A well-written cover letter really makes all the difference in an application for employment. It introduces you, boasts your qualifications, and tells them why you would be the best candidate. For many, this is something easily dismissed when it comes to an application for work, but someone who puts a persuasive and personal letter together dramatically increases their odds of succeeding with an interview.
In this article, we take you through a simple guide toward an effective outstanding cover letter step-by-step procedure in terms of both formatting suggestions and content-related approaches as well as the avoidable common mistake. Here goes.
- Purpose of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is the bridge that connects your resume and the job for which you are applying. It is not a summary of your resume, but it is the chance to give some context to your experiences, show interest and excitement, and to inject little personality into the application.
Some key functions of a cover letter include:
Introduce you to the hiring manager.
To let them know why you are interested in the position and the company.
To focus on relevant skills and experiences.
To make the employer believe that you really fit well into the role.
While there are employers that do not ask for a cover letter, its submission can differentiate you from many other applicants.
- Pre-Research Writing
Before you begin writing your cover letter, do some research about the company and role of the job. Here’s what you have to focus on:
Know the Company
Look up the website of the company and learn their mission, values, and what they have undertaken recently.
Read about the company culture to find out if it really aligns with your career goals.
Find articles in the news, PRs, or testimonials from employees as a way into the door for the organization.
Job Description
Determine what the job is asking from the candidate in terms of key skills and qualifications.
Notice the keywords used in the job listing and use them in your cover letter.
Note the responsibilities of the post. Determine how your experience adds up to those.
Since you have done some research regarding the needs of the company, it is now possible for you to update the cover letter with what your interest is in getting the job position. - How to Format a Great Cover Letter
A good cover letter also has a correct and professional style. Here’s the best one:
A. Header and Contact Information
Use the lines below at the head of your letter:
Your Name
Your Street Address
Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date
If the hiring manager’s name and the firm’s address can be mentioned, then use those. Otherwise, it’s okay:
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
(123) 456-7890
john.doe@email.com
March 10, 2024
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
Company Name
Company Address
City, State, ZIP Code
B. Introduction Paragraph Hook Them
Your introduction paragraph has to hook the hiring manager right on the spot. Lead off with some flair and a good hook.
Use of Example:
“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am truly excited by the thought of applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I always felt that I needed my skills in [industry or skill], and this opportunity came forth, so I was more than excited. I have grown up in these skills, relevant experience, and thus I can comfortably say that my strengths match what your team needs from me; am sure.
This introduction:
Is enthusiastic
Names the job
Asserts a personal stake in the company or industry.
C. Body has Middle Paragraphs- Highlight Your Skills and Experience.
The meat of your cover letter will be placed on:
Subject relevant experience-that’s, previous jobs and other achievements.
Applications key skills-your skills should complement the job description.
You are the right fit reason why your background serves the best for the company.
Example:
“As [Previous Position] of [Company Name], I had the opportunity to [explain achievement]. This has furthered the development of my skill in [mention key skill]. Most importantly, I was attracted to [Company Name] because of its focus on [mention company value or mission], and I believe that my skills in [mention skill] would be a valuable addition to your team.
Managed a team of 10, which increased productivity by 25%
Developed new marketing strategy that increases engagement by 40%
Delivered successful project that earned a revenue of $500,000
D. Closing Paragraph – Call to Action
Reiterate your passion with a final thought and call-to-action.
I would be glad to come aboard, bringing into this position all the skills and passion for the [industry]. I would really be excited to discuss how experience could fill the gaps your team may need to address. Feel free to call me at your earliest convenience to set up an interview. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Closing with a professional sign-off:
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
- How to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
A. Use Personalization
Avoid generic greetings, such as “To Whom It May Concern.” Address the hiring manager by name. If it’s not possible, then write “Dear Hiring Manager.”
B. Keep it Brief
The cover letter is never more than one page in length. A hiring manager opens dozens of letters a day; each word matters.
C. Business Letter Writing
Be professional and sound confident. Avoid too much slang or super-colloquial language.
D. Deflect the Needs of the Employer
Talk about what you bring to the company instead of, “I need this job because it will advance my career.”
E. Do Not Use Your Resume As A Guide
Your cover letter is an addendum to your resume and not a replacement for one. Try to tell experiences and how they might be applied to the position of employment.
F. Use Keywords from the Job Description
Most companies use applicant tracking systems that scan cover letters for keywords. Be sure to add relevant terms from the job posting.
G. Proofread for Errors
Grammar and spelling errors reflect poorly. Proofread your letter for typos, and have a friend or mentor read it as well.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
A. Being Too Generic
One-size-fits-all cover letter applies to no job at all. Make sure each letter is unique for the specific job.
B. Too Many “I” Statements
Rework the sentence “I have experience in marketing” into one talking about value added:
“For five years of marketing experience, I have successfully carried out value-adding campaigns that heightened brand awareness by 60%. “
C. Do Not Leave Without Asking for a Step Forth
Always make sure to remind the hiring manager to take the next step, say, schedule an interview.
D. Writing an Unformatted or Messy Letter
It shall be Arial or Times New Roman 12-point, clear readable font, appropriately spaced with good alignment.
Conclusion
A cover letter will do you the great good of taking you into the interview room. Personalization and giving importance to those experiences speaking best for relevance, elimination of mistakes, all can make a person stand before the hiring manager as long as the manager might care.
Take time to write an attractive cover letter, and you shall stand out in a throve. Good luck!
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