After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!
You have thoroughly polished your resume.
You’ve narrowed down the best positions you want to apply for.
But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you must write a cover letter, a crucial document that can significantly impact your job application. So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start
Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. This guide will teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve. We’re going to cover:
- What Is a Cover Letter?
- How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
Let’s get started.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application alongside your resume or CV.
A cover letter aims to introduce you and briefly summarise your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long.
A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.
So, how can your cover letter achieve this?
First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on essential achievements, skills, or anything else your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover.
For example, if your resume shows an employment gap, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow.
Writing about yourself may be complicated if this is your first time writing a cover letter. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer.
All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:
- Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
- Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
- Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
- Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
- Conclusion. Summarise your key points and wrap it up professionally.
When Should You Write a Cover Letter?
You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.
If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag, and your application will probably be tossed into the “no” pile immediately.
On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.
Writing a cover letter can distinguish you from candidates with similar professional experience and skills. Doing it right could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview.
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
Now that you understand a cover letter, it’s time to learn how to write one!
We will go over the procedure in detail, step by step.
#1. Select the Right Cover Letter Template
An excellent cover letter focuses on making the correct first impression.
So, what better way to make a first impression than with a well-designed, trendy template?
Choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates, and you’ll be ready to go soon!
#2. Include contact information in the header
It is vital to begin your cover letter with your contact information at the top, just like you would with a resume. These should be in the heading, precisely separated from the rest of the text.
You want to provide all the relevant contact information, including:
| Checklist | Description |
| Full Name | Your first and last name should stand out at the top. |
| Job Title | Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. |
| Email Address | Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names. |
| Phone Number | Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you. |
| Location | Add your city and state/country; no need for more details. |
| Relevant Links (optional) | You can add links to websites or social media profiles relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile, GitHub, or an online portfolio. |
#3. Address the Hiring Manager
Once you’ve listed the contact information, you can begin crafting the cover letter’s content.
The first step is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.
You should address the hiring manager directly.
| Checklist | Description |
| Hiring Manager’s Name | If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it. |
| Hiring Manager’s Title | Use the hiring manager’s title if known; otherwise, “Hiring Manager” is acceptable. |
| Company Name | Write the name of the company you’re applying to. |
| Company Location | The city and state/country of the company. |
| Date of Writing (Optional) | You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch. |
Forget the outdated “Dear Sir or Madam” and the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to make a good impression on your future supervisor and show that you completed your research before submitting your application.
No one wants to hire a job seeker who spams 20 or more organisations in the hopes that something sticks with their generic approach.
So, how do you learn who the hiring manager is?
First, review the job advertisement. The hiring manager’s name may be mentioned somewhere in it.
If that does not work, visit the company’s LinkedIn page. You can contact the head of the department you’re applying to.
Remember to address them as Mr. or Ms., then their last name. If you are confused about their gender or marital status, just use their complete name.
But what if you still need help discovering the hiring manager’s name wherever you look?
Don’t worry. You can address your cover letter to the firm, department, or team or omit the recruiting manager’s name.
#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction
First impressions are important, especially throughout your job search.
Hiring managers receive hundreds, perhaps thousands, of applications. They will most likely not read every cover letter from beginning to end.
So, capturing their interest from the first paragraph is critical.
Do you know anyone else with comparable job experience? All the other applicants against whom you are competing.
Instead, start with some of your most notable accomplishments to capture the reader’s attention. To emphasise the message, the achievements should be as relevant to the role as feasible.
Your first paragraph should also explain why you want this position to the hiring manager. For example, discuss how the work ties to your long-term goals or how it will help you advance professionally. This will demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are not simply applying for jobs; you are genuinely interested in this particular position.
Instance:
“I was happy to read that LabCorp is seeking an event manager skilled at increasing brand recognition and promoting growth through high-attendance events. Having attended several of your company’s public speaking events, I am very pleased about this chance. With a half-decade of experience effectively organising corporate events, I am confident I would be an excellent candidate for the post.”
#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details
The following section of your cover letter is where you can explain in depth what distinguishes you as a qualified candidate for the position.
The essential thing to remember here is that you should not make everything about yourself. Your cover letter should demonstrate to the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the firm you are applying to.
No matter how smart you sound in your cover letter, you will not receive an interview until you adapt it to what the hiring manager is looking for.
To get this right, use the job advertisement as a reference when drafting your cover letter. Highlight talents and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’ll be ready.
Instance:
“In my present role, I initiated an internal recycling programme, resulting in a 25% decrease in solid waste production within six months.”
