A Checklist to Write a Cover Letter for a Senior Executive Interview

A good cover letter can help you gain the attention of future-potential employers or recruiters, to your job application or resume. At the executive level, you are constantly competing with other people who have similar and impressive work history; with plenty of experience and accomplishments. A cover letter for a senior executive needs to intrigue your potential employers, it will also ensure that they take time to read your resume and understand why you might be the right candidate for the executive job position.

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit alongside your resume or job application. It can be perceived as a summary that briefly describes your skills, experience, and professional background.

Taking time and writing an effective cover letter for a senior executive can help your potential employers see you as a proactive candidate, someone who is genuinely interested in the job. The wording and tone of your cover letter give potential employers an insight into who you are as a professional and as a person. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the value you would add to the job or business. Your cover letter needs to communicate genuine interest. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when writing a cover letter;

1. Do your research

Doing research before you start your cover letter for a senior executive will help you understand what the appropriate tone to use would be. Use the company’s official webpage or social media profiles to try and understand the culture and expectations of the company and your role. Researching your potential employer will help you understand the organization as well as the industry. Read and understand the job description, this will help you write a great cover letter and also give you several talking points for the interview.

2. Use cover letter formats/templates

Making use of cover letter formats while still including your personal information like contact information, addressee, and the date on which the letter was written are important steps you need to keep in mind. How you lay out your information and what kind of templates you use or design will also help you catch the hiring manager’s attention.

The letter is usually a one-page document; you can think of it as a three to four paragraph letter that is not more than one page long. Be mindful to match your font with the font you use in your resume and pay attention to formatting details. This will make your cover letter look more professional. End it appropriately – use closing sentences or words such as – “Sincerely”, etc. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind –

• Mention the date and your contact information, on the top left corner of your cover letter.
• Begin the cover letter with appropriate salutations.
• Write an introduction displaying career goals.
• Briefly showcase your skills, experience, and prior accomplishments.
• Briefly mention how your skills can contribute to the company and industry.
• Thank the hiring manager or employers for their time.
• Close your cover letter with an appropriate “Sincerely.”
• Make sure to keep it to a single page or approximately 500 words.
• Don’t forget to proofread your cover letter and ensure there are no mistakes.
• Do not include your social media links, save these for your resume.

3. Edit your cover letter to match the job

Don’t write a generic cover letter; make your cover letters personalized. As a senior executive, making your cover letter personal helps it stand out and relate to that particular job. When your cover letter is personalized it makes potential employers and hiring managers understand what post you are applying for and how you stand out from the rest. Always keep in mind that personalized cover letters are always more effective in demonstrating who you are and why you are the best choice for the position. Showing your personality in your cover letter will also help prospective employers better assess who you are and what you can potentially give their company.

Every company has their own goals, and as a candidate you need to write a cover letter for a senior executive that conveys why you are a good fit for the position and the company and aligned with the company’s goals. When you read through the company website and understand the job description; take time to go over your personal skills and accomplishments to see how you can contribute to the company. This will help you write a more personalized as well as professional cover letter addressing the company’s requirements. Remember to align your achievements with the company’s needs too.

4. Make sure your cover letter is different from your resume

Your cover letter should highlight your most important work accomplishments and your work experience, which makes you a good fit for the position. Remember that the cover letter is an accompaniment to your resume. Through your cover letter for a senior executive, let your prospective employers know your career story. Highlight things that will help them see you as a prospective employee – such as how you are a good for the company and its culture. Go beyond your resume, to avoid repetition.

5. Use anecdotes and examples

Grab your reader’s attention by highlighting the achievements you have had in your career. Make use of anecdotes to showcase your skills that are relevant for this job position. This will allow your potential employer to see the application of your skills and experience, and not just your accomplishments.

6. Explain why you are a good fit for the job position

Your cover letter is where you can display your professional skills and convince hiring managers that you are the perfect person for the job. Hiring managers will not only look at whether you are a good fit for the job position, they search for people who are capable of adapting and are a good fit for the company’s culture. So use the right keywords when writing a cover letter.

The most important part of sending a cover letter for a senior executive is the follow-up. Make sure to let the hiring managers know when you intend to call to follow-up or include all necessary information required, so that they can contact you to schedule a follow-up and hopefully an interview. Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring managers for taking the time to review your cover letter as well as your resume, express your interest in meeting and scheduling an interview.