Why are you writing your cover letter?
Your cover letter can determine whether or not you are selected for the interview. It gives you a chance to sell your qualifications to the hiring manager and shows them why you are a strong candidate for the position.
A well-written cover letter allows you to frame your background so that employers draw the correct conclusions about your qualifications as they review your resume.
Your cover letter must convey how your character, interests, motivations, knowledge, skills, and experiences equip you to excel in the job. Show the hiring manager why you are the best candidate for the position and should be considered.
Critical components of your cover letter
- Introduction – Tell the hiring manager why you are interested in the position. Include how you found out about the available position opening; you can mention the name if someone referred you. Display your knowledge and excitement in the company and compliment them.
- Sales Pitch – Show HR why you are a good fit for the position and ask for an interview. You should choose at least two skills outlined in the job requirements and show them how you meet those requirements. Also, how your experiences make you a good fit for this position, and then make a connection to what they need and what you have. Use the job description and qualifications to help you.
- Conclusion – Show your interest in the company and thank them for their consideration. Let them know that you will follow up within two weeks.
Begin writing your cover letter
The first paragraph of your cover letter must grab the hiring manager’s attention, meaning they want to read your entire cover letter. Here is how to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph:
- Be direct.
- Start with a strong belief statement.
- Lead with a relevant achievement.
Did you know that employers read resume last?
Usually, employers review the cover letter before the resume once they pass the initial screening. Make sure that your application meets the formatting requirements for the job posting.
In today’s job market, the application process is taking place online. Therefore, your resume and cover letter must pass an electronic screening to identify keywords in your application before HR reviews them. Check the job posting to find out the file formats the employer accepts before submitting your application.
Some applications have file format requirements or document page formatting requirements you can find specified on the job description page. You can review the job description to see if the employer has a maximum amount of characters, pages, or other specifications with special characters or font.
The job description will help you identify keywords you should include in your documents to pass the initial screening. Ensure your cover letter and resume match the style and font for consistency.
In your cover letter, describe your qualifications in more detail, the way you can apply your skills and experience for the position. Point out how you can add value to the company.
Customize your cover letter to every job description to demonstrate your interest using keywords or phrases from the outline. Use your cover letter to show how your background can help you perform well and benefit the company.
Your cover letter should have three main sections to point out why you’re applying, why you are qualified, and how you will take the following steps.
In the first paragraph, show that your cover letter is specific to that posted position, and mention the post by its listed title and company department.
In the second paragraph, showcase how your work has benefited the previous company and how you can apply your talent to their company.
For example, the third paragraph should have a call to action for them to call you for an interview.
To write a cover letter yourself when competition is fierce for a limited number of highly sought-after positions is not easy and can be very stressful. No matter how qualified they are for the work, to create a cover letter that turns up the wow factor and impresses hiring managers as something above and beyond the others is not a small task.
The danger of writing the cover letter yourself is that you may be too subjective or too wordy and come across poorly. Alternatively, it would be best to collaborate with an experienced resume writer. You can contribute a thumbnail sketch of yourself because no one knows your qualifications better than you.
Why templates are a bad idea?
You do not want to fall into the trap of using cover letter templates for your resume written as a one-size-fits-all. Your voice will not transfer well at the interview, and you want prospective employers to resonate with you rather than someone else who filled in the blanks on your behalf.
While the cover letter is more qualitative with personal insight than the resume, you need to stay on track and show how you are suited for the position.
Your cover letter is another opportunity to highlight the skills and talents you can bring to the table and how you can help them. It is also the perfect opportunity for you to give the recruiter a small taste of your personality.
How does a professional cover letter translate to the interviewer?
Your professional cover letter must have a standout opening with relevant skills and qualifications and a strong finish with a call-to-action unique to every application you submit.
Personalities are the ones that show up at the office day in and day out. Your personality will significantly impact your ability to fit well with a particular corporate climate rather than your skills. Use your cover letter to let a little bit of your personality shine through. It will make it a little more interesting than just listing the facts that most job applicants do.
Can a cover letter builder be helpful?
While cover letter builder may have worked years ago, it isn’t quite as likely to work in today’s culture. After all, you want to induce the hiring manager to call you for an interview. So, software like a cover letter builder lacking a personality feature will not cut it.
