If you’re applying for a job, then you’ll need to write a cover letter. A good cover letter can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you’re a good fit for the role.
In this post, we look at the key elements of writing a successful cover letter and how to tailor it for different types of jobs. We also offer some top tips on how to make your application stand out from others in a positive way
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Tailor your cover letter to the job and company you’re applying to |
| Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience |
| Proofread carefully for errors and typos |
| Address your cover letter to a specific person if possible |
| Even if not explicitly asked for, include a well-written cover letter |
Why Should I Write A Cover Letter?
You’re probably wondering why you should write a cover letter. A lot of job postings don’t require them, and some hiring managers say they don’t even read them. So what’s the point?
The short answer is that it can help you get your foot in the door for an interview! And if you do get an interview, it gives you another opportunity to sell yourself as the best person for the job.
A cover letter is usually sent along with your resume when applying for a job that doesn’t require one, or at least supplement your application materials like interviews and presentations if they’re not required either (which happens more often than not).
It’s important to include as much detail about yourself as possible so that employers can see how well matched you are with their company culture and mission statement.
Your cover letter should also highlight past experiences that make sense given what they are looking for; i.e., if they’re looking for someone who has worked with children before then explain why those experiences make sense here too!
When writing a cover letter, it’s important to explain why you are a good match for the job. Our guide on explaining why you’re a good match provides tips on how to showcase your skills and experience effectively.
Cover Letter Why You Are A Good Fit
I believe I am a good fit for this role because of my extensive experience in project management, which includes managing teams of people to achieve goals and deadlines. My experience will help me contribute to your organization by ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
I have worked as an independent contractor for several companies, including [names of companies], where I was responsible for managing projects from start to finish.
This included estimating the cost and duration of each task, developing milestones for tracking progress, delegating tasks to other members of my team, following up with them on their progress, and keeping track of budgets so we could stay within our limits. For example:
In one instance while working at [company], I oversaw the development process from start to finish on a customer loyalty app that increased sales by 30%.
The customer loyalty app was released in 2018 because it had been approved by Apple after two months of development work (as compared with six months).
We were able to create this product thanks largely due to my skillset-not only was I able to manage various vendors who helped us develop certain features but also delivered excellent quality work while keeping costs low enough that implementing these changes would make sense given how much revenue they’d generate down the line.”
How Can I Write A Cover Letter For Different Types Of Jobs?
It’s important to tailor your cover letter to each job posting. A great way to do this is by referring to the job description. Use it as a guide for which skills and experiences highlight you as a good fit, so you can show why they should hire you.
If they mention something like “product development“, that might be something worth mentioning in your cover letter. They might also say they want someone with “experience managing projects” or “a background in finance” both are things that could be useful when describing yourself as an ideal candidate!
On top of that, think about what makes you interested in this organization or role specifically. It could be anything: maybe it’s an interesting industry, or maybe there’s something about their mission or goals which speaks out to you personally
Maybe there’s no reason at all other than some intangible desire that comes from within! Whatever the case may be, make sure it inspires passion in both yourself and them by including it somehow throughout your application materials (and especially on any cover letters).
While it may be tempting to skip the cover letter, it’s important to remember that it can make a difference in your job search. Check out our guide on why you need a cover letter to learn why it’s worth the effort.
What Should I Include In My Cover Letter?
The cover letter is an important part of the application process. In it, you’ll be able to tell the employer why you are a good fit for the role and how your experience and skills match what they are looking for.
Name And Contact Details
Always include your name and contact details at the top of your CV or resume so recruiters know who they are reading about before going on to read through everything else.
This should include: first name, middle initial(s), last name (including any other names used by your family such as nicknames), address, city/state/zip code (or international equivalent), country phone number (with area code) email address
What Information Can I Include In My Cover Letter To Show That I Have The Skills To Do The Job?
If you are applying for a position that requires specific skills, you will want to make sure that your cover letter and resume demonstrate how you meet the requirements. There are several ways to do this:
Make sure your resume and cover letter contain all required information (such as job title, company name, etc.)
List any relevant experience or accomplishments in bullet points at the top of each document (resume) or each paragraph (cover letter). Be specific; providing too much detail can be overwhelming and distracting. The goal is to highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates without making it seem like a list!
Use numbers wherever possible for example “I have five years’ experience” instead of “I’m experienced.” This gives the reader an idea about how long you’ve been doing something without having to read through descriptive paragraphs.
Are you wondering if cover letters actually help your job search? The answer is yes! Our guide on how cover letters can help breaks down the reasons why and provides tips on how to make yours stand out.
How Can I Use The Job Description To Tailor My Cover Letter?
The job description is your roadmap. It tells you what the company needs, and how they want to receive it. You can use this information to tailor your cover letter specifically to the role—and show that you’re a good fit for the job.
