Many applicants for IT jobs do not spend much time writing their cover letter, and that could cost them some quality interviews. A badly written or missing cover letter can seriously push back your IT job search. Given below are some tips to help you write a winning cover letter.
Customize your cover letter for each position
If you want to make a unique cover letter that stands out among other applications, you should customize it to fit the job description of the position you are applying for. When a job applicant sends a cover letter that directly addresses the job advertisement instead of just sending a generic letter, he or she is more likely to be called for the interview.
Use the cover letter to show your passion
Recruiters and HR personnel are more likely to take notice of cover letters that have some passion in them. It is always good to discuss your professional facts in your cover letter, but that is just one element of a good sales pitch. You also need to show how much you can contribute towards the growth of the company and your passion for your job. Given below is an example of how you can relay passion through your cover letter.
“This position in your company will allow me to combine my interest in network security and wireless networking, and I am confident that I can help implement major upgrades in the internal network while keeping security levels high.”
Highlight key accomplishments
Your past accomplishments can be a good predictor of your future performance, so highlight key accomplishments in your career to show employers that you have been and can be a top performer. Recruiters would always like to see how an applicant’s technical accomplishments have made them valuable to their previous company. Below is an example of how to highlight a professional accomplishment.
“In 2024, I designed and delivered a technology solution that improved productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction beyond their targets. The bottom line impacts for the company crossed the $1 million mark.”
Use relevant terms in your letter
Recruiters and hiring managers looking to fill an IT job opening want job-related skills in applicants, so make sure to add relevant technical terms in your cover letter. In the technology industry, it is especially important to showcase the technical skills needed for the job. For example, your cover letter should highlight your proficiency in Java if a certain job opening calls for it, and this should preferably be mentioned at the beginning of your letter.
Do not lie on your cover letter
While it is important to mention your skills in your cover letter, do not include those in which you are not proficient. It may seem tempting to exaggerate certain technical skills, but it is seldom a good idea. For example, do not mention HTML proficiency if your knowledge of the language is limited. If you mention them, you may end up in an awkward position if the recruiter questions you about them later on.