Kath B. answered • 05/04/19
PhD and MBA with 20+ years Career Development experience
Hello - great question. If I understand your question, you want to know how you can make your cover letter capture the attention of the audience, whether that is human eyes or automated reader. I recommend the following, formatted according to the applicant submission requirements:
Begin by DRAFTING a two-column table with headers: YOUR REQUIREMENTS and MY COMPETENCIES.
In the first column, list everything you know about the organization's position requirements; prioritize what you know/believe to be critically important competencies and/or those that are your strongest.
In the second column, list the competencies you bring to each of the listed requirements.
Don't try to meet all of the requirements listed but do make sure you bring sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to most of the critical competencies. If you meet or exceed all of the listed competencies the employer may take the view that you are overqualified (e.g., will want top dollar and/or will be bored in the position quickly).
After you have completed the draft, refine the table into an informative and visually appropriate demonstration of your insights about "job fit" - you will be one of the few (maybe the only one!) to take this approach among your competition so it should give you an edge.
Does this address your question?
Dr. K
