Casual or Formal? How to Strike the Right Cover Letter Tone

Here’s a little secret to a winning cover letter – your chosen tone. Is it a casual chat with a friend or a formal introduction? It’s your first opportunity to make an impression, and striking the right tone is essential. 

As leaders in your field, you understand the importance of nuance, and your cover letter should reflect that. Here’s how to navigate that fine line and ensure you speak the same language as the company.

Know the company culture.

Company culture is more than just a buzzword; it’s how an organization operates, its values, and its unique identity. When you take the time to learn about a company’s culture, you gain insights that can help you craft a cover letter that resonates with the team. 

First and foremost, aligning your values with the company’s values is essential. By diving into their culture, you can discover from your judgment if they prefer a more casual or formal approach. When you express in your cover letter that you share these values, it’s telling the company, “I belong here.”

For instance, let’s say you’re applying for an outsourcing company focused on providing eco-friendly solutions in an impactful way. You are also applying for a senior position that requires you to speak more concisely.

Original idea: I am passionate about meeting business KPIs

Instead, say: “I am deeply committed to exceeding sustainability-oriented KPIs that benefit both the environment and communities.”

Since you’ve researched the company culture and its ultimate goal, you can be more precise in meeting its ideas.

Assess the Job Posting 

Cover letters are a company’s first impression of you, but their job posting reflects them. By revisiting the job posting, you can align your cover letter with the impression they’re trying to make, making a solid case for your skills. 

Job postings may also contain unique details about the company’s needs, expectations, or projects related to the role. By reviewing the posting and speaking in the same way, you can incorporate these details into your cover letter, showcasing how your background and experiences align with the company’s needs. 

Reach out to your network.

Some will say that you’re only as good as your network. Do you have colleagues who work in the same industry? How do they approach their work? A solid network can guide industry-specific best practices for cover letters and job applications. 

They can even review your cover letter and offer constructive feedback, helping you improve your chances of success. 

If you’re still unsure, get personal but precise.

One of the keys to mastering the executive tone is personalization with precision. 

First, address the hiring manager by name and reference the company’s achievements or challenges. Incorporate industry-specific terminology and demonstrate your intimate knowledge of the field. 

Avoid colloquial language and overly casual expressions, even if you go a little relaxed. Your cover letter should still exude an air of executive elegance, maintaining a dignified tone. Craft your sentences precisely and clearly, focusing on showcasing your exceptional qualifications and experience.

Ultimately, whatever tone you go for on your cover letter, you should still embrace your brand of executive elegance and craft a precise cover letter that assures you can be the person for the job.

With a tone that is uniquely you, your cover letter becomes a powerful instrument on your path to career growth.

Remember, a cover letter is more than just a formality; it’s a strategic tool. Going in with a clear vision is one key to landing your dream job – and we can help you get started.