Cover Letter Not Working? Truths You Need to Know

So, you’re sending out cover letters...crickets, right? You're not alone. Most job seekers treat cover letters like an afterthought, a formality. Big mistake. In today's competitive job market, a killer cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the applicant black hole. This isn’t just about good writing; it’s about strategic positioning.

Why Your Cover Letter Sucks (and How to Fix It)

Let's be blunt. If your cover letter isn't getting you interviews, it sucks. Harsh, but true. The good news? It’s fixable. The biggest problem I see with cover letters is that they rehash the resume. Recruiters don’t need a summary of what they’ve already read. They need to know why they should hire you specifically for this role. What unique value do you bring?

Here's the brutal truth: generic cover letters go straight into the trash.

Stop Writing Your Life Story

Seriously, no one cares about your childhood dream of becoming an astronaut (unless you’re applying to NASA). Focus on the skills and experience that directly relate to the job description. Tailor each cover letter to the specific position and company.

Fix This Today: The "So What?" Test

Every sentence in your cover letter should answer the "So what?" question. For example:

• You write: "I have strong communication skills."
• Recruiter thinks: "So what? Everyone says that."
• Better: "In my previous role, I increased customer satisfaction by 15% by implementing a new communication protocol."
• Recruiter thinks: "Okay, that's impressive. Tell me more."

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Numbers speak louder than words.

Your Cover Letter is Invisible. Here’s Why

Think about how recruiters read cover letters. They skim. They scan. They’re looking for keywords and evidence that you’re a good fit. If your cover letter is a wall of text, it’s going straight to the bottom of the pile.

Here's how to make your cover letter visible:

• Use bullet points: Break up large blocks of text and highlight key achievements.
• Use strong action verbs: Start sentences with words like "Achieved," "Led," "Developed," "Implemented."
• Keep it concise: Aim for one page. No one wants to read a novel.
• Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS to filter applications. Make sure your cover letter includes relevant keywords from the job description.

Don't Be a Robot: Show Some Personality

While it's important to be professional, don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Inject some of your authentic self into your cover letter. This will help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of just stating your qualifications, demonstrate them through specific examples. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation.
• Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced.
• Action: Describe the actions you took to address the challenge.
• Result: Quantify the results of your actions.

Example:

• Situation: Our team was facing a critical deadline for a major project.
• Task: I was responsible for coordinating the efforts of multiple team members to ensure the project was completed on time.
• Action: I implemented a daily stand-up meeting to track progress and identify any roadblocks. I also developed a project management tool to streamline communication and collaboration.
• Result: As a result of my efforts, we completed the project on time and under budget, exceeding client expectations.

The "Cover Letter Checklist" of DOs and DON'Ts:

DO:

• Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use strong action verbs.
• Keep it concise and to the point.
• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
• Address the hiring manager by name (if possible).
• Show, don't just tell.

DON'T:

• Rehash your resume.
• Use generic phrases or clichés.
• Write a wall of text.
• Lie or exaggerate your qualifications.
• Focus on what you want; focus on what you can offer.
• Forget to include a call to action.

Stop Wasting Time: Start Getting Results

Your cover letter is your first impression. Make it count. Don’t let it be the reason you’re not getting interviews. It’s time to ditch the generic templates and start crafting cover letters that showcase your unique value proposition.

I know this seems like a lot of work. But think of it this way: a well-written cover letter is an investment in your future. It's worth the time and effort to get it right.

Ready to Take Your Cover Letter to the Next Level?

At www.atsresume.com.au, we specialise in crafting cover letters that get results. We understand the Australian job market and know what recruiters are looking for. Our team of expert writers will work with you to create a cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and personality.

Next Steps:

Upload your resume below for personalised feedback, or email us at info@atsresume.com.au. Let us help you land your dream job! You deserve it.

So, you’re sending out cover letters...crickets, right? You're not alone. Most job seekers treat cover letters like an afterthought, a formality. Big mistake. In today's competitive job market, a killer cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the applicant black hole. This isn’t just about good writing; it’s about strategic positioning.

Why Your Cover Letter Sucks (and How to Fix It)

Let's be blunt. If your cover letter isn't getting you interviews, it sucks. Harsh, but true. The good news? It’s fixable. The biggest problem I see with cover letters is that they rehash the resume. Recruiters don’t need a summary of what they’ve already read. They need to know why they should hire you specifically for this role. What unique value do you bring?

Here's the brutal truth: generic cover letters go straight into the trash.

Stop Writing Your Life Story

Seriously, no one cares about your childhood dream of becoming an astronaut (unless you’re applying to NASA). Focus on the skills and experience that directly relate to the job description. Tailor each cover letter to the specific position and company.

Fix This Today: The "So What?" Test

Every sentence in your cover letter should answer the "So what?" question. For example:

• You write: "I have strong communication skills."
• Recruiter thinks: "So what? Everyone says that."
• Better: "In my previous role, I increased customer satisfaction by 15% by implementing a new communication protocol."
• Recruiter thinks: "Okay, that's impressive. Tell me more."

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Numbers speak louder than words.

Your Cover Letter is Invisible. Here’s Why

Think about how recruiters read cover letters. They skim. They scan. They’re looking for keywords and evidence that you’re a good fit. If your cover letter is a wall of text, it’s going straight to the bottom of the pile.

Here's how to make your cover letter visible:

• Use bullet points: Break up large blocks of text and highlight key achievements.
• Use strong action verbs: Start sentences with words like "Achieved," "Led," "Developed," "Implemented."
• Keep it concise: Aim for one page. No one wants to read a novel.
• Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS to filter applications. Make sure your cover letter includes relevant keywords from the job description.

Don't Be a Robot: Show Some Personality

While it's important to be professional, don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Inject some of your authentic self into your cover letter. This will help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of just stating your qualifications, demonstrate them through specific examples. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation.
• Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced.
• Action: Describe the actions you took to address the challenge.
• Result: Quantify the results of your actions.

Example:

• Situation: Our team was facing a critical deadline for a major project.
• Task: I was responsible for coordinating the efforts of multiple team members to ensure the project was completed on time.
• Action: I implemented a daily stand-up meeting to track progress and identify any roadblocks. I also developed a project management tool to streamline communication and collaboration.
• Result: As a result of my efforts, we completed the project on time and under budget, exceeding client expectations.

The "Cover Letter Checklist" of DOs and DON'Ts:

DO:

• Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use strong action verbs.
• Keep it concise and to the point.
• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
• Address the hiring manager by name (if possible).
• Show, don't just tell.

DON'T:

• Rehash your resume.
• Use generic phrases or clichés.
• Write a wall of text.
• Lie or exaggerate your qualifications.
• Focus on what you want; focus on what you can offer.
• Forget to include a call to action.

Stop Wasting Time: Start Getting Results

Your cover letter is your first impression. Make it count. Don’t let it be the reason you’re not getting interviews. It’s time to ditch the generic templates and start crafting cover letters that showcase your unique value proposition.

I know this seems like a lot of work. But think of it this way: a well-written cover letter is an investment in your future. It's worth the time and effort to get it right.

Ready to Take Your Cover Letter to the Next Level?

At www.atsresume.com.au, we specialise in crafting cover letters that get results. We understand the Australian job market and know what recruiters are looking for. Our team of expert writers will work with you to create a cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and personality.

Next Steps:

Upload your resume below for personalised feedback, or email us at info@atsresume.com.au. Let us help you land your dream job! You deserve it.