As you apply for jobs, you may wonder how to make your cover letter stand out in a sea of applicants. One trick to consider is to include a postscript (PS) section at the end of your cover letter.
Why Include a PS Section in a Cover Letter?
The PS section provides a unique opportunity to reinforce your interest in the position and communicate additional information beyond the main body of the letter.
By adding a PS section, you may provide a final push to the employer that will motivate them to take the next step and invite you to an interview.
Crafting an Effective PS Section
Here are some tips to help you craft an effective PS section:
-
Be concise: Keep the PS section brief, typically no more than two sentences. Employers note that short and sweet PS sections are more effective.
-
Reiterate your interest: You can use the PS section to reaffirm your interest in the position and your qualifications. For example: “PS: I am particularly interested in the role because of my experience in project management and my love for collaboration”.
-
Provide additional information: Use the PS section to highlight important information that may have been missed in the body of the letter. For example: “PS: I won an award for Innovation in my previous position and I am excited to bring my skills to your team.”
Examples of Great PS Sections in Cover Letters
A great PS section:
- Clarifies that you will hire yourself.
- Reiterates your enthusiasm for the company.
- Offers additional relevant qualifications that weren’t touched on earlier in the letter.
- Shares your availability for an interview.
Here is an example of an excellent PS section in a cover letter:
“PS: I am confident that my strong leadership and excellent communication skills will bring value to your organization, and I’m excited to bring my experience to your team. I’m available Monday and Tuesday for an interview by phone or video, and I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PS sections of a Cover Letter
To avoid making common PS section mistakes, here are some things to keep in mind:
-
Do not use a PS section to apologize for something that you didn’t mention in the body of the letter.
-
Do not use a PS section to make a joke, express your sense of humor, or share personal details about your life.
-
Do not use a PS section to thank the employer for their time. This is better placed in the closing sentence of your letter’s body.
Tips on Making the PS section Stand Out
To make your PS section stand out, consider customizing it to the company you are applying to. If you have researched the employer, you will know more about the organization and the position you are applying for.
For example, you can tailor your PS section by stating a specific activity or initiative the company is doing that you support or can add value to.
Key Takeaways
- The PS section is a small but powerful tool to use in your cover letter
- A great PS section reiterates your interest, highlights your qualifications, and clarifies your availability.
- Keep the PS section brief and professional to ensure it is an asset to your cover letter.
FAQs
Q: Should I include a PS section in every cover letter?
A: While it is not necessary to include a PS section in every cover letter, it can be a strong addition when used properly.
Q: How can I make my PS section unique?
A: Consider mentioning specific company initiatives, connecting your qualifications to the job description, or taking a different approach to the tone or language used in the rest of your letter.