You log into our website. You go through several vacancies. And, Voila! you find the best one for yourself. But wait, this job requires a cover letter. And then you stop right there. Why? Cause you don’t know what a cover letter is. This is how you end up losing a good opportunity.
We are writing this article to make sure this doesn’t happen to you. Here we will explain to you in layman’s terms what a cover letter is, how you can write one, and tips to write the best one! So make sure you read till the end.
First, what is a Cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that a lot of companies ask you to send along with your resume. This letter is an opportunity. An opportunity to let the hiring manager know why you are the right person for the vacancy. You can also use a cover letter to let them know about your expertise and the value that you can bring to the company. It’s an introduction to you. And it should be professional as well as personable.
What are the elements of a cover letter?
Well, there are five basic elements of a cover letter. They are:
- Greeting
Here, make sure you address the letter to the proper person.
- Opening
This is where you present yourself as a personable candidate. Mention your skill and expertise and how it can help the organization.
- Hook
The hook is where you boast about all the achievements you have had in your career. Highlight only the ones that are applicable to the position you are applying for.
- Skills
Make sure you emphasize your additional skills here. It could be your Microsoft Office skills or any other certifications that you have and will be useful in the job.
- Close
In this section briefly mention the skills that make you a good candidate again and mention your contact information.
Now that you know the elements of the cover letter, here’s how you are supposed to write it.
- Cover letter header
Start your cover letter by mentioning the employer’s contact information. Make sure you mention the date as well.
Sample Cover Letter Header
Date
First and Last Name of Hiring Manager
Hiring Manager’s Job Title
Company Name
Company’s Address
- Cover Letter Greeting
Even though it may look insignificant, the salutation is extremely important. In case you know the hiring manager’s name, use that in your greeting. If not, try to find it through LinkedIn or the company’s website or if you can’t find it at all, address it to the hiring manager.
Sample Cover Letter Greetings:
- Dear XYZ,
- Hello XYZ,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Cover Letter Opening
To make sure that your cover letter introduction is strong, start by clearly stating the job you’re applying for and where you saw the job ad. If someone recommended you for the position, mention that too. Then, show that you’ve researched the company by complimenting its achievements and explaining what you admire about them. Finally, highlight your own achievements and explain why you’re the right fit for the job. By following these steps, you can create an attention-grabbing introduction that makes the hiring manager want to read on.
Sample Cover Letter Introduction:
“I am writing to you today to apply for the Sales Representative position in your XYZ office. I’ve been a long-time fan of your XYZ product/service, and I admire your dedication to XYZ (purpose of the office). Last year, I earned XYZ amount in sales (exceeding my sales goal by x%) and landed the top sales award in my company’s national organization. I live for the thrill of a good sale and am looking forward to possibly contributing my sales savvy to your company.”
- Cover Letter Body
After introducing yourself, it’s important to describe what sets you apart from other applicants. Look at the job ad to see what skills and responsibilities the company is targeting and use that as a guide for which qualifications to highlight. Discuss your soft skills, strengths, and what you’re passionate about professionally. Use relevant examples of your work to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job, using bullet points if necessary to make it easy to read. By doing this, you’ll be able to show the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate for the position.
Sample Cover Letter Body:
“As a (your position at a previous company) at ABC Company, I was responsible for overseeing projects across all departments. Specifically, I:
- Mention your previous job experiences in bullet form
I possess strong organizational skills, efficiency, and the ability to break down complex ideas into practical, achievable steps. My proficiency in communicating with stakeholders across various departments gives me a unique understanding of how a company operates, enabling me to bridge gaps between teams and facilitate consensus to accomplish ambitious goals. Overall, my skills and experience position me as a valuable asset to any company.”
- Cover letter closing
In your closing paragraph, show your excitement for the position and an interview. Make sure you include a plan of action as well. State what the next steps will be. If you’re gonna be waiting for the company’s reply, let them know that as well. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you. Most of all, make your conclusion formal and appreciative.
Sample Cover Letter Conclusion:
“Hoping for your kind consideration. I would be glad to set up a time for a meeting about how my hiring, recruiting, and retention strategies can help your company to drive better ROI. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon. You can reach me on my cell phone at (+XXX) XXXXXXXXXX or via email at [email protected].”
Now that you know how to write it, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts.
Do’s
- To create an effective cover, customize it for each job you apply to by using important keywords from the job description throughout the letter.
- Target the company’s needs and show how your skills can benefit them, rather than simply listing your own accomplishments, to sell yourself effectively in your resume and cover letter.
- Research the organization’s pain points and present yourself as a solution in your cover letter by emphasizing skills and expertise that can benefit the company.
- To ensure that your letter is free of errors, carefully review it yourself and ask someone else to proofread it as well.
Don’ts
- Avoid duplicating the content of your resume and instead offer more detailed insights into your achievements or problem-solving skills that can provide value to the company.
- Show enthusiasm and positivity in your letter, but avoid arrogance or overconfidence that may turn off recruiters.
- Avoiding generic form cover letters since a personalized one tailored to each company can make a more genuine personal connection with the reader.
With all of these tips and tricks along with the examples we hope you’ll be able to draft an amazing cover letter that gets you your dream job!
