manager – especially if you’re in the final phase of review before interview candidates are selected. In that case, your cover letter could be the thing that gets you the interview and leads to the job. Follow these ten tips to help you stand out to the PM.
1. Avoid generalities
You may have to address your cover letter to “To whom it may concern” or “Program Manager for XYZ Project,” but that should be the only generic part of your cover letter. The primary takeaway is that it should be apparent to the PM that you did not just check the cover letter box with a template. A generic cover letter that is not tailored to the position you are applying for will be ignored and it could be a strike against you.
2. Think EXSUM.
At the very least, mention the job you are seeking, but you shouldn’t stop there. Highlight your skills and capabilities – as they relate to the job. Your cover letter acts as an executive summary for a busy PM who doesn’t even want to be dealing with the hiring process in the midst of managing budgets, schedules, and work products.
3. It’s not about you.
Talk about the company and what you can bring to the company. Don’t talk about how great the company or position will be for you – because the PM isn’t too concerned with your work-life balance. When you are joining a project, you are joining a team that the PM is responsible to run, so the PM really cares how you will integrate into the team and how you can contribute.
4. No time for negativity.
Your cover letter is not the time to highlight the skills you don’t have. You want to get an interview, so don’t do anything that will reduce your chances of getting that step. Highlight what you do have and what you can do, but don’t talk about the negatives or weaknesses. Those can come up in an interview in a face-to-face conversation, if necessary.
5. Tell a story.
If you have a story to tell, don’t be afraid to tell it. Did you have a friend or family member work at the company that inspired you? Don’t be afraid to bring your story or experience to life for the PM.
6. Avoid formality.
Cover letters may be awkward to write, but the canned formalities do not win you any points. You don’t need to say that you are “conveying your interest” or are “excited about the opportunity for XYZ Corporation.” Remember that PMs are hiring team members, so you want to be sincere and approachable.
7. Avoid Jargon.
Remove the fluffy team player, people person descriptors. They earn you zero points.
8. Be Normal (Seriously).
Write in a direct and normal voice. Extra adverbs and adjectives do not equal creative writing, but they do make a letter more annoying to read. Honest and genuine writing will be refreshing to a PM.
9. Get a gut check.
Have a trusted friend give you a gut check on your cover letter. See how your wording strikes them. Let them ask follow up questions that you could get in an interview to see if anything may seem like it’s a stretch. You are trying to land an interview, but ultimately, you want the job. So be sure you are accurately conveying your message.
10. Edit. Then Edit Again.
Don’t forget to edit. Don’t ignore spell-check. But don’t stop there. Either use online tools or friends to check for wordiness or hard to understand phrases. Find the sentences that use the passive voice so you can switch to active voice. The PM does not have time for a full-page letter, so find ways to be as succinct as possible.
When it comes to cover letters, it’s not about all the rules or a great template. It’s about understanding your audience and finding a way to stand out to them. Be memorable – in a good way.
