Cover letters: Some recruiters love them and some ignore them. Executives & managers seem to care more (Top Resume stated that 90% of executives read cover letters). Our take? It can't hurt, but only when well crafted.

While the importance of cover letters and the right cover letter template can vary across industries and roles, crafting a compelling one can significantly elevate your job application. Odyseek's advanced AI cover letter generator, powered by our Career AI with a Human Eye™ technology, takes into account the nuances and expectations of hiring professionals to help you create a cover letter that resonates and complements your resume.

If you’re still wondering “How to write a cover letter”? Our advice and top tips are below, but if you want to keep it easy for yourself we built all these tips and more into our cover letter builder on Odyseek.com. Within minutes create a dynamic profile and use our AI tools to help craft your value story and utilize our AI cover letter generator.

1: Keep it short and sweet

Be concise. Don't go over one page, make sure that it's well structured and easy to read. Bullet points are a great way to formulate highlights.

2: Address the hiring manager

Find out the hiring manager (e.g. LinkedIn) and address the letter to that contact. You should be able to see which role the job is reporting to and then do a search. This is a great way to stand out. Can’t find the hiring manager? "Dear Hiring Team" would work.

3: Start with a catchy opener

Seize the reader's attention. Ideas include: share how you feel when using the company’s product, a tagline of who you are, a childhood memory or a funny story about your biggest mistake and what you learned.

4: Include details beyond your resume

Humanize your resume. Speak to your passions, philosophies on prioritization, or your unique ways in motivating & leading a team. This is also a great opportunity for you to connect the dots of your career for the reader.

5: Use metrics and data highlights

Show your impact. Definitely include numbers or figures to validate your achievements.

6: Show your value, not your flaws

Tell your future employer how you would make a difference. This could be done in impact statements about your key strengths. Lastly, don't talk about your weaknesses or what you lack. It's your time to brag.

7: Self promote with some flair

Be yourself. Be comfortable with allowing your personality to come through on the page. No need to be stuffy. This is your chance for them to get to know you in your own words.

8: Be creative, unless...

Cover letters are where you can be a little more creative, not suitable for resumes. We've had candidates create short stories or videos. This is your time to stand out. The only caveat to this— if the company asks for a letter in a specific format, make sure to follow their instructions.

9: Avoid boiler plate cover letters

Create a unique cover letter for each role. Try to avoid using cookie cutter cover letter templates that are obvious. Again, this is your opportunity to go beyond your resume and allow your personality to pop across a sea of other cover letters.

10: Proofread and proofread again

Like your resume, make sure to proofread and avoid grammatical or spelling errors. Your cover letter is essentially a writing & communication sample. This can hurt your chances if you have a sloppy cover letter. Have someone you trust review and get their feedback.

Leverage Odyseek's advanced tool to craft a cover letter that captivates and convinces. Our Career AI with a Human Eye™ technology ensures that your letter is not only polished but also aligns with what industry leaders and hiring managers seek. By integrating thousands of data points from hiring professionals, our tool provides tailored advice, ensuring your cover letter advances your application effectively.

In a landscape where some may question the relevance of cover letters, making yours impactful can be a decisive factor in your job search. Let Odyseek guide you in transforming your application into a compelling narrative that champions your career aspirations.

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