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How to Write a Cover Letter that Stands Out
We’ve all been there: wanting to get started as a [Freelance] virtual assistant, but not sure how to get your foot in the door. In my experience, the best way to convince the company that you’re the right person for the job is to write an amazing cover letter.
The cover letter is the first thing your potential employer will read. It’s the first impression you’ll make and it is the most important aspect in getting your resume past the screening process. These letters can be tricky things to write, but trust me: if you want to get that job as a virtual assistant, you need to get it right.
Here are my top tips for nailing it:
- Tailor it to the job post. The more specific your cover letter is to what they’re looking for in a virtual assistant, the better chance you have of getting hired.
- Keep it short and simple. No one wants to read a novel. Be concise, get to the point, and show them exactly how your skills will be beneficial to them in their specific role. If your letter ends up being longer than three paragraphs, you’ve probably gone on too long!
- Highlight the things that make you uniquely suited for this position—things that maybe aren’t on your resume. Showcase your voice by giving them a glimpse at what you’d be like working with them. This is not about what you want or need from them; it’s about making them see what value you’ll bring to their team!
- Make sure your cover letter conveys why YOU are the best candidate for this job—not just any old virtual assistant will do! It should showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate directly to the job you’re applying for. You don’t need to go into great detail here; keep it brief and to the point.
- Don’t copy/paste generic cover letters from a template website! It’s super obvious when someone does this, and it doesn’t make you look good at all.
- If you can find out who’s hiring online and personalize your cover letter directly to them, do it! No one likes being addressed as ‘To Whom It May Concern’! Use their first name if possible or ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.
- Invite them to visit your website portfolio or include the link of your resume on your cover letter so they have an easy way of seeing your background, skills, and contact information.
- Include a call-to-action at the end of your letter – tell them that you’d like to speak with them further about this opportunity. “Thank you for your time and consideration” will not suffice: tell them what they should do next and how they can reach you.
Now that you know what a cover letter is, it is your turn to apply for a job. Remember to follow the sample and tips above on how to write an effective one. The more you practice, the better you get and in no time, it will become second nature to you and that’s how you will get hired.