Want to pique recruiter’s interest? Write an engaging cover letter

Now that you are done with your graduation, it is time to look for that perfect job that will be a stepping stone for better things to come in the future. But how does one catch the interest of the recruiter? What are some of the things that employers are looking for? What can you (candidate) do to pique the interviewee’s interest? Piquing a recruiter’s interest is about effectively communicating your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the position.

And it starts with customising the application materials to align with the specific job requirements and the company’s values. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that directly relate to the position you’re applying for.

Tanya Arora, HR-Talent Acquisition at Tata Consultancy Services and alumna of Apeejay School of Management, to intrigue the employer, you must be very correct on what you are writing in your resume. “It is imperative that the applicant writes an introduction on the cover page so interesting that the recruiter wants to read the resume. It will also make the candidate stand out among hundreds of candidates. You must also acquire different certifications to make yourself stand out in the crowd,” Arora said.

While it is good that the applicant sends a thank-you email to get into the good books of a recruiter, that’s not enough. ‘You have to be technically good on paper to be selected for the job. Having good etiquette is one of the skills that the company is looking for,” Arora opined and added that in today’s professional environment, a handwritten thank you note is not necessary. “A verbal genuine greeting would work,” she added.

Besides a well-written CV, it is important to have a checklist before and after a job interview. Make sure no points are missed to be highlighted. You must play to your strengths. Make sure your weaknesses don’t overshadow your strengths.

“If you have prior experience or accomplishments directly related to the position you’re applying for, make sure to highlight them prominently. This could include relevant internships, projects, certifications, or volunteer work. Aligning your experiences with the job requirements will help recruiters see your potential fit for the role. Documents of your achievements would be the icing on the cake,” Arora said.

But before you get down to catching the interest of the recruiter, it is necessary that the job for which you are applying interests you. “Don’t apply for a job because it will put you in a better position financially. You will only get your dream job if you are focused on what you want to do and how you want to shape your career,” Arora said.

How do you land your dream job? What are the game-changing strategies? “Be very true to what you know. Don’t try to say what you don’t know. Interviewers would know if you are lying. Try to differentiate yourself from others. Get some certifications and try to get into niche skill sets that are in demand,” Arora advised.

Don’t try to say what you don’t know. Interviewers would know if you are lying. Try to differentiate yourself from others. Get some certifications and try to get into niche skill sets that are in demand

–Tanya Arora, HR-Talent Acquisition at Tata Consultancy Services
and alumna of Apeejay School of Management

Tips for applicants

Research the company: Take the time to thoroughly research the organisation you’re applying to. Understand their mission, values, recent projects, and company culture. Incorporate this knowledge into your application to demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and how you can contribute to its success.

Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the position. Showcasing your passion can make a lasting impression on recruiters. Highlight specific aspects of the job or the company that excite you and explain why you’re motivated to work in that particular industry or role.

Provide measurable results: Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, emphasise the impact you made in your previous roles. Include metrics, percentages, or specific outcomes to demonstrate your ability to deliver results.

Use clear and concise language: Make sure your application materials are well-written, error-free, and easy to read. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to all recruiters.

Follow up appropriately: After submitting your application, send a follow-up email expressing your continued interest in the position. This shows your proactive approach and reiterates your enthusiasm for the opportunity. However, be mindful not to excessively contact or appear desperate, as it can have a negative impact.

Remember, piquing an employer’s interest demonstrates that you possess unique qualities or experiences that set you apart from other applicants. This differentiation can make you a more desirable candidate and increase your chances of being selected for further consideration.