10 Tips for Crafting a Stand-Out Cover Letter

In the competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the key to standing out from the crowd and landing your dream job. Here are ten tips to help you write an impressive cover letter that showcases your skills and personality.

1. Tell a Short Story:
   Engage the reader by incorporating a brief, relevant anecdote that illustrates your skills or passion for the industry. A compelling story in your first paragraph can make your cover letter more memorable and showcase your personality, while making the hiring manager want to continue reading.

2. Personalize Your Cover Letter:
   Every HR professional knows a generic cover letter when they see one. Your cover letter should be thoughtfully tailored to the specific job and company you're applying for by highlighting how your skills and accomplishments align with the requirements of the position and the organizational values. Bonus points if you’re able to lead with how your capabilities address the company challenges or goals.

3. Use Power Words:
   Employ strong, action-oriented verbs to convey confidence and impact. Instead of simply stating you "helped," consider using words like "orchestrated," "optimized," or "pioneered" to emphasize your past contributions. Even if confidence doesn’t come naturally, this is a great opportunity to mindfully own your worth.

4. Be a Culture Fit:
   Yes, AI can be a powerful tool to help you get a first draft, but you also risk sounding generic and overly formal. Employers not only seek candidates with the right skills but also those who will mesh well with the company culture. Be thoughtful in using language that reflects the tone and style of the company to show you understand and resonate with their brand. 

5. Mention Mutual Connections or Interactions:
   If you've had meaningful interactions with current employees or attended company events, briefly mention them in your cover letter. This can be as simple as having video chatted with a current employee for more information on the company or team, but it demonstrates your genuine interest in the company and its culture. Plus, the personalized touch makes them that much more likely to casually check your reference.

6. Be Concise and Readable:
   Keep your cover letter concise and focused. Aim for a length of three to four short paragraphs max to show your fit for the role and why the company is right for you. Be mindful of not breaking up your paragraphs simply because of length, but rather each having their own theme. An easy to follow format makes it more likely that the hiring manager will read your letter thoroughly.

7. Stand Out Visually:
   Create a visually appealing cover letter using a platform like Canva or even an Etsy template. Consider incorporating hyperlinks to relevant work samples, a short video introducing yourself, or links to your professional social media profiles. An interactive cover letter adds a modern, unexpected touch and gives you another platform for showcasing your personality.

8. Proofread Thoroughly:
   Even though this one seems like a no-brainer, it’s still a fast no-go for job applicants. Avoid the pitfalls of typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your cover letter meticulously or by asking a friend or colleague to review it. Better yet, use a free app like Grammarly for a second opinion. With so many free tools available, there’s simply no excuse for bad spelling and grammar.

9. Express Enthusiasm and Confidence:
   Convey your genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. This is where a short video intro can be a powerful accompaniment for helping you stand out. Clearly state why you are excited about the opportunity and how your unique skills make you the perfect fit. For many women, being consciously confident is a critical piece of this.

10. Demonstrate Knowledge of the Industry:
    The recreation, tourism and hospitality industries are ever evolving. Express your passion for the industry by showcasing your knowledge of current trends, shifting customer preferences, and market conditions that are likely impacting the company and role direction. This demonstrates to employers that you are not only interested in the job but also knowledgeable about the nuances of the field.

Crafting a standout cover letter is your key to making a lasting impression in a competitive job market. From engaging anecdotes to powerful language, personalize your approach to showcase not just your skills but also your fit with the company culture. Infuse personality, don’t skimp on proofreading, and let your enthusiasm lead you to your dream job.