| Many people struggle with writing cover letters and end up with something a little lifeless, a little boring, a little. . . beige. We're all taught to write those formal, cookie-cutter cover letters, but so much has changed since our grandparents and parents were entering the workforce. This is the age of new technologies and start up companies, so all those lemming-like cover letters will only cause your resume to commit suicide into the hiring manager's trash bin.
So why not add a bit of colour?
I don't mean that everyone should start printing their resumes on tinted paper spritzed with perfume, but rather about putting your personality into what you are writing. There have been studies on how colours can affect your mood, and what you need to remember is words can evoke the same emotions.
Think about it this way. If you had a cluster of cover letters that sent your brain into a taupe and grey haze, I highly doubt you'd have any desire to interview the people who sent them. But if you had a rainbow of resumes to choose from, you'd find the process a whole lot more enjoyable and be more likely to give those people a chance.
Grab a couple of your friends and ask them what colour they think represents you, and also think about what colour you want to be. Are you an optimistic, confident, and creative yellow? A courageous and exciting red? A cool, intelligent blue? Harmonious green? Passionate orange? Nurturing pink?
Now have those friends read your cover letter. Does it have a matching aura or is it the neutrality of grey, give the oppressive feeling of blackness, have the heaviness of brown, or feel as sterile as white? To give your cover letter some Technicolor, here are some tips:
1) Research the company you're applying for and pay attention to any written content they've made available, then gear the tone of your cover letter in a similar fashion. What colour do their words evoke and how will your colour compliment that?
2) Write in your own voice, but be sure you still use correct spelling and grammar. Excellent communication skills are always a must, no matter what job you're applying for.
3) Say what drew you to the company; people always like to know what they're doing right and enjoy sincere praise. Don't be a suck-up, but be honest in what you like and why you want to work for them.
4) Tell them how you would be an asset to the business. Sure, numbers can give your potential value to their bottom line, but it doesn't really say how well you'll fit in as part of the team. If you can give an interesting anecdote, then do it! Everyone loves a good story, and if you happen to be the hero of the tale all the better.
Business owners want employees who will bring something to their company, something that no one else has, and if you allow yourself to get lost in the muddy-hued crowd then no one will see the brilliance you have to offer. So when you write a cover letter, paint a picture that allows the colour of you to shine through!
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