Every day, I review numerous cover letters from job seekers. I encounter a wide range of quality, from excellent to poor cover letters.

Consequently, I have become the preferred recruiter for feedback on job applications, including cover letters, bios, and CVs. My experience allows me to quickly scan cover letters and identify missing elements or potential turn-offs for hiring managers.

While I can't predict the thoughts of every person who reads your cover letter, I can share the advice I give to my closest friends seeking employment.

1. The Opening

I swiftly check the document for any disqualifying words, such as spelling and grammatical errors, salutation, layout, and structure.

Using salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” suggests to the hiring manager that the applicant did not make an effort to address it to the correct person by name, like Dear Mr. Tom Higgins or Dear Ms. Rasha Al Marzoo, due to insufficient research. This may indicate a generic cover letter used for mass applications, potentially leading to the applicant's rejection.

2. Constant Thanking

Avoid over-thanking the hiring manager excessively for reviewing your application, as it can make you appear desperate (even if you are). This can create a mediocre impression of your candidacy.

Show genuine interest by crafting a cover letter that connects the job post with your experience, qualifications, and skills. Highlight your achievements that make your CV compelling and your candidacy ideal for the position.

3. The Opening Punch

Reading the same opening lines in every cover letter is tedious. It's crucial for your cover letter to stand out. Your opening line and paragraph should be engaging, professional, and direct. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job, just as you do with your CV.

Consider these examples:

• “I have always aspired to be a telecom engineer since my 9th-grade teacher noticed my passion for repairing her broken mobile with a new motherboard.”

• “My management philosophy is simple: I aim to be the leader I would want to work for.”

• “During my three years at ABC company, I boosted our average quarterly sales by 45%.”

See how these examples entice you to keep reading? That's half the battle won.

Moreover, it makes you memorable, which is beneficial in a competitive applicant pool.

4. The Examples

The goal is not only to show you are qualified but to prove you are more qualified than other applicants.

Highlight what sets you apart so the hiring manager sees why you merit further consideration — you want to be unforgettable.

A lengthy list of skills can blend into every other similarly formatted cover letter. Just as you used a unique opener, apply the same approach to your examples. You can still include skill lists but break them up with personal touches (like those in your bio) to provide better insight into your personality.

Here's an example:

If I'm in a conference room and the video isn't working, I don't just call IT and wait. I'll crawl under the table, check all the connections, and try to resolve the issue immediately.

Lines like this not only lighten your letter but also highlight your soft skills. I conveyed that I'm a proactive problem solver without explicitly stating it.

Ensure your cover letter stands out for all the right reasons. Before submitting, take a few minutes to ensure you're presenting your best (and most memorable) self.