The Job Application Miscalculation That Could Cost You The Role

Stand out from the crowd.

Most job searchers spend hours working on their resumes, and rightly so. A well-written resume should scream job fit from the page, and taking the time to customize your application can make a difference.

But, if you’re not getting responses or interview requests, you’re likely making one of the biggest miscalculations in the job search process.

Recruiters are dealing with high volumes. When they have hundreds of online submissions to go through, they are quickly looking for a way to make their job easier and locate the perfect gem.

How to separate yourself from other candidates

The average resume reviewer judges an application in 7 seconds. If you want the job, you need to do whatever it takes to grab attention and make the hiring team want to learn more about you. 

To differentiate yourself from every other applicant, you need to go beyond the resume: you need to include a knock-out cover letter.

Many applicants miss the opportunities that a cover letter brings – and downright skip the step, even when it’s a required part of the process.

I get it. Creating an effective cover letter takes time and effort. Writing the letter can be anxiety-provoking, and it can be really tempting to avoid doing it. But, the omission of a cover letter is a miscalculation that can cost you the interview, and ultimately, your perfect role.

Skipping a cover letter is skipping the story.

Even a perfect resume cannot tell the story about why you should get hired, something a busy recruiter needs to know before they consider moving you to the interview stage.

Here are the crucial opportunities that you don’t want to miss in a cover letter, that ultimately form a story about your candidacy:

1.    Explain why you want the job.

Pique the reader’s interest from the get-go!  Your resume can’t explain why you are enthusiastic about this job. Take this chance to share your passion for their cause, your experience with their product or service, or anything that indicates your connection to the business. Why? Because employees who share the company vision are more likely to be engaged, high performers.

2.    Demonstrate that you understand the essential requirements of the job.

Mirroring the language from the job posting, illustrate how you check all of the boxes on the employer’s must-have list. Take this chance to bullet out how your skills and abilities relate to the role.

3.    Humanize your application.

Take this chance to reveal your personality. Using a polite and professional yet conversational tone, make a personal connection to the organization. Go for warm and earnest, and you can't go wrong!

4.    Showcase your writing ability.

A resume is mostly a point-form document. A cover letter requires you to organize your thoughts and use language in a precise and creative way.

5.    Outline exactly why you’d be the best candidate.

Close by painting a picture of how you’d contribute to the organization. Summarize your qualifications and confidence with your ability to make a difference. Make the recruiter want to look no further than your submission and accept your call to action.

When your job application includes a well-positioned cover letter, your story will be complete, and you will increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Lisa Petsinis is a certified Career and Life Coach and former Human Resources Leader who works with resourceful individuals uncover and communicate their brilliance so they can land a job they'll love. Contact Lisa to learn more about her services and her unique insider's view and make meaningful progress in your career starting today.