If there are specific requirements listed in the job description (e.g., 10 years working as an administrative assistant), make sure that you address those requirements in your cover letter by highlighting any experience that’s relevant or related to those skill sets.
And if there are no specific requirements? That’s fine too! Just remember: even though it’s not required, it will still help if you can show why this employer should pick YOU over everyone else who applied for their open position.
What information should I include in my cover letter to show that I am interested in the organization and the role?
Make sure you mention the company name and job title in your cover letter.
Mention the location, industry, and job description of this particular role to make it clear that you are interested in the organization as a whole.
A good fit should also include information about what makes you suited to this role. For example, if you have done similar work in previous jobs or studied relevant subjects at college or university, then highlight these skills.
You might want to mention any values or benefits (such as flexible working hours) that are important to YOU as well as how these align with those of your target organization- this will not only show them how much thought has gone into applying for their vacancy but also help sell yourself on paper!
Are There Ways That I Can Make My Cover Letter Stand Out?
You may be wondering how you can make your cover letter stand out, and these tips will help:
Make sure that the position you’re applying for is relevant to your background. If it isn’t, don’t apply.
Make sure that your cover letter is well-written. The employer does not want to read sloppy documents from lazy people who do not care about the quality of their work or about the employer’s time.
Do not send a resume or curriculum vitae without a cover letter—this is an important part of every job application!
Do not write long essays keep them short and sweet (two paragraphs max). You want to give enough information for an employer to know what sort of person they are hiring, but no more than that!
Also remember: spelling errors are unacceptable in any business document; get someone else (or yourself) who knows grammar well enough to go over everything before sending anything out into cyberspace where everyone will see it!
How Long Should My Cover Letter Be?
The perfect length of your cover letter depends on the position you’re applying for. A general rule of thumb is to keep it at one page (two if you include a resume). If you have any questions about whether or not your work history is too long, consult with your human resources department.
Remember: don’t make it too short! The hiring manager should be able to get an idea of who you are and what makes you stand out as a candidate within the first paragraph or two of reading, so don’t skimp on details there just to keep things short. On the other hand, don’t make it so long that they lose interest halfway through reading it no one likes a boring read!
Writing an effective cover letter can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier. Check out our guide on how to write a cover letter for tips on formatting, language, and more.
My Job Application Has Been Unsuccessful, How Can I Improve My Chances Of Success Next Time?
If you have been unsuccessful in your job application, it can be helpful to do a post-mortem on the reasons why. This will help you understand if any areas need improvement. Here are some things to think about:
What Did I Do Wrong?
Did I write a cover letter, or just apply online?
Did I make any spelling mistakes when writing my CV and/or cover letter?
Was there anything in my CV that would lead employers to think that I am not suitable for this role (e.g., being fired from previous jobs)?
If it is possible, try to find out what sort of person was successful in this role instead of simply assuming that it was someone with similar qualifications as yourself. Try contacting them directly about their experiences and ask them for advice on how they managed to secure the job at hand or something similar in future applications – they may be happy to help!
A well-written cover letter can be the key to landing your dream job. Check out our guide on how a cover letter can help you get your desired job to learn how to tailor your letter to the job and company you’re applying to.
Conclusion
If you want to write the best cover letter possible, then it’s important to understand the different types of jobs that you may be applying for and what information you need to include to show why you are a good fit for them.
You should always tailor your application for each role as much as possible so that it stands out from other applicants. If you find yourself unsuccessful after submitting your application, then take time to reflect on whether there were any areas where you could improve before submitting again next time!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on cover letter writing:
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter: Indeed provides a comprehensive guide to cover letter writing, including tips on formatting, language, and how to tailor your letter to the job and company you’re applying to.
Cover Letter Writing Guide: Western Michigan University’s Career and Student Employment Services provides a step-by-step guide to cover letter writing, including sample letters and tips for customizing your letter.
12 Great Cover Letter Examples for 2022: HubSpot provides examples of effective cover letters for a variety of job types and industries, along with tips on how to tailor your letter to the job and company.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should include your contact information, the employer’s contact information, an introduction that explains why you’re applying for the job, a body that highlights your skills and experience, and a conclusion that summarizes your interest and includes a call to action.
How long should my cover letter be?
A cover letter should typically be one page or less, with three to four paragraphs that highlight your skills and experience.
How can I make my cover letter stand out?
To make your cover letter stand out, try to tailor it to the job and company you’re applying to, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience, and proofread carefully for errors and typos.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Whenever possible, you should address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you’re not sure who to address it to, you can try doing some research on the company’s website or LinkedIn page, or you can use a more generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Do I need a cover letter if the job posting doesn’t mention one?
Even if the job posting doesn’t explicitly ask for a cover letter, it’s always a good idea to include one if possible. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest 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.