Cover letters bring a certain kind of stress since it can make or break one's application. However, there are some details that are actually not worth obsessing over.
It is important to have a cover letter that has no grammatical or syntactical errors. Plus, checking and double-checking the information included in one's cover letter is a must and can give the applicant a positive impression from the hiring manager.
While some may get stuck in the little details, there are a few things that are not as important for employers. USA Today College shared three details that recruiters tend to overlook and what candidates should focus on instead.
Don't be too worried about how your cover letter looks
Of course, layout is still important. But, there shouldn't be a problem as long as it's neat and readable. Moreover, your cover letter will not impress the recruiter if its content is poorly-written; no matter how visually stunning a document may be.
Applicants should focus more on readability. If there's too much going on in one's cover letter, it can actually reduce the chances of the recruiter reading it - rendering it useless. Make sure to use simple, readable font and make sure that the design is not overpowering the cover letter's contents.
Don't be too concerned about formality
Most companies today no longer place too much emphasis on formality. While it is important to get the information included in one's cover letter right, being too formal is not as necessary as before.
Instead, prospective employees should focus on letting one's personality shine through the words of the cover letter. Candidates ought to show employers and hiring managers their excitement over the job through the cover letter. Tailoring one's message to each company can make one stand out.
Don't be overly troubled about putting in every detail
Just put the most relevant things needed for one's application to get to the initial phase of the recruitment process. Save some details for the interview.
Cover letters should ideally just take up one page and resumes, as a good rule of thumb, should be as few pages as possible depending on one's relevant work experiences. Candidates should focus on what they can contribute to the company that they are applying for.
