A cover letter is a single-page letter that you include with your job application or send in a mail with attached resume.
After perfecting your resume, you’ve bookmarked all promising jobs to apply for; you’ve also prepared and rehearsed questions during the interview but hey, you will also need to send your cover letter and your resume as a requirement.
That’s where you get stuck… “How do I do that?”
Here’s how to because you deserve that job
A lot of hiring managers rely on cover letters to measure an applicant’s personae and communication skill. The key to writing a good and effective cover letter is to follow instructions and communicate succinctly but with a compelling voice.
A cover letter is a one-page document you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). It’s a letter that introduces you and briefly summarizes your professional background to the hiring manager. A good cover letter keeps a memorable effect to the person, who may hire you as it is your first introduction and is meant to convey more personalities.
It’s an opportunity to distinguish you.
A good cover letter can also spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. This means that writing a unique cover letter for every job you apply to and the format of your cover letter should also match the company and the industry you’re applying to.
On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long.
Writing a good cover letter
- Do your research first
Find out more about the company and the specific job you want, visit the website know its executive. Do some research beyond reading the job description and It’s a good time to find out what challenges the company is facing and how your role would help address those.
- Start by listing your name, address and date
You should include a few pieces of information at the top of your cover letter. Some people might center their name and address at the top of the page, mirroring the way it looks on their resume. Don’t forget to include the date of the day you are sending the letter. The date line should be separated from your address and the recipient’s address.
- List the recipient’s name and address
List the recipient’s name and information. You can find these details by looking at the company’s website or Indeed Company Page.
- The name of the job you’re going for
At the start of your cover letter you need to say which job you’re applying for.
You can do this on a line by itself (for example, ‘regarding: Application for Stock Controller position’).
You can also do this in the opening paragraph (for example, ‘I am writing to apply for the recently advertised Stock Controller position’.)
- Pick an appropriate voice and tone
Be yourself but pick an appropriate voice and tone for the company you’re applying to. Now that you’ve researched the company, it will help dictate the tone you want to use, which may differ greatly, depending on where you apply. For example, the tone of your letter for a legal consulting firm will likely differ from a tech startup.
- Open strong
Lead with a strong opening sentence. State why the job is exciting to you and why you’re right for it “Start with the punch line — why this job is exciting to you and why you’re right for it,” says Glickman. For example, you might write, “I’m an environmental fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience and I’d love to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to your growing development team.”
You want to catch the attention of the hiring manager, its no time to be funny simply be direct and dynamic.
- Let your letter Convey enthusiasm
Make your intent clear on why you want the job “In today’s economy, a lot of people have the right skills, so employers want someone who really wants the job,” says Glickman. “Enthusiasm conveys personality,” Lees adds. He suggests writing something like “I’d love to work for your company. Who wouldn’t? You’re the industry leader, setting standards that others only follow.”… Not too much flattery though and Be professional and mature.
- Tell your story
Telling stories from your career experience is also a great way to demonstrate your skills and give hiring managers some insight into your personality and work style. Always tell stories that look to the requirements for the position in the job description.
Use previous accomplishment to talk about a requirement or skill needed to get the job
- Honesty is the only policy
Stay true to yourself; if you start dishonest, you end up a liar if eventually given the job.
Stating you have a skill that you don’t actually have will come back to bite you upon being asked to use that skill in the interview or on the job.
You don’t have to be like everybody or be able to what everybody can do
- Keep it short
Your cover letter should be brief enough that someone can read it at a glance. Include key achievements, skills and specialties that make you particularly suited to perform well in the position. You might Focus on one or two and provide specific details about your success including measurable impacts you made.
But brief.
- End with your signature
Finally, sign your name after a closing line like “All the best,” or “Sincerely.”
A Successful cover letters go something like this:
- Memorable introduction
- Specific, organized examples of relevant work done and problems solved
- Concise conclusion with a call to action
Principles to Remember
Do:
Have a strong opening statement that makes clear why you want the job and why you’re right for it
Be succinct — a hiring manager should be able to read it at a glance
Share an accomplishment that shows you can address the challenges the employer faces
Don’t:
Try to be funny — too often it falls flat
Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job
Go overboard with flattery — be professional and mature
