Provisional Accounting Blog

Many job seekers mistakenly assume it’s acceptable to submit the same cover letter for every position — or that doing so is an entirely optional step. If this is your strategy, you probably haven’t had many interview requests because it is absolutely not okay to put anything less than 100% effort into each and every cover letter.

You only get one chance to make a first impression and your cover letter is it. Consequently, each one must be unique and written for the opportunity at-hand. This route definitely takes more time, but receiving an offer for a job you really want will make it well worth the extra work.

5 Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Outstanding

Supplement Your Resume

Use your cover letter to tell your story, because your professional history is already listed on your resume. This is your chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and create a compelling case for why you should be selected for an interview, so make every sentence count.

Focus on Your Strengths

When applying for a job you’re not quite qualified for, don’t use the cover letter to highlight your shortcomings and try to justify them. Instead, keep the tone positive by selling your strengths to convince the hiring manager to give you a chance, despite not meeting all the requirements.

Explain Why You’re a Great Fit

Hiring managers want to find a candidate who has both the skills to succeed at the job and the personality needed to fit in with the rest of the team. Prove you’re that person by carefully reviewing the organization’s website and social media pages to learn more about its company culture. Emulate the tone used online in your cover letter and highlight something about the culture that makes you really excited about the possibility of working for company.

Use Keywords

Companies often get more applications for each position than they could possibly ever review, so many use software to scan cover letters and resumes for certain keywords and phrases — and those without a high enough percentage are eliminated. These can be found in the job description, so review it carefully and try to incorporate anything used multiple times into your copy in a natural, flowing manner.

Get to the Point

Busy hiring managers don’t have time to read a long cover letter, so make yours short and succinct. Try to state your case in approximately three paragraphs, which should equal about half a page. Never go longer than one page, as no one will read it and rambling on will just make you look like an amateur.

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It’s a huge feeling of relief to accept a new job you’re really excited about. Now that you’ve signed your offer letter, bid your former colleagues farewell, and celebrated with family and friends, it’s time to start focusing on this exciting new venture.

Depending on how you felt about your prior manager, getting a fresh start with a new boss may be a welcome change or a tad bittersweet. Either way, adapting to life with your new boss must be a top priority, because the last thing you want is for them regret their hiring decision. Expect the process to be one of trial and error, but with a little time and patience you’ll get right back into your comfort zone.

3 Tips to Make a Great Impression on Your New Boss

Learning to work with a new boss is a major transition for both of you. Follow these three tips to show respect to your new supervisor and make it clear you’re eager to please.

Maintain a Positive Attitude.

The first impression you make on your new boss is entirely up to you, so choose to make it a great one. Not knowing what to expect from your manager is definitely intimidating, but displaying a negative outlook won’t get you anywhere. Put a smile on your face and remain optimistic that the two of you will really hit it off.

Align Your Expectations.

Get on the same page as your boss from day one by requesting a meeting to discuss their expectations. Find out their preferred communication style, the type of matters they want to be consulted on — and those they don’t — how your success in the position will be measured and what you should plan to accomplish during your first few months on the job.

Be Flexible.

No two managers are exactly the same, so you can expect things to be a little different now that you have a new supervisor. Display a willingness to adapt and accept changes as they come, even if they push you out of your comfort zone — and they will. You might feel out of your element for a while, but before long this will become your new normal.

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As a hiring manager, you’re more than aware that finding the right fit for the job isn’t usually an easy task. Sometimes the best candidate is the most obvious choice, but more often than not, you’ll need to do a little digging.

Instead of weighting your decision solely on a resume filled with past accomplishments, consider everything a person has to offer your organization in the future. Personality traits are a key aspect of this and five that commonly lead to greatness include:

Resolve

Everyone has hopes and dreams for the future, but candidates with the will to turn these visions into a reality are exactly who you need on your team. A will for the work is innate, so choose someone with this level of passion in their eyes and watch them flourish.

Authenticity

If a candidate gives a distinct vibe during one interview and is on the other end of the spectrum in the next, they’re probably not being genuine. Skip this person and keep searching until you find someone who is always true to themselves, because you need team members that can be trusted.

Faith

Sometimes the going gets rough, but those with faith in their vision, themselves and your company don’t consider giving up. These people have a firm grip on their truth and wouldn’t dream of compromising themselves for an easy solution. As steadfast optimists, these people help your team see the big picture.

Inspiring

No one wants to work with a super competitive colleague who is always trying to bring them down. People with the ability to encourage and inspire everyone around them are a huge asset to entire the team. These employees unite everyone and bring out the best in each person.

Fearless

Great employees know innovation can’t happen unless they’re willing to take a risk. Instead of fearing failure, they welcome new ventures and learn from their mistakes. Taking the easy route by playing it safe doesn’t interest these people, because they’re always up for a good challenge.

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Choosing the right person for the job is one of the most difficult parts of being a manager. To an extent, hiring decisions are always a bit of a gamble, but slowing down and giving careful consideration to each candidate can make all the difference. No matter how much of a rush you’re in to fill the position, you must make time to ensure it’s a choice you feel confident in.

Consider These 4 Factors Before Extending a Job Offer

Cultural Fit

It’s only natural to be drawn to the candidate with the most impressive resume, but that alone doesn’t make them the right choice for your team. According to an analysis by software company RoundPegg, new hires who are considered a good cultural fit are 27.2% less likely to quit during their first 18 months of employment. Ensuring the candidate’s personality, beliefs, and values match that of your organization can make all the difference.

Feedback Received

As a responsible employer, you certainly included other members of your team in at least the final stages of the interview process and called your top contenders’ references, so really listen to what everyone has to say. When it comes to certain candidates, you may unknowingly have blinders on that cause you to miss red flags, so it’s important to take everyone’s thoughts and opinions into consideration — even if you aren’t initially in agreement — to make the best possible decision.

Future Plans

The hiring process is incredibly stressful, time-consuming, and expensive so you want to choose a candidate with a desire to build a future at your company. Of course, there’s never a guarantee the person will work out, but keep their future career goals in mind when making the decision, to ensure these aims can be achieved at your company.

Enthusiasm

The best employees are those who are truly passionate about their work and consider the job more than just a way to earn a paycheck. For your company to thrive, you need a team of people eager to learn and grow, who are always willing to push the envelope. If a candidate displayed even the slightest hint of laziness or a bad attitude in the job interview — when presumably on their best behavior — imagine what they’ll be like when their true colors shine.

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