For an effective job hunt and landing a great offer, resumes often come to the fore as the ultimate tools. It is true to some extent, but the scope and appeal of resumes are decreasing over time.
Many things are taking their place. The most popular one is the video resume where applicants record a two to a three-minute video about who they are, what they have accomplished, and how they can add value to the company. Simply transcribe that video and you will have a cover letter in your hands.
A cover letter is many things and then some more. Many recruiters swear that employers go through cover letters first and then think about sifting through resumes.
Cover letters differ based on the position they are written for. An account manager needs to write a cover letter that should be different from that of a professional writer or a sales manager.
Cover Letter & Its Purpose
In simple terms, a cover letter introduces a professional to an employer in a simple yet professional way, based on qualifications and work experience. Cover letters and resumes are different from each other in the way that a resume summarizes the technical end of a professional’s abilities and qualifications, while the cover letter deals with soft skills and how experience and expertise were acquired.
Another thing that sets them apart is the insights both offer to an employer. A resume shows how much technical acumen is regarding the work a professional has. On the other hand, a cover letter can highlight whether a person can fit in the culture and ethos of a company.
Components of An Effective Cover Letter For Account Manager
Cover letters do not follow a set path in their content and context. An account manager’s cover letter can have anything relevant to show soft skills and a personal approach of the professional regarding technical aspects. Still, some elements in cover letters carry out specific purposes and must be added in one form or another.
Below is the detail of some of the must-haves for account manager cover letters.
Solid Header
As the name suggests, a header in a cover letter or any other kind of writing goes on top. In the case of a cover letter, it must have the information for all the relevant communication channels where recruiters can contact the candidate for the accounts manager position.
Following are the elements that make a solid header in a cover letter:
- Candidate’s Full Name
- Phone Number
- Online Profiles (LinkedIn, Portfolio, if applicable)
Impressive Greetings
Like resumes, there is a constant race for candidates to set themselves apart from the rest of the applicants. Greetings are the first place in the cover letter where they can make a real difference. There are many ways to do it and do it right.
To show that a candidate has put some thought and consideration into it, research the name and proper designation of the hiring manager and place salutations accordingly.
This will show that the candidate took some time and effort to address the person properly. Of course, there are standard greetings options, but a personal touch goes a long way.
Comprehensive Introduction
After the header and greetings, it is time to get to the brass tacks. Start with the introduction of yourself and why you want this job. This will go in the very first paragraph.
You need to add the specific job title that you are applying to and then explain why you would be the best candidate for the job.
In this part, sticking to the job requirements will help as you can use the exact terms and phrases to make the case that you are indeed perfect for the job.
Overview of Qualifications & Professional Experience
After the introduction, the next paragraph should cover the merits and technical grounds that can make the case that the applicant will make a great addition to the team. Since it is not a resume, do not shy away from giving out details that can relate to both the history, present and future of the company.
Another way to camp up the point is by adding details from previous successful projects and clients that can help the employers better visualize your technical and leadership skills.
Goals & Values
Companies have missions and values that they want their clients and employees to not only understand but share with them. They must resonate with their mindset and personal values so that there should be no duality on this part.
It takes some research to know what a company’s goals and values are, especially the reach and scope of initiatives based on them. If an applicant can make the case that they will be more suited for the job based on both technical and normative grounds, the odds would simply get stronger and brighter for them.
Powerful Call to Action
In the concluding paragraph, the applicant must thank the recruiter for taking out time and energy to read the cover letter and consider him worthy of the position. The call to action would prompt me to ask for further details regarding the position and ask to set a date for an interview.
Make sure that what cannot be written or summed up in a resume should get ample space in the cover letter.
Considerate Closing
The closing should be professional yet cordial and can check all the boxes of how understanding and witty the applicant is. For a hard cover letter, it is best to leave a signature or your full name at the closing.
As for the emailed cover letter, it is redundant to put a full name or e-signature. Choose the closing phrases carefully before sending the cover letter.
Tips For Composing An Impressive Cover Letter For Account Manager Position
Accounting managers are supposed to shoulder responsibilities for sensitive tasks of a company. They are entrusted with the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, etc. Also, they collaborate with other departments to devise and implement financial policies while ascertaining costs and bringing in revenue.
In this section, we are sharing some tips that will help accounts manager to augment their cover letters for the tough competition ahead.
Highlighting Your Accounting Skills
Accounting is at the backbone of number crunching in the industry. When a candidate for the position of accounts manager is putting in a cover letter, it is best to highlight accounting skills with ample light.
This is done by providing academic qualifications, previous experience with budget handling, preparation of important documentation, and so on.
Supplementary accolades like certifications and participation in competitions and conferences are a big plus.
Presenting Leadership Skills With Facts & Figures
Accounting managers are entrusted with the handling of the whole financial accounting department. It means their day-to-day work is more about handling a team of accountants that to crunch numbers themselves.
So, the cover letter should have ample examples or instances of leadership roles and skills. For instance;
- You can add that you are good at motivating your team to do more in time constraint situations
- You can show how have streamlined processes and operations to yield quick and reliable results
- You can highlight your mediation powers about how play a vital role in conflict resolution in your team
Customizing & Tweaking Your Cover Letter
Companies have different cultures and expectations for the same roles. Most of the time, they even have a slightly different job title. As a prime candidate for the job, it is necessary to hammer your cover letter based on the job requirements and description in the job advertisement.
This will show the recruiters that you have gone through the trouble of researching and customizing your cover letter to make it just perfect for their management to consider you for the job.
Proofreading & Editing
First drafts are called so for a reason. They have numerous errors and inconsistencies regarding the content, context, grammar, syntax, and so on. After honing the cover letter, it is necessary to give it a proofreading session.
This will help you in streamlining it further and making points clearer. All of this will result in solid odds for the selection.
Conclusion
Accounts manager can be a lucrative job for the right candidate in the right company. In the world of LinkedIn and social media, cover letters are still holding on to their own. This article sheds ample light on what a cover letter is and how it should be for an accounts manager position.
Before applying to your next dream job, make sure you go through the tips and tricks explained in this article to ensure you have a solid chance for the interview. From there on, it will be on the candidates’ abilities to do the magic.
Related : Download Accountant Resume
