Using the Cover Letter Strategy to Stand Out in Your Search for Fractional Remote Jobs
An old typewriter displaying a page that says “job application.”
The cover letter is not an archaic job seeking strategy.
And this is why:
The remote fractional job market has become increasingly competitive since the pandemic.
You need strategies to stand out among other applicants with similar skills to get to the next stage.
A vast majority of job seekers are applying en masse and aren’t using a letter or are reusing a generic one.
A well-written letter or longer-form email (depending on the situation) is an opportunity to add your unique human touch.
Use this guide to help you write a dynamic cover letter.
1. Research the Nonprofit
Take the time to research the organization you're applying for and to understand the specific requirements of the job. Visit their website, review their mission statement, their areas of service, and recent news. Tailoring your cover letter to their values and needs demonstrates your genuine interest in helping them advance their mission.
2. Address the Letter to the Right Person
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager and/or recruiter as theirs will be the first eyes on applications. If the job posting doesn't include contact information, try to identify the appropriate person on their website, LinkedIn, or even with a quick phone call. Personalizing your cover letter with the recipient's name shows that you've taken the time and care to research the nonprofit and are serious about the job.
3. Start with a Strong Introduction
Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening paragraph that grabs their attention and introduces yourself. Mention the specific job or project that you're applying for and briefly explain why you're interested in the role and the organization. Use this opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and passion for their mission.
4. Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Successes
The body of your cover letter should expand on the qualifications and experiences mentioned in your resume, CV, website, or LinkedIn page and should emphasize those most relevant to the job. Provide specific examples of how your skills and accomplishments align with the requirements of the job description. Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact and contributions in previous roles.
5. Showcase Your Connection to their Mission
In addition to highlighting your skills and experience, use your cover letter to demonstrate what your understanding of current trends in their field, and how your values align with theirs. Discuss any recent and relevant coursework, certifications, or professional development. Share insights you have about specific trends and how they relate with what you’ve accomplished for other mission recently.
6. Express Your Enthusiasm and Fit for the Role
Conclude with a strong paragraph that reiterates your interest and your confidence in your ability to help them accomplish their goals. Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply and indicate your readiness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview or discovery call.
7. End With a Polite Salutation
Use a standard "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and contact information.
8. Proofread and Edit Carefully
Before sending your cover letter, proofread it carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Double-check the formatting and ensure that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. Consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your cover letter as well, as they may catch mistakes or provide valuable feedback. Use the Read Aloud feature available on Word and Docs.
Now is the point where it makes sense to use AI to help. Ask the native AI agent the following prompt: “Review this cover letter for any spelling error, grammar errors, or other fatal mistakes only.” It may pick up items that aren’t actual mistakes, which can be ignored. Avoid the temptation to have AI rewrite your letter. Recruiters can usually tell the difference between a letter written by a human and one written by an AI.
9. Customize for Each Application
Finally, customize your cover letter for each job application by tailoring it to the specific requirements and preferences of the job. Organically use language and terminology from the job posting without overdoing it. Highlight how your skills and experiences align.