A perfect cover letter that remains positive, professional, and personable, combined with a professional resume. Clearly, with a cover letter builder that missing your personality, is not likely to achieve the desired results. So, chuck the builder and get to work, or hire a professional resume writer to help you to craft the perfect cover letter.
As mentioned above, no one knows your skills and talents you can offer better than you. So make sure you share them with your writing service if you hire one. Also, your passion for the position must shine through when putting together your cover letter.
If you have a passion for your work or the one you aim for, your words are the best way to get them across. Explain your drive for the position, and you might be invited for an interview. Every positive edge you can find is an edge worth exploiting! In short, write your cover letter per the position requirements and make it specific to the job vacancy.
How do you write a strong cover letter?
Address your cover letter to a hiring manager, if possible
Note that addressing your letter to the hiring manager or department head is the best way to go. Starting with – “To whom it may concern” will get your application deleted quickly. Include their name, title, company, and address at the top, just below the date.
To find some details on the company, search Google with keywords on the hiring manager, and so on. You will find a variety of related profiles that can make your life easier.
State the purpose of your cover letter
Your opening line should be straightforward. State your reason for your letter, the position you are applying for, and, if applicable, how you came across the job listing.
Don't try to summarize your resume
The cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re genuinely interested in the company and the position. Use your voice and add your personality to make it more interesting.
If you have relevant work experience, point it out with one or two examples. Emphasize your skills and abilities related to the position. Confidently do this, and remember that whoever is reading your cover letter will also view it as an example of your writing skills.
Professional cover letters have action words
Instead of using cliche words such as “fast thinker” and “highly creative,” come up with attention-grabbing action words.
Here are a few examples to highlight your skills:
- For leadership skills: Accomplished, contracted, assigned, directed, orchestrated, headed, delegated
- For communication skills: Negotiated, presented, addressed, translated, moderated, edited, promoted
- For research skills: Investigated, constructed, examined, formulated, critiqued, systematized, modeled
- For creative skills: Conceptualized, revitalized, shaped, redesigned, fashioned, developed, integrated
Don’t use too many “I” statements; it can come off as you are interested in what you can gain from the company; instead, focus on what the company will gain from you.
The closing of your cover letter should include.
- Emphasize your interest in the position
- Thank them for their consideration
- State that you look forward to hearing from them
- Include your signature at the end of the letter
Your cover letter format should be consistent – As a first impression, a visual consistent cover letter makes a big difference. Keep it to one page and use the same font and size, just like on your resume.
What should be included
To fit employer expectations and highlight your best qualities, there are a few points you cannot leave out from your cover letter:
Header – Your cover letters must start with a header that includes your contact information same goes for your resume to create consistency across your application. Regardless of your exact format, the header should start with your name, email, phone number, and address on separate lines. And, if it is relevant to the position, include links to your social media profile. Also, you can have the name and contact information of the hiring manager or company.
Greeting – Your cover letter salutation is your first chance to differentiate yourself from other applicants by addressing the correct person. You’ve already researched the hiring manager’s name, and now is the time to show that you have put thought and effort into your job application.
However, if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can personalize your greeting to their department. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a standard greeting acceptable when their name is unavailable. Keep your greeting short and professional, using the appropriate titles when applicable.
Introduction – The first paragraph should include basic details about who you are and why you are applying for the position. A general overview of why you are the best candidate for that job. You could mention how you heard about the job opening. Use your introductory paragraph to explain how you exhibit those qualities.
Qualifications – In this section, focus on your history and qualifications. It’ll allow you to attract the hiring manager’s attention by pointing out how you can help their team.
Provide more details and focus on how your experiences apply to the job. Include stories about relevant projects in which you were involved. Give insight into how you solved problems and contributed to the success of past projects.
Your values and goals – The following paragraph should demonstrate that you understand the company’s mission and have researched the position. Focus on how your goals align with theirs and connect to the elements you like about the company culture. Explain how the work you do can mutually benefit your future and your prospective employer’s needs. This section of your cover letter shows that you can not only do the job well but can fit in with a team and bring a positive attitude to the workplace.
