Often people underestimate the importance of a cover letter in the job application process. Writing a well thought through motivational or cover letter is a challenging task. The use of power words can help you secure your spot in the runnings.
A motivational letter is important for a couple of reasons. It gives potential employers insight into your enthusiasm, experience, and passion for your career. It immediately reflects whether or not you are the right person for them to consider. As much as it saves employers time during an interview process, it does the same for you as the applicant.
It allows you to make a great first impression and put your best foot forward before they even meet you. These are some of the main reasons why it’s not just a copy and paste scenario from a template you’ve found on Google. The words you use in your cover letter can draw attention to your value.
Top power words and phrases that work
From an employer’s perspective, they will be looking for certain aspects in an application to quickly filter through and find the candidates they’d like to pursue. These power words can set your application above the rest in this process. Make sure you embody the words you choose to use, write with integrity.
Introduction on your motivational letter
Every great motivational letter has a clean introduction. This is like your first handshake with an employer. You want it to be firm and with eye contact as you acknowledge the person on the other side with respect and professionalism.
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“To whom it may concern” is the anti-power word when addressing a potential employer. Rather than this, find out and use the name of the interviewer or recruitment manager. A lot of the time candidates will not know the name of their interviewer or recruiter when they first apply. If the name of the person is not available at the application stage, it would be helpful if you address the company name through whom you are applying.
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You could add some key metrics or numbers in your introductory paragraph that point to your accomplishments in previous work environments. For example, figures on a successful campaign or project you worked on or the number of people on a team you lead. This cuts to the chase and will interest the reader.
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Use strong words such as achieved, launched, resolved, created, and managed where you can. These words indicate the work you have executed and the type of worker you are.
The body of your letter
In the body of your motivational letter lies the more meaty information. Keep this sharp, brief and to the point, there is no room for fluff.
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Express excitement in your chosen career. Use words such as volunteer, foster, orchestrate, and motivational words such as eager, excitement, tenacious and imaginative.
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Share milestones you have reached in the body of your letter to show you are a motivated individual who is an asset to any company. Use words like influence, invent, mentored, resolved, improved, collaborate, or under budget.
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Share words that embody your values such as diversity, inclusion, professionalism, honour, integrity, and harmony.
How to close well
Remember, your motivational letter is a summary and a snapshot of the person and worker that you are. Use it as an elevator pitch to your work ethic and the value you are capable of in a professional capacity. A good closing paragraph will include a call to action for the reader. Say something like, ‘I look forward to hearing from you,’ or ‘I’m eager to share more information soon.’
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