Don’t know how to write a cover letter or you aren’t sure of what to write in your cover letter? Well, this blog post will provide an extensive guide on how to write a good cover letter as well as some details to take note of.
Although cover letters aren’t usually required, most hiring managers rely on them to know the applicants, experience, skills, and background. The solution to writing an efficient cover letter is to showcase how your professional experience suits the needs of the role of the company.
A good cover letter along with your resume will help you stand out to your employers. And also has an impact on the hiring manager’s decision to contact you for an interview. So, if you are wondering how to write a cover letter, look no further because all the details you need are in this blog post.
What Is A Cover Letter?
Also known as an application letter, a cover letter is a one-page document that you attach to your Resume or CV in a job application. A cover letter provides all the details about your skills and qualifications. It will also tell your employers why you want to work for them and how you are qualified for the role.
A cover letter is submitted with your Resume or CV in a job application. The letter should state your skills, achievements, and experience. Cover letters allow you to go in-depth about your career. And tell them why you are perfect for the role and the company.
A good cover letter can impress your hiring manager and also make you stand out from other applicants. If you want to avoid a generic cover letter. Then you should research the company and the role you are applying for before writing your cover letter.
What to Consider Before Writing A Cover Letter
Before you start writing your cover letter, you need to gather all the important information that you might need. Here are some other things that you need to take into consideration before you start writing your cover letter:
- The first thing that you need to do before you can write your cover letter is to think about your experiences and how you would like to relate these experiences to the hiring employer. Highlight the skills, talent, and accomplishments that you would like the company to know.
- Before also writing a cover letter you should think about how you have learned about the job opportunity. If you found out about the job opening through a personal contact, then you jot down the person’s name and the title. If it was a job board or an ad, then you can write down where you saw it and when you saw it. In addition, list any particular instructions noted in the job description.
- Also, take note of the company that you are writing to and what caught your attention about the company. Do your research about the company to see if you also agree with its mission and vision.
- Know who you are writing to. If it is a particular person, address them by their name and title. You can address the letter to “Dear Human Resources.”
Cover letters are a way to show your skills and experience. Before writing your cover letter, you should conduct in-depth research about the company that you are applying to.
Format of a Cover Letter
A cover letter must be well-written and constructed like a business letter. Furthermore, a cover letter must have all these:
- Header with a date and contact information.
- Salutation.
- The opening paragraph.
- Middle paragraph.
- Closing paragraph.
- Letter ending.
- Signature.
The cover letter should be only one age and it should use a simple and professional font such as Helvetica, or Arial in 12 points in size.
How to Write a Cover Letter
Your cover letter must be well-written and also note your skills and experience so that you can stand out from the rest. There are very easy steps that you can follow to write a very good cover letter and they include:
Start with Your Header
Just like any cover letter, you should also add a few pieces of your personal and role-specific details at the top of the cover letter so as to make it a lot easier for a recruiter to follow along with you.
You can also put your name and address at the top of the page showing how it looks on your resume. Make sure that your header has:
- Your name
- Your city and also ZIP code
- Your contact number.
- Your email address
- Date
- Name of the recipient.
- Title of recipient
- Company name
- Company address.
Add a Greeting
In your research make sure that you find the name of the person that is reviewing the applications for the Job role. Make sure that you address the letter to this person with a simple business greeting such as Dear {Position Title}. Make sure that you avoid using “To whom it may concern”
Write Down an Opening Paragraph
In the first paragraph of the cover letter, mention the title of the job that you are applying for and also where you saw the position posting. Make sure that explain in detail your interest in the job role and the company to show that you have conducted your research.
The first segment of the cover letter is also the first impression that the reader will have of you. So it is very important to impress the hiring manager quickly.
Add a Second paragraph
The second part of your cover letter should be a short overview of your experience as it is related to the position that you are applying to. Make sure that you add all the important achievements, socialites, and skills that make you fit for the job position. Make sure that provide the details about your success which includes the impacts that you have made.
Be sure to pay attention to the keywords that are listed in the description of the job and add those that you identify within the body of the cover letter. You can add information about your professional experience.
End with a Closing Paragraph
The ending paragraph should be focused on other key achievements or skills that are important to this position. Other than repeating the details from your resume, make sure to summarize a particular story that shows that you are right for the job role.
Close with a Professional Signoff
Ensure that you end your cover letter with a paragraph that summarizes the reason you are applying for the job role and also how you would be the ideal person for the job. The cover letter conclusion must be short and explain that you look forward to their response. End the letter with your signature at the bottom.
With the steps listed above you should be able to construct a well-written cover letter that will impress your hiring manager and the company that you are applying to.