Call to action – Summarize your interest, thank the reader for taking the time to review your application, and ask for an in-person interview as the next step for proceeding with the application.
Signature –Sign off with a professional closing phrase and your signature and typed name. Here are some appropriate closing phrases:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Respectfully
- Thank you
- With thanks
What you should look out for
A professional cover letter can boost your application for an interview, but it can cost you if it’s poorly written. Surveys show that typos and grammar errors are immediate deal breakers for hiring managers 87% of the time.
Look for Spelling or Grammar Mistakes – Your cover letter is a sample of your ability and evidence of your attention to detail. A minor mistake can cost you that position you’ve been waiting for so long. Therefore, if possible, have a professional resume writer write it, but at least review it for you.
That’s a big one – You wrote the Company Name or the Name of the Contact Person WRONG! Always double-check and triple-check that you’ve addressed your cover letter to the correct person at the right company. Nobody likes it when they are called by the wrong name, especially when they are reading letters from someone who wants to be hired by them.
Anything made up and Is not True – It shouldn’t be said, but keeping your cover letter as honest as your resume is essential. Please do not underestimate the hiring managers; they know when someone is lying on their resume. They can check facts and, if caught lying, were either fired or not hired.
You don’t need to stretch the truth or lie in your cover letter or resume. You don’t want to be one of those people. Make sure your cover letter accurately reflects your qualifications for the job. Companies do check with references and previous employers.
Don’t write a novel – Employers will skip over your cover letter if it is too long and difficult to read. Each paragraph should not include more than 5 – 6 lines with three sentences. Add white space at the top and bottom of your cover letter and between paragraphs.
Do not ever include Your Salary Expectations – Don’t include salary expectations unless directed to do so by the company. It’s vital to demonstrate your interest in the job to the hiring manager and not make it seem like money is your primary motivation. Wait for the hiring manager to bring up compensation.
Do not badmouth a Current or Past Employer – Negative comments about your previous employer will hurt your chances for that new job. The new company views such comments as an indication of an attitude or performance problems. Keep your cover letter positive and focus on why you are the right person for the job.
Information Not Related to your job application – Don’t include information not directly related to your qualification for the position. It will distract the hiring manager from your intent. It’s better to write a short but focused cover letter than one filled with irrelevant information. It should focus on why you are the best-qualified candidate for the job and what you have to offer the company in the long run.
Personal Information doesn’t belong in your cover letter – Keep your personal reasons to yourself and instead focus on the professional ones you would like to be hired. Your goal is to sell yourself to the hiring manager as a quality candidate, not to get someone to consider you because you would love the employee discount or the hours, for example.
Any Portrayal of the Position as a Stepping Stone – Most employers will be looking primarily for someone motivated to do the job they are advertising for a reasonable length of time. Mentioning future advancement can lead them to believe you would not be satisfied doing that job for long.
The exception, of course, would be if the employer has referenced the issue or if the position is part of a training program.
No one cares about What You Want – Your cover letter is about what you have to offer to the company, not what you want from them. It will cost your chances for the position.
Employers are not Interested in What You Don’t Want – Please don’t bring up what you don’t like about the job; save it for when you are offered the position, and it’s time to negotiate. Plenty of candidates don’t have a list of requirements.
Do not make-up Qualifications You Don’t Have – Don’t draw attention to your limitations; focus on your credentials and how you will get the job done. Pointing out what you miss in your candidacy is never a good idea.
Don’t Explain the Reason You Left Previous Jobs – Pointing out that you found a better job is always a better choice. Any excuse may needlessly bring attention to less-positive chapters in your work history. Keep your job application materials positive and focused on the future.
An Excessive Interest in the Position – Promote your skills and qualifications, but don’t oversell yourself. Excessive interest shows desperation and can undercut your leverage for any negotiation, not to mention a surefire way to turn off the hiring manager.
Here are some of the worst cover letter mistakes to avoid
- Focusing too much on yourself
- Listing all the details of all the previous jobs you’ve had
- Including something inadequate and uncomfortable
- Writing a lengthy cover letter
- Restructuring your resume in an unrealistic way
- Being a super-fan of the company you’d like to work for