Cover letters are a crucial part of any job application. They give you the chance to show off your personality, writing skills, and professionalism. If you want an HR manager or recruiter to read through your CV, then you need to impress them with your cover letter first!
In this post, we’ll talk about what makes a good cover letter and how long yours should be plus there’s an example at the bottom of the article so you can see what we mean by all this.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Using bullet points in your cover letter can help you highlight your qualifications and make it more readable. |
| Use bullet points strategically and not overuse them. |
| Generally, 3-5 bullet points can be effective in highlighting your most important qualifications. |
| Your bullet points should be concise, specific, and provide examples to support your claims. |
| Bullet points can be used to highlight your qualifications, achievements, or skills that match the job requirements. |
Can You Use Bullet Points In A Cover Letter
Yes, you can use bullet points in a cover letter.
Bullet points can be useful because they’re easy to scan, which means that hiring managers who are pouring over dozens of applications at once will have an easier time getting to the information they want. In addition to saving time for the reader, bullet points help you cut down on how much white space your cover letter takes up and keep things looking neat and tidy.
A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant impact on your job application. According to our experts, a cover letter is one of the most important components of a job application. Check out our guide on why cover letters are important to understand how to create an effective cover letter.
What Should I Include In My Cover Letter?
The most important thing you need to remember when writing any kind of cover letter is that it needs to be personalized for each position! That means no copying-and-pasting from previous letters or templates.
You should always write specific examples of how you meet the requirements listed in the job description (for example: “I’m a great fit because I have experience working with X toolkit”).
Also, make sure that there aren’t any typos or grammar errors; if there are, ask someone else (a friend or family member) who knows better than you to do what’s wrong with it first before sending out anything official!
What Should Be Emphasized In A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is an important part of your application. It’s where you describe why you’re applying to the job, what skills and experience you have that make you a good fit, and how those will benefit the company.
It’s also an opportunity to give more information about yourself that can’t be included in your resume -for example, if there are gaps in employment or education.
Because it’s so important, we’ve put together some basic tips for writing one:
Start with “To Whom It May Concern,” followed by the name of the person who posted the job listing (if known). You don’t need to know who will read your letter; just address it so someone can find out who should be reading it later on!
Write only about two paragraphs at most; keep them short and sweet!
Don’t include any contact information such as phone numbers or addresses until after stating “sincerely yours.” This shows that person has permission from someone else before he/she starts calling people up! That would be rude otherwise…
While some employers may not require a cover letter, it is still a crucial component of your job application. Our experts recommend always including a cover letter to demonstrate your interest in the job and showcase your skills. Check out our guide on why cover letters are necessary to learn more about the importance of a cover letter.
How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
When it comes to how long your cover letter should be, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Different industries and positions may require different lengths.
Generally speaking, the following guidelines can help you determine the appropriate length:
- 1-2 pages for a resume with minimal or no experience
- 1/3 of the length of the resume for an applicant with little to no relevant work experience
- 1/2 of the length of the resume for an applicant with 3+ years of relevant work experience
- 1/4 of your resume if you have 10+ years of relevant work experience
How Do You Start A Cover Letter For An Internship?
The best way to start your cover letter is by introducing yourself, mentioning the company and position you are applying for, and stating your interest in the position and why you are the perfect person for it. Thank them for their time; then close with a statement that you look forward to hearing from them soon.
What Are The 5 Parts Of A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume. It tells the hiring manager why you are a good fit for the job, and helps emphasize your accomplishments and experience.
A cover letter should be written in a conversational tone as if you were writing a letter to a friend about your professional life. It should explain why you are applying for this particular position and how it fits your skill set. You should also use this space to explain any relevant experience that is not obvious from your resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Should I Attach My Cover Letter To My Resume?
You may find yourself wondering: should I attach my cover letter to my resume? The answer is it depends on which method you prefer, and your recruiter’s preferences.
Many companies have very specific requirements for how they want their candidates’ documents submitted, so if you don’t know what theirs are, it might be best to keep things simple and send both documents as separate submissions.
If you do know the company’s preferences, however and if it makes sense for them to receive your cover letter as an attachment you can certainly send both documents combined into one PDF file.
In the age of digital job applications, cover letters may seem outdated, but they are still relevant and essential in the hiring process. Our experts suggest using a cover letter to differentiate yourself from other applicants and demonstrate your value to the employer. Check out our guide on why cover letters are still relevant to understand how to create a compelling cover letter.
How Do You Write A Professional Covering Letter?
Use professional language.
Use proper grammar and spelling. This means, no typos! It’s also important to make sure your sentences are clear, concise, and error-free. If you’re not sure if your grammar is correct, have a friend or family member proofread your letter for you before sending it out (and do the same for them!).
Use a professional format. Any good cover letter should start with “Dear Hiring Manager” followed by the name of the company hiring manager at which you applied for work; this shows that you took time to research their organization and understand what they do a good sign that they will appreciate in others as well!
Then describe why working at this organization would benefit both parties before ending with a thank-you note.