#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Finally, it is time for the conclusion of your cover letter. In the last paragraph, you would like to:
- Finish whatever points you couldn’t make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything further to say? If you have any other information that could help the hiring manager make a choice, please include it here. If not, summarise your main selling features, such as vital talents and knowledge.
- Express thankfulness. Thanking the hiring manager for their time is always an excellent idea.
- Finish your cover letter with a call to action. The final sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should request that the recruiting manager call you to discuss your application or set up an interview.
- Remember to sign your cover letter. Simply write a professional concluding phrase and sign your name.
Instance:
“I am grateful for your consideration of my application. Lab Corp’s innovative approach to transforming simple designs into eye-catching focal pieces fascinates me. I would happily use my quality assurance experience to develop innovative items that increase brand loyalty.”
Cover Letter Tips
You’re all set to draft your cover letter!
Before you begin composing, here are some cover letter recommendations to help you elevate your cover letter to the next level:
- Customise your cover letter for each job: Make sure your cover letter is targeted to the position you seek. This demonstrates that you are not simply sending out generic applications; instead, it informs the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position.
- Showcase Your Skills: Discuss how your talents meet the company’s requirements. While your hard skills should be highlighted, you should include your soft skills in your cover letter.
- Avoid fluff: Don’t make generalisations you can’t support up. The recruiting manager can tell when you’re just flinging words around, which makes your cover letter look unprofessional.
- Use specific examples. Instead of declaring you’re outstanding at something, provide an example to support your claim. Any statistics you can present will make you appear more reliable, so quantify your achievements. For example, provide data such as percentages connected to your performance and the period required to attain specified goals.
- Research the company. Always spend time learning about the organisation you’re applying to. Make sure to mention them in your cover letter to demonstrate your interest.
- Follow the application instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or specifies a format, include it. Not following instructions can appear unattentive or indicate to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
- Use the correct template and format: Choose the appropriate cover letter format and tailor your cover letter to the industry you’re looking for. For example, if you want to work in law or finance, you should dress professionally. However, if you’re applying to a subject that promotes innovation, such as IT or design, you’ll have more opportunities for creativity.
- Express your enthusiasm: Tell the hiring manager why you’re enthused about the position. Your enthusiasm for the specific work or the subject can be a strong selling point, demonstrating that you are interested rather than simply applying.
- Address any gaps: If your CV contains any employment gaps, your cover letter is an excellent way to explain why. Your CV does not provide enough space to explain an employment gap, but expressing it here can put hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
- Avoid unusual emails: Your email address should seem acceptable. A recruiting manager is unlikely to take you seriously if your email address is “brooklyplaya@gmail.com.” Simply use the firstname.lastname@email.com format.
- Check your contact information: A typo in your email address or phone number can result in a missed chance. Please double-check these before submitting your application.
- Mention whether you want to relocate: If you’re looking for a job that allows you to relocate, make that clear in your cover letter.
- Keep it brief: Your cover letter should be short and sweet. Hiring managers do not have time to read a novel, so they will skip it if you go over one page.
- Use a professional tone: While a conversational tone is acceptable, remember that this document is still formal. To maintain professionalism, avoid slang, jargon, and emojis in your cover letter.
- Proofread carefully: Typos and grammar errors are a significant deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it.
FAQs: Cover Letters That Get You the Interview
Q 1. What information should be included in the heading of a cover letter?
Ans. Always ensure that your full name, phone number, email address, and location are shown in the heading of your cover letter. Also, any job title, job location, and profile URL such as LinkedIn will be important.” This way, he/she will contact you quickly when they receive it because they will have all his/her details.
Q 2. How can I find the correct person to address my cover letter?
Ans. To find the correct person to address your cover letter, research the company’s website, LinkedIn, or job listing to find the hiring manager’s name. If in any way you cannot find it, there is always the option of calling the Human Resources department. This will signify that you are keen enough to read more about it and understand what it entails.
Q 3. What should be included in the first paragraph of a cover letter to capture the reader’s attention?
Ans. The first paragraph should be compelling and highlight your significant accomplishments. Include specific figures and facts to support your experience and express your excitement for the role. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter and encourages the hiring manager to keep reading.
Q 4. In my cover letter, how can I demonstrate that I am a suitable applicant for the job?
Ans. To demonstrate your suitability, identify the fundamental requirements of the role and provide specific examples of how your experiences and skills align with these requirements. Use concrete examples and quantifiable achievements to illustrate how you meet or exceed the job’s expectations.
Q 5. How do I convey enthusiasm for the company in my cover letter?
Ans. Show your enthusiasm by highlighting specific aspects of the company that resonate with you, such as their mission, recent projects, or company culture. Avoid generic statements and focus on what excites you about the company and how it aligns with your career goals. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you stand out from other applicants.
Also Read
