The cover letter is one of the most important parts of a job application. In it, you can explain why you’re interested in a particular position, explain any gaps in your employment history, and highlight any relevant skills or accolades that make you an ideal candidate for the job.
As much as we’d like to think that our work speaks for itself, hiring managers often rely heavily on reading through resumes and cover letters as part of their decision-making process. And while some companies do accept online applications via email, many still require applicants to submit hard copies via regular mail or fax so yours must follow these guidelines:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant impact on a hiring manager’s decision-making process. |
| Personalizing your cover letter and highlighting your relevant skills and experience can help you stand out from other candidates. |
| A strong cover letter can still be an essential part of the job application process, despite some arguments that they are no longer necessary. |
| Humor can be used in cover letters to inject personality, but it’s essential to strike the right balance between professionalism and entertainment. |
| Personal pronouns can be used in cover letters to showcase your personality and convey your enthusiasm for the position. |
| Crafting a strong cover letter is crucial when transitioning to a new career, as it can help you highlight your transferable skills and show potential employers that you’re the right fit for the job. |
How Do I Write A Personal Letter?
Whether you are writing a letter to a friend, a family member, or someone who is not personally close to you, there are some basic rules of thumb for crafting an appropriate salutation.
Use the person’s name in the salutation and then address them as “Dear” followed by their last name. For example Dear Ms. Smith
When addressing someone in business, it’s important to use formal language and keep your tone professional but friendly when writing out salutations for letters that are job-related such as cover letters and resumes.
Using the word “you” instead of “I” indicates that the writer has more authority over what they’re communicating than if they were using first-person pronouns like “I” or “me.”
A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to landing your dream job. As our guide on the importance of cover letters explains, taking the time to personalize your letter and highlight your relevant skills and experience can help you stand out from other candidates.
What Should Be Included In A Cover Letter Template?
A cover letter template is a form of writing that includes the following information:
- The name of the person you are addressing.
- The name of the company you are addressing.
- The date you are sending your letter.
This template should be kept short, but still, provide enough information for someone to decide whether or not they want to read your resume further.
What Do You Put In A Personal Letter?
Personal letters can be used to convey any type of information, from a thank you note to a simple “hello.” They’re usually written by people who know each other such as family members or friends and are sent through the postal system.
Business letters tend to be more formal and professional than personal ones, which means they may include less personal information and use more formal language.
A personal letter can be long or short, depending on the occasion for which it’s being written. If you need help writing one yourself, check out these tips from eHow!
While some may argue that cover letters are no longer necessary in today’s job market, our article on the relevance of cover letters shows that a strong cover letter can still make a significant impact on a hiring manager’s decision-making process.
How Do You Write A Personal Letter Of Recommendation?
A personal letter of recommendation is similar to a cover letter, but the purpose is to recommend an individual for a job opportunity or other employment. The content should be written in the same style as any other well-written letter, with good spelling and grammar.
Be specific about why you are recommending this person. Don’t just say “I would like to recommend [name] for [position].”
Say something like “I believe that [name] would be an excellent fit for your position because of his/her skills in [insert skill].” Be honest about your reasons for recommending someone; it could save them from being hired if their personality doesn’t match up with what’s needed!
Don’t use cliches such as “has worked hard” – instead, tell stories about how hard they’ve worked or examples of times when they have shown perseverance, etc. Avoid using superlatives (such as best) unless there truly was no one better suited than this person!
When writing letters of recommendation, keep them professional by avoiding slang terms or informal language such as “let me know.” Instead say something like: “If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.”
What Are Some Examples Of Personal Reference Letters?
Personal reference letters are used to recommend a person for a job or school. They’re often written by family and friends, former employers, or teachers. They’re also sometimes written by coworkers, though this is less common since it can be awkward if your coworker doesn’t know you well enough to write a personal reference letter.
How Long Is An Introduction For A Paper?
When you’re writing a cover letter, you should always include an introduction. This is where you write about yourself and why you want the job. It’s also where you can explain why your skills make you perfect for this job.
It’s important to include information that proves that your resume is valid when writing the introduction; this will help convince the employer that they should hire you instead of someone else!
How Do You Start A Professional Letter Without Dear?
Dear is a formal salutation. It’s not a problem to use this in your cover letter, but it will make the document feel stiff and impersonal. Instead, try something like:
Dear Ms. Smith,
If you know someone well enough to call them by their first name (or even nickname), then you can use that familiarity as an icebreaker just make sure it’s appropriate for the situation! For example:
You might also want to include an additional greeting if you have any other relationship with the person that makes sense in a professional capacity (for example, “Sincerely” or “Best regards”).
