Keywords in the application: Less is more!
Complaints in the application can bring you a cancellation
When you submit an application, you hope that it will be received sympathetically and of course positively answered. What you do not hope: that the HR manager thinks: "just empty words". However, that is exactly what can happen to you if your application is full of phrases and phrases that in fact say nothing. Such common places have no meaningful content and therefore no added value.
There are phrases in applications often. Often, the author is not even aware that he is using out-of-date phrases or meaningless phrases. The corresponding formulations often sound good at first glance. On closer examination, however, it becomes clear that their meaning is unclear. A good sound - more is often not behind it. Especially in the cover letter, where each sentence should be justified, phrases are a true job killer . They do not seem credible, the application is not authentic.
A staff representative - especially one who has to sift through many applications every day - is looking forward to cover letters that are individual and refreshingly different. If you send a cover letter full of phrases to the decision maker, you do not trigger enthusiasm, but rather a boring yawn and, in the worst case, aversion. If many promising candidates have registered, it may even be that your application is set aside because of their insubstantial letter.
Typical phrases and phrases in the application
When you write an application, you should know how it is not possible. Therefore, it is important that you know typical phrases and phrases - and then avoid them. Some phrases have long been around and are already avoided by many applicants. Other phrases are not so clearly perceived as empty phrases.
Typical phrases that have no added value are often found right at the beginning of the letter. A classic: "I hereby apply for the position as ...". Although this is important information, it is redundant at this point - because of the subject and the fact that it is a cover letter , the recipient knows long ago. The same applies to the sentence "I read with great interest that you ...". Both sentences are taboo in the cover letter. Similar phrases have no place in an application - such as "I refer to your ad ...".
When soft skills seem arbitrary and meaningless
Caution is also required when describing your soft skills . There are also adjectives, which are particularly common in applications - also because they are particularly important for employers. However, if a recruit can read in each application that the candidate is a "team player", he still does not know who really is.
Words such as "effective" and "efficient" are also worn out to describe your own way of working. "Dynamic", "motivated", "solution-oriented" - these adjectives also describe things that are generally taken for granted by the employer. Especially if you do not substantiate this information with examples, they seem arbitrary and do not actually say anything.
You should also avoid phrases when declaring why you want to get involved with a particular employer. Too often these explanations do not seem credible, but exaggerated - and sound like what the HR specialist wants to read, not what the candidate really thinks. It can also seem unbelievable if you describe as an applicant that you are the ideal candidate - and of course the employer is your absolute dream employer.
How to make it better: What makes a good cover letter
An employer that you apply for would like to get to know you as well as possible by applying. Finally, only candidates who are really suited to the company and the job should be asked for the job interview . Your goal is therefore to make your personality and motivation tangible. With phrases and phrases you will not succeed. If you take the following tips to heart, chances are that your cover letter will stand out from the crowd - and that it will have the attention of the HR manager.
Individuality is the key
Many applicants hate to write cover letters. They have a hard time advertising their skills openly. How convenient are there the many templates that can be found online! Frequently, applicants look at free samples of how their cover letter could be structured in content. It makes sense to orientate yourself in building up your application letter to such templates. But when it comes to content, you should think for yourself about what's important in your application.
Be sure to write your cover letter individually and regardless of what you have read in templates on the Internet. If you copy here, the personals will get a cover letter that he has already read innumerable times in a similar form. Not a good basis for your chances for a positive feedback.
Write what really matters and moves you - not what you think your contact wants. Also in the wording, you can deviate from what you can read in patterns of career counselors. The cover letter must suit you. If it is honest and authentic, you have done everything right.
Exciting entry: trap with the door into the house
"I hereby apply as ..." are therefore still often the first words in a cover letter, because applicants do not know how to get into the letter. This sentence then serves as a transition to the actual arguments. However, this is not only unnecessary but also counterproductive. If the HR manager already puts your documents aside, you could have saved yourself the rest of your letter.
As with a newspaper article, the cover letter also depends on an exciting start. Only then will it be read at all. This does not succeed with phrases and phrases, but only if your formulations are unusual, sound honest and make the personals curious also you. Come directly to the point.
What you write is less important when in doubt - as long as it is so interestingly formulated that it draws the reader into the text. For example, you can explain why you absolutely want to work for this employer or what qualifies you for the job. But also here: do it individually. Think away from application guides, what suits you best.
Show, do not tell: convince with examples
Show, do not tell - that's a rule for authors. The idea behind this is that it is more convincing when things are not described but revealed through action. This motto also lends itself to the formulation of your letter of application - and it applies especially to soft skills. Soft skills are important for the employer.
However, many applicants base their choices less on what really matters and more on the qualities that employers most desire. So it happens that certain words are found again and again. Without examples - and thus vouchers - soft skills in the cover letter are empty. Everyone can claim to be "creative" or to have "very good analytical skills". Make it tangible! Only then can you convince the HR specialist.
Justify interest in the employer credibly
It also becomes tricky when it comes to justifying the interest in the employer. Granted, it's not easy when it comes to applications where your heart does not hang, especially if you did not know that this company existed before you applied. Nevertheless, it is important that your statement has a credible effect.
Avoid praise and exaggeration. Study the business and think about why you want to work there. Be honest - you can openly say that you heard only good from your friend who works there, or that you simply feel comfortable with a retailer and enjoy being there. Employers know that they are not the only option for applicants. They do not expect you to portray them as such, but want to see that you are genuinely interested and engaged in the business.
Active, lively language
A good cover letter relies on clear phrasing and a lively language. Short sentences are easier to read than long sentences. Active formulations are more dynamic than passive constructs. Many examples give your application letter an even more personal touch. The form also decides if your cover letter is completely read. The best content is of no use to you if it has been written down so complicatedly and without a red thread that it does not even reach the recipient.
Source: http://resumetemplate.ca/
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