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Cover Letter Writing 101: How to Make Yours Stand Out

by | CAREER GUIDANCE, Job Hunting

Discover why they’re important, what to include, and some helpful tips to consider when writing.

So, now you´ve fine-tuned your hospitality CV. You’ve shown it to friends in the industry for feedback. You´re feeling pretty happy about what you´ve got.

That's a great start. 

However, applying with only a polished CV might leave you wondering why you never received a response back. 

That's because a CV only tells what you´ve done. Including a well-written cover letter can show who you are and why you - and only you - are the right person for the job.

Did you know that most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS)? ATSs use artificial intelligence (A.I.) to scan your hospitality job application for keywords, relevant experience, and education. Because of this, many job seekers fill their CV´s with as many keywords as possible. And that means a lot of them end up looking and reading the same. 

A stellar cover letter helps you stand out and tells the unique story of your hospitality career. It's a great way to express your personality and show why you'd be a perfect fit for the company.

Does Your Cover Letter Have These 5 Key Elements?

Great cover letters show your personality to a potential employer. When writing your hospitality cover letter, make sure you include these 5 elements: 

  • An appropriate greeting
  • A unique, attention-grabbing opener
  • Your major accomplishments and relevant skills
  • Any extra information that could help you stand out
  • A memorable ending

Using these elements as a guide while writing your hospitality cover letter will make the process easier and guarantee you include all the important information.

4 Tips For Writing A Cover Letter That Gets Replies

  1.  Do Your Research

Visit the company's website to learn the core values. Google their name to see if there are reviews by customers or ex-employees. Check out their social media profiles to see how they engage with their users. 

You could even read up on their main competitors and market leaders. Every detail helps.

Hosco’s company directory is also a great resource, with insights and information on more than 7,000 companies in the hospitality industry.

This research will help you write a more effective cover letter. You´ll also be well-prepared if the company invites you for an interview. And even if you don’t land the position you are applying for, this is useful information that will help moving forward in your job search.

  1.  Don't Undersell Yourself

A polished CV shows what you’ve done in your career in black-and-white. But a cover letter is where you can show some personality and really sell yourself. It's where you explain how your experience and abilities make you a great candidate for the role.

If you’re a recent graduate with limited or no experience to show on your CV, a cover letter lets you talk about the history you have. Do you have coursework, projects, or internships that have helped prepare you for this role? Use these to show your “soft skills” and how they make you well-suited for the job.

  1.  Show Your Passion

A good cover letter doesn’t just repeat the information that appears on your CV. Instead, it’s your chance to show your passion about the hospitality industry and why it makes you an excellent fit for the job.

Can you think of a moment you went above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service? This is where you tell them about it. Do you have a work-related story that shows your “soft skills” in action? Include it. 

These are things that aren’t in your CV, so this is your opportunity to add a personal touch. 

  1.  Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes

Once you finish the first draft, take a break and come back to it. Giving your brain time to rest will make it easier to proof-read your letter for grammar mistakes, missing words, and spelling errors.

After you’ve proofread and made some corrections, ask a friend in the hospitality industry to look at your cover letter. Getting feedback from an industry peer will help ensure that your letter makes sense when someone else reads it. They can also point out any mistakes you might’ve missed.

How to Upload Your Hospitality Cover Letter To Hosco

On your Hosco profile you can upload attachments like your cover letter, certificates, or other documents. Take a look directly under the “Skills” section and you’ll find the “Upload other documents” box.

UPLOAD MY COVER LETTER.

Recruiters are always looking for new talent on Hosco so make sure you keep a generic version of it on your profile. 

Many jobs receive hundreds of applications. This is why it’s important to have a well-written cover letter that grabs attention. Stand out by using your communication skills to highlight how your experience matches the job description. Now, if your CV and cover letter are ready to rock, then let your hospitality job search begin.

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