Did you know that on average 118 people apply for any given job opening? This means that if you’re looking for a new digital marketing job, you’re up against a lot of competition.
How can you stand out from the crowd? While there are lots of tips out there, one of the best things you can do is to improve your cover letter.
Here we’ll address the tips you need to have the perfect digital marketing cover letter.
Start By Addressing the Hiring Manager
At the start of your cover letter, it’s customary to address the company. But many times, people just write something like, “To whom it may concern.”
To stand out, you should address the hiring manager specifically. But what if you don’t know who the hiring manager is? This is where you need to put in some work.
Here are some ways to find this out:
- Do some online sleuthing. Check out LinkedIn to see who the manager is for your position.
- Call the company directly and ask for the name of that hiring manager
- Connect with any contacts you have at the company to see if they know.
When you are able to direct your letter specifically to the hiring manager, your cover letter will make a great impression. And it shows that you care.
Get to the Point
Another crucial tip: you don’t need a lengthy introduction. Start your cover letter by getting straight to the point.
Begin your first line by introducing yourself and your intent. Then jump into why you are the right fit for the role.
To do this, analyse the job description. What are the main skills they’re looking for? What types of experience do they want in a candidate?
Also keep an eye out for repeated phrases and keywords. Do they ask for a team player multiple times? Then be sure to include examples of your teamwork in your cover letter.
Do they want someone who knows HTML and CSS? Be sure to mention these skills as well.
Don’t Just Repeat Your Resume
This is a mistake that many people make–their cover letter is just a repetition of their resume. While your digital marketing resume is a broad overview of your experience, your cover letter should explain things more in-depth.
For example, if your resume mentions that you led a large-scale project, use your cover letter to explain the details. This is a great chance to point out the skills you developed through a certain project.
You can also think of your cover letter as a place to highlight the best moments of your career so far. So instead of just repeating your job history, point out specific experiences that show your value.
Remember that Every Word Counts
Your cover letter is the first thing a potential employer will see when you apply for a position. And they’re likely dealing with a huge number of candidates. In fact, 40% of hiring managers spend less than a minute reviewing each resume.
To stand out from the crowd, be concise. You only have one page and you don’t want to go on long tangents in your writing.
Instead, keep your copy focused and purposeful. While yes, you should detail some key experiences, you don’t need to take three paragraphs to highlight one moment. That’s simply too long.
A good strategy is to write your cover letter and then do several rounds of edits to make it more concise. Cut out the fluff and then come back a few days later and make even more cuts.
Also do some research on the tone of the business’ brand and try to match it. Are they a casual agency? Are they an old-fashioned law firm looking for a digital marketer?
Check out their website copy to get an idea of how formal you should be.
Finish with a Strong CTA
The end of your digital marketing cover letter is where you should make your final pitch. Why should the company hire you over all the other candidates? This is your chance to explain your position.
Think of your conclusion like a lawyer’s closing statement. This is your opportunity to make your case. What value will you bring to the company and why are you the best choice?
Be sure to include the skills that will make you successful. Also paint the picture of you at that company. Explain what your future at that business would look like and how you would make a difference.
You could tie your past successes to their future, showing how you have the necessary skills to make it happen.
Finish by inviting them to get in touch with you. Include your email address and phone number and don’t be afraid to mention that you’re looking forward to hearing back from them.
You can also mention how you’re eager for the opportunity to come in for an interview.
All of these things will help you close in a super-strong way.
The Digital Marketing Cover Letter Tips You Need
Now that you’ve read all about these digital marketing cover letter tips, what’s next? It’s time to put these ideas into practice in your career search.
Start by analysing the current state of your cover letter. Then think about what you need to change. Take a look at this list and then craft your action plan.
There are lots of other things you can do to grow your career, including writing the perfect digital marketing resume.
Also check out our posts if you’re looking for additional tips to move your digital marketing career forward.
