A first time job seeker usually has a lot of pressure of finding a job quick. And, the best way to make to an interview is a well written and well formatted cover letter. Not that your resume does not hold importance, but a cover letter is the first and foremost impression that you have on an employer. As a first time job seeker, there can be some mistakes that you could make when drafting a cover letter. The following article talks about the importance of a cover letter for a first time job seeker and 7 things that are a must in a cover letter for a fresher.

Entry level candidates are usually known to make some mistakes or rather miss on some important aspects of a cover letter. These misses can cost them a lot in terms of a job application. Here are 7 things that an entry level candidate must do in a cover letter:

#1 Keep it Simple, Short, Direct and To the Point
Work with the shorter the better approach. On an average, employers generally want a 250 words cover letter or shorter. Anything more than this is too long. Ideally your cover letter should have:

Remember that a cover letter is not a summary of your resume. A short and precise cover letter clearly stating job goals is what the employers love to read.

#2 Do Not Make It Overly Formal
Do not fill your resume with the English dictionary. It is a clear waste of time, for you as well as the reader. This unnatural and stilted language generally puts off the employer. Rather stick to common language and speech patterns. You need to skip the frills and keep the language simple.

#3 Show your Understanding of the Company
Read enough about the company and make a personalized comment about the company in your cover letter. Including specific information displays your keen interest in the company giving you an edge over the others.

#4 Sell Yourself
Make a strong argument for yourself even if you do not qualify according to the education. You should put that attributes in your cover letter that make you a strong candidate. Sell yourself according to the job description and place transferable skills that would allow you to meet the challenges.

#5 Ask How You Can Benefit the Company
Cover letters generally have generalized statements that says how working for an organization would boost a candidate’s career and resume. Honestly, employers are not really interested in the same. What they want to hear how you can benefit the company. It is definitely ok to mention the benefits that the company would bring to you, but focus also on how you can help the company.

#6 Add Relevant Skills
You should talk about the experiences of your internship or education that would relate to relevant skills and abilities that would help you in the position you are applying to. Instead of using generalized statements like “hard-working’ and “problem-solver” state instances that prove the same.

#7 Avoid Putting Too Much Information about College Metrics
Talk about activities that adds relevance to the job. Activities speak louder than your college marks and stats. This is because a number of activities act as a proof that you have the skills to become a good employer and a team worker. This does not mean that stats are not important, just the activities relate more.

Finishing By Saying
At an entry level managers like to be assured that you have the capabilities to manage the work. The employers go through a lot of expenditure on hiring and then training the candidate. Hence, choosing the right candidate is utmost important for an employer. Out of the thousands entry level candidate you have to strive hard to make your presence felt. Hence, working for a cover letter is the first basic thing that you need to do. As it leaves a positive first impression on the employer.