How to infuse your cover letter with personality

A few months ago I was reading a book on career development and came across a section on how to infuse your personality into your role at work. In one instance, a career coach spoke at length about the modern workplace and how it has evolved. In particular, she emphasized the importance of bringing your quirks and strengths into the workplace.

This got me thinking about the hiring process. Say you come across a job opening and instinctively know that the role is perfect for you. You understand the culture, the impact the firm is trying to make and you know you would be a good fit. But you also know you will have to stand out in a sea of thousands of applicants, by no means an easy fit. How do you show personality in a way that will increase your chances of being called in for an interview?

What you share If you met a hiring manager at an event and wanted to show yourself in the best light, what are the kind of things you would share with them? This is what you should share in your cover letter. Avoid being rude or presumptuous by saying things like 'I hate writing cover letters as much as you hate reading them'. While you might think you're being funny, you might come off as rude instead and destroy any goodwill that you have built up. Pick an anecdote related to an accomplishment in your career and one that would be perfect with the position you are applying to.

Adapt While the days of writing a stiff, formal cover letter aren't over yet, there are some industries that are bucking that trend. If your cover letter could pass for one written in the 70s, then it is time to change it up. How do you identify which organisations are open to you being a bit more creative? For starters, the job ad will give you an idea. If the ad for the position is humorous and quirky, then your cover letter can be a little less formal while still showcasing your competencies. If the ad is extremely formal, then you should stick to the tried and tested traditional cover letter.

Culture-fit How can you tell the culture of an organisation before you step in the door? LinkedIn, websites and your networks are invaluable. Firms put a lot of effort into getting the landing page of their website to convey a picture that is representative of the culture and tone they want to convey. If the organisation places a premium on the impact they make in the environment by interacting with their customers in a certain way, then make sure you are able to weave a narrative that shows you as capable of stepping into and thriving in that culture.

TIPS - A cover letter does not rehash everything that is in your resume, it is a chance for the hiring manager to get to know you a little better - If the 'mood' of the job as is informal and humorous, then make sure you include elements of informality into your cover letter, without being overly familiar.