Use a professional font. I recommend using Times New Roman or Arial because both have been around long enough to become familiar across platforms like Mac OS X, Windows 7 through 10 along with most web browsers that support these fonts including Google Chrome (last updated September 2015), Mozilla Firefox (last updated June 2018)
Internet Explorer/Edge from Windows 8 onward plus newer versions of Safari from iOS 9 onward including watchOS 5 on Apple Watch Series 4 devices released later this year
iBooks Author 8 PPI retina resolution Retina Display devices iPad Pro 2nd generation iPad Pro 3rd generation iPad Air 2nd Generation iPad mini 4th generation iPhone 5s 6 Plus 6S Plus 7 Plus 8 Xr Xs Max).
How Do You Write A Short And Sweet Cover Letter?
To write a short and sweet cover letter, you’ll want to follow these rules:
Keep it one page long. If your resume takes more than one page, don’t include it in your cover letter. Instead, attach it as an attachment at the end of your email no matter how many pages there are!
Use bullet points instead of paragraphs. Bullet points make everything easier to read. Plus, they show that you’re organized and professional!
Use action words like “achieved”, “coordinated”, “improved” etc.. These words help show what kind of person you are and what skills/abilities you have that can be used for this job opportunity (or other opportunities).
You should also use numbers when describing things such as project goals or results from past experiences; this gives employers an idea of how successful someone was in their previous role(s) which is important information when making hiring decisions especially if two candidates have similar experience levels but different skill sets so choose wisely!
What Is The Difference Between A Resume And A Cover Letter?
You might be wondering if you need a cover letter in addition to your resume since they are often lumped together. The short answer: is yes. A cover letter is meant to introduce you as a person and demonstrate why you’re applying for the position at hand.
It should show what makes you unique, as well as explain why the company should consider hiring someone like yourself (as opposed to anyone else).
Your resume shows what has happened in your professional life so far. A cover letter explains who we are outside of our professional lives so that we can show that we have what it takes to succeed in this role at this company!
What Do I Put In A Covering Note?
Cover letters are much more than the mere formality they once were. Today, they’re an opportunity to show off your personality and highlight your unique talents. So how do you transform a bland formality into something that makes hiring managers want to meet you? Try these tips:
Introduce yourself with confidence and personality. If you’re applying for a job at a company in which you have no experience, this is especially important and not just because it will help them remember who they met at the last networking event.
Letting hiring managers know that you’re capable of taking initiative and leading teams will show that you can contribute in ways other candidates might not be able to yet.
Establish common ground with the employer by mentioning something specific about their business or industry, such as their mission statement or recent news coverage (e.g., “It was great speaking at SXSW!
We should talk about how I could get involved in your social media strategy there next year”). This shows them that not only did you read their website carefully enough to know what makes them different from other companies out there but also gives them insight into who exactly is applying for this position (i.e., someone who cares about what matters most).
Using bullet points in your cover letter can make it more organized and easier to read. However, it is crucial to use them effectively and strategically. Check out our guide on using bullet points in a cover letter to learn how to incorporate them into your cover letter.
Is It Necessary To Attach A Cover Letter With a Resume?
You should include a cover letter with your resume if it is specifically requested by the employer or hiring manager. If you’re applying for an engineering position that requires you to submit resumes and cover letters, then it is necessary to attach a cover letter to your application.
However, if you are applying for a job that requires no specific information from applicants (such as retail positions), then attaching a cover letter may be overkill. In these cases where not every job asks for one, it’s always best practice to tailor any document such as this so that it addresses whatever needs they might have in mind.
A Good Cover Letter Is Key To Getting Your Dream Job
A good cover letter is the key to getting your dream job. It should be personalized, tailored to the job, concise, error-free, and easy to read. To make sure your cover letter is a good one:
Use bullet points when possible
Address each point in a separate paragraph (a bulleted list of accomplishments can be combined into one paragraph)
Use active voice instead of passive voice (“I accomplished X” instead of “X was accomplished by me)
While some job postings may not require a cover letter, it is still a best practice to include one with your resume. A cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and personality to the employer. Check out our guide on submitting a resume without a cover letter to understand why a cover letter is essential in the job application process.
Conclusion
The key to a good cover letter is to make it stand out from the rest. You want it to be personal and show that you are making an effort with your application.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you create an effective cover letter using bullet points:
Indeed: Should You Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter? – Indeed provides tips on when and how to use bullet points in your cover letter to make it stand out.
The Balance Careers: How to Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter – The Balance Careers offers advice on how to effectively use bullet points in your cover letter to highlight your qualifications and experience.
Resume Genius: How to Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter – Resume Genius provides examples and tips for using bullet points in your cover letter to make it more compelling and engaging.
FAQs
Can I use bullet points in my cover letter?
Yes, bullet points can be a useful way to break up text and highlight important information in your cover letter. However, it’s important to use them effectively and not overuse them.
Where should I use bullet points in my cover letter?
Bullet points can be used to highlight your qualifications, achievements, or skills that match the job requirements. They can also be used to break up text in your cover letter and make it more readable.
How many bullet points should I use in my cover letter?
There is no set number of bullet points to use in a cover letter, but it’s important to use them strategically and not overuse them. Generally, 3-5 bullet points can be effective in highlighting your most important qualifications.
What should I include in my bullet points?
Your bullet points should highlight your most important qualifications, achievements, or skills that match the job requirements. They should be concise and specific, and provide examples to support your claims.
Should I use bullet points in every cover letter?
Not necessarily. It depends on the job posting and the content of your cover letter. Bullet points can be a useful tool in some situations, but it’s important to use them effectively and not overuse them.
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.