Even a brief cover letter can outshine a long resume when it comes to landing an offer. This tool helps applicants show genuine interest, clear communication, and the ability to present ideas concisely. Sergei Belov, founder of ADV Cake, Russia’s largest platform for CPAs, shared with socialbites.ca how to craft a compelling cover letter and boost the chances of receiving a positive response.
HR teams review hundreds of letters daily. They may skim rather than read every word, so the opening lines should quickly reveal who the candidate is. When an interviewer has to struggle to understand the letter, it’s likely to be set aside. A straightforward approach helps ensure the reader stays engaged from the start.
Adopt an informative tone. The letter should be easy to follow. Avoid long, winding sentences. Aim for honesty, accuracy, and brevity.
Be polite. Skip generic salutation blocks. Greet the HR representative or company leader, mention where you found the opening, and explain why you’re interested. Conclude with appreciation for the consideration given to your application.
Highlight the experience, knowledge, and skills that align with the job. Review the required qualifications and point out the ones you satisfy. Use keywords from the job description. Emphasize strong capabilities that will support the company’s goals.
To do this effectively, study the company’s website—understand its mission, products, and how you could add value. Belov notes that many interviewees don’t fully grasp what the company does. Being prepared and describing how you can help can set you apart from other candidates.
When detailing past roles, mention concrete results and figures you achieved. Share only information that would interest a potential employer.
Be precise. If a given credential is not related to the role, skip it. For a marketing position, it’s more valuable to show planning and budgeting skills, plus an understanding of how advertising is created and launched. Don’t hesitate to highlight achievements and present them confidently.
Avoid clichés. Phrases like “stress-resistant and quick to learn” tend to depersonalize the letter. Maintain self-respect and avoid begging or pressuring a recruiter to review your resume.
Set aside personal feelings. Don’t send messages that read as emotional pleas such as “I’ve dreamed of this role for years” or “Please give me a chance.” The expert emphasized this point.
Keep decorum and professional distance, even if the job posting appears informal.
Writers should not start with a casual, overly familiar tone. A message that begins with “Hello! I don’t know what to say about myself. Let’s get to know each other” often comes off as unprofessional and can undermine credibility.
Spelling and punctuation matter. If confidence in language accuracy is low, consult themed resources or ask someone to proofread the letter.
Begin by greeting the recruiter or company manager, state the position applied for, and explain why it interests you. Include relevant experience and, if needed, add three to five key skills that align with the job. A set of competencies that could elevate the company’s status is a plus. End with thanks and provide contact information such as email or phone number. Save the file with your full name to help the employer identify the documents and simplify the tracking process, particularly in organizations with many applicants.
In the past, Russians received tips on avoiding difficult behavior at a first job, a reminder that making a positive impression matters from the very start.