How to Write an Effective MBA Cover Letter even if you have little to no work experience
Even with your MBA degree in hand, finding a professional position that fits your requirements can be quite challenging and frustrating. You need to pass through several barriers in the job application process including finding references and tailoring your application so that it not only stands out, but also impresses the hiring committee. Many companies will not consider you again if your initial application fails. This is why your first application needs to be a success. Fortunately, there are many recent MBA graduates who have successfully found a position for which they are an excellent fit. Observing some tips to improve your chances of landing that dream job can make all the difference.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company
One of the best methods to improve your opportunities is to tailor your resume to each position. This particularly includes your cover letter. You must identify in your application why you’re interested in the position and why you choose to apply to that company. This means you will need to research the company, and mention, specifically, how your capabilities can assist them in achieving their goals. In a cover letter, many people typically greet the “Hiring Manager,” but if you can find the reader’s name, you’ll gain extra points with them. Showing that you know relevant information about the company and addressing the hiring manager by name will prove to the company representatives that you’re an applicant who is serious about joining their team. In some cases, your cover letter will be read by several people; in this case you may want to address them as “To the Committee Considering <position name>” or something that applies to multiple people.
Offer Specific Examples
A common mistake made by many applicants is that they tend to describe their characteristics in generic terms such as team player, hardworking, or even honest. First of all, these qualities are considered point of entry. Further, they are so overused and uncreative that some hiring managers may discard application before reading the second line. They don’t know that you’re hardworking just by looking at your application, so, instead gain extra points with the hiring manager by relaying something specific you have done that only a hard worker would do. Anyone can look up a few generic skills and include them in their cover letter. However, if these skills describe you quite well, don't mention them at all. Instead, provide specific examples of accomplishments which demonstrate that particular characteristic. Another way to deliver examples of a positive characteristic is to use a professional reference such as a professor or previous manager with whom you may have worked or interned. This extra step can give you an edge over other applicants, because in most cases, other applicants won’t even bother listing any references until asked.
Please Proofread!
It may be hard to believe, but hiring managers routinely find simple mistakes like spelling errors and other types of typos in job applications -- even for high level positions. Leaving a typo in your application can completely turn off a hiring manager and result in your application being rejected. This can easily be prevented by simply proofreading your cover letter before sending it. If you have to, proofread it several times. The last thing you want is to have your application rejected when you worked so hard on it. Sometimes when we proofread documents written by ourselves, it can be hard to see the errors. This is why asking a friend or colleague to proofread your cover letter can help find those errors.
You also need to ensure that reference information is fully accurate, as a simple miscommunication can make it appear as if you are lying about your connections. You don’t want your references providing contradicting information because of a typo.
Consider a PostScript
When you have finalized your cover letter and signed it, including a postscript to remind them of your highlights can be another good way to improve your chances. If you have contacted a previous employer or professor and have secured their support concerning your qualifications for the position, don’t be afraid to include that in your postscript.
If you’re serious about applying to your dream job, the best way to get started is a well-written cover letter. Spending some extra time writing your letter will make all the difference. You will want to make your cover letter just unique enough so that it not only stands out of the crowd, but really impresses the reader. Include examples of your most positive qualities, and proofread your letter several times before sending it.