If you’re looking to inject some personality into your cover letter, our post on using humor in cover letters provides some valuable insights. By striking the right balance, a well-timed joke or witty comment can help you leave a lasting impression on a potential employer.
What Is The Best Way To Start A Cover Letter?
The best way to begin a cover letter is with a greeting.
Use “Dear” and the recipient’s name in the salutation, if you know it. If you don’t have that information, use “To whom it may concern,” but that can be too formal.
If your contact has asked you to address them by their first name on social media or in email correspondence with him or her, then do so here as well but only if they’ve permitted you!
I would like to start by thanking you for this opportunity. The position of [position] has always been one of my top career objectives and I am delighted that your company has made such an exciting offer available to me.
What Comes After Dear In A Letter?
Dear Sir or Madam:
In a formal letter, you should address your audience by title. A good rule of thumb is to address the highest-ranking official first and then work your way down. If you are sending a letter to multiple people, start with the most senior person on the list and continue down until you reach the lowest ranking person on that list.
You can also use Dear Sirs or Madams if it is a group of people all in similar positions (such as a board of directors).
Dear Friend:
If you are writing to someone who has no rank but whom you know personally, then “dear friend” is an appropriate salutation for this type of letter.
For example, if John Smith was writing me about something personal and we were friends before he started working at my company as an account executive, then I would likely open my reply with “Dear John.”
Can I Start Cover Letter With my First Name?
Yes, you can start your cover letter with your first name. The problem is that it’s not standard in most cases and won’t make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. It’s best to stick with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern.”
Also, don’t use their first names unless you’re writing to someone who is already familiar with you or has asked for it specifically (for example, if they know you and have worked together before).
When crafting a cover letter, it’s important to strike a balance between showcasing your personality and maintaining a professional tone. Our guide on using personal pronouns in cover letters provides some helpful tips and examples to help you get it just right.
Does The First Paragraph Of A Cover Letter Need To Be Specific To The Company?
The first paragraph of your cover letter should be specific to the company. This is where you will summarize your qualifications and relevant experience, so this information must align with what the employer is looking for.
If you’re applying for a job in sales, for example, and you have no sales experience whatsoever but you’ve been working at a pet store since high school where you were promoted four times and named employee of the month three times, then mention these facts instead of detailing every single job ever held by your great-great-grandmother.
Think about what they’re going to want to hear from YOU:
How did YOU get into this line of work?
What makes YOU different than other candidates? (This can mean anything from “I enjoy working with numbers” “I’m good with people” or “I’m super creative,” etc.)
How many years have YOU been doing THIS thing?
Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, but crafting a strong cover letter can help you highlight your transferable skills and show potential employers that you’re the right fit for the job. Check out our article on writing a cover letter when changing fields for some expert advice and examples.
Should I Attach My Cover Letter To My Resume Or Put It In The Body Of The Email
If you are sending an email, attach your cover letter to the body of the email rather than putting it in the body of the email. This way, if they decide not to open it, at least they’ll know what it says without having to read through all of your other emails. If you’re sending a hard copy resume, then go ahead and attach both documents (a PDF is best).
Conclusion
So, now that you know what to include in your cover letter, it’s time to get started. But before we go any further, let’s get one thing out of the way: yes, some people do not like resumes and cover letters. They feel they are outdated and irrelevant in today’s job market due to their lack of social media presence.
Further Reading
How to Write a Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide – Indeed’s comprehensive guide on how to write an effective cover letter, including tips on structure, content, and formatting.
Why Cover Letters are Important – Michael Page’s article on why cover letters are still important in today’s job market, and how they can help you stand out from other candidates.
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter – Novoresume’s in-depth guide to crafting a cover letter that showcases your skills and experience and convinces employers to invite you for an interview.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should introduce yourself and your qualifications for the job, and provide specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position. It should also show your personality and enthusiasm for the job.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be one page or less, and should be concise and to the point. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs that highlight your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
Should I include my salary expectations in my cover letter?
No, you should not include your salary expectations in your cover letter. This is something that can be discussed during the interview process, but is not necessary to include in your initial application.
How should I address my cover letter?
Whenever possible, try to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter for the position. If you are unable to find a name, it is acceptable to use a general salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Should I include references in my cover letter?
No, you should not include references in your cover letter. You can provide a list of references separately if requested by the employer. Your cover letter should focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications for the job.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.