How difficult may it be to write a cover letter that will win you one of your dream executive jobs? It turns out that it can be quite challenging as the recruitment process for a top job is much more demanding than for other positions.

You may well be a confident individual with considerable experience and a proven track record.  Still, you need to convince your new employer about that. Most importantly, you should be able to present yourself as a trustworthy leader, capable of taking charge and not scared of working under pressure.

Our tips on how to write an executive cover letter should help you land the job you dream of. To learn the basics that apply to all cover letters, read the post “3 Pieces of Advice When Writing Your Cover Letter” on our blog.

Best Practices for Best Executive Cover Letters 

The first thing to remember about cover letters is that they’re not just another version of your CV. While your resume should discuss your previous work experience in detail, your cover letter should focus on the most important and relevant job roles.
Robert Half suggests that the perfect length of a cover letter is between 250 and 350 words. This isn’t a lot so you should choose wisely what to say and how to say it.

A successful cover letter has to be short, but also capture attention as soon as possible. A Forbes coach, Jessica Hernandez suggests that having a strong first line is key.
“Safe” templates and formulas may work great for an entry-level position. Even so, showing your value to the company immediately will work better for executive jobs. As a leader your role is to be innovative and to have a strong voice. 

It’s equally important to prove that you’ve researched the company you’re trying to be a part of. Do your best to impress the reader and convince them that you’re a great culture fit for the position. Last but not least, remember to tailor not only one part of your motivation letter but all of it. It may be a lot of work if you’re applying for multiple positions, but it’s worth it. 

The person reading your executive cover letter is dealing with many similar pieces of writing. They need to feel that you’re special to follow up and invite you for an interview.
The only way to make a strong impression is by writing your cover letter right. This means in a way to show your specific qualities and experiences that make you a great leader for their organisation.

Here are some other things to always keep in mind when applying for executive jobs: 

• If possible address your motivation letter to a relevant person. “To Whom It May Concern” makes a bad impression if their details have been provided or are easy to find.
  
• Thank the reader for taking the time to consider your application and underline once that you want to be a part of their team.
  
• Make sure that your cover letter is free of any mistakes. Read it yourself, put it through editors and spell-checks and get an additional pair of eyes to have a look at it.
  
• Make it clean and visually appealing by using the right structure and formatting. 

Remember that this piece of writing is about selling yourself. Mention whatever makes you shine. Speak of your biggest achievements with confidence and mention anything exceptional that can’t make its way into your resume.

What to Avoid in an Executive Cover Letter  

There’s also a number of things that you should avoid when applying for executive jobs. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind: 

• You should avoid elaborating too much on your work experience. Instead, speak about what you offer as a leader.
  
• If something doesn’t look good on your resume (an employment gap, a short period of employment with a company etc.) don’t address it in the cover letter. This is a place to shine not to discuss potential doubts of your future employer.
  
• Be professional but not overly formal and use industry vocabulary to prove your expertise.
  
• Don’t use heavy and long sentences. Avoid unnecessary adjectives and repetitions. Don’t overcomplicate things by using difficult vocabulary. Your cover letter is meant to be clear and easy to read.

If you have any doubts about whether you’ve written your cover letter in the right way, ask a friend or a colleague to get a second opinion. Share this article with them to make sure they know best practices of cover letter writing. 

Now you know how to write an executive cover letter that will get you the job you’ve been eyeing. Is your resume up to scratch? What about your interviewing skills? Consult the job seekers section of our website and find out how to get access to our team of specialists who can help you succeed in the job market.