A cover letter, also known as a letter of application or job-search letter, is one of the most important pieces of your job application. It can make or break your chances of getting the job. So you must get your cover letter right!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired. |
| Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should include a brief introduction, a description of your relevant skills and experiences, and a closing statement. |
| It’s important to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for and address it to the hiring manager if possible. |
| You should customize your cover letter for each job application and avoid including personal information that is not relevant to the position. |
| Following up on your cover letter after a week or two can help show your interest in the position and make you stand out from other applicants. |
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and explains why you are applying for the job. It should be brief, but it should also explain how you can help the company achieve its goals. It’s like an elevator pitch on paper: if you only had 30 seconds to convince the hiring manager that they need to interview you in person, what would you say?
Not sure if you need to write a cover letter? Check out our comprehensive guide on do I need to write a cover letter to help you decide whether a cover letter is necessary for your job application.
Should A Cover Letter Be Submitted As A . Doc, Docx, Or, Pdf File?
If a company has requested that you submit your resume and cover letter in a particular format, then they may specify that they want the document in .doc or .docx format.
If they don’t specify which file type to use, it’s best to send your documents in PDF format so that there’s no confusion about what you’re sending and how it should look.
If you do not have access to any word-processing software (such as Microsoft Word), then you can use Google Docs or another online alternative for creating professional cover letters.
Should The Cover Letter Be One Page?
A cover letter should be no longer than one page. While some cover letters can be shorter and still effective, there’s no need to pad your resume with unnecessary information.
Be concise and to the point with your cover letter; trying to squeeze in every detail about yourself will only make it harder for the hiring manager to read. If you’re having trouble keeping it short, try using bullet points instead of long sentences or paragraphs.
It’s also important not to use a generic cover letter that has been copied from another source this could give off a “cut-and-paste” vibe without giving any indication of how you fit into the company’s needs or goals. Make sure that each individualized letter is tailored specifically for each position for which you are applying for consideration.
Wondering if a cover letter needs a date? Learn more about the importance of including a date in your cover letter by checking out our article on does a cover letter need a date.
How Should I Format The Layout Of My Cover Letter?
The format of your cover letter is an important part of the overall presentation. You need to make sure that it is easy to read and understand. Some people think that a complicated layout will make them seem more impressive, but this can do the opposite.
It’s best to keep it simple and clear so that readers will be able to easily skim through your letter in search of the information they need.
Here are some tips for formatting your cover letter: Use a simple font such as Times New Roman or Arial; use a large enough font size (14-18) so it can be read clearly from far away; avoid using italics or underlining at all they tend not to come across well on computer screens or printed copies; don’t add any graphics or images unless necessary!
What Should I Do If I Can’t Find The Name Of The Person To Whom I’m Sending My Cover Letter?
When you can’t figure out how to address your cover letter, send it to the company. And if that fails, try addressing it to the department. If all else fails, you can address it to the recruiter.
This may seem like a lot of work for little return. But remember: a cover letter is just one part of your job application package and while it alone won’t get you hired (that’s what résumés are for), having an impressive cover letter can help make up for other weaker parts of your application.
What Does It Mean If You Say “Introduce Yourself”?
The introduction is where you can “sell” yourself to the reader. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and tell the recruiter why you are interested in this position.
You should include a brief overview of your experience and expertise, explain why you’re looking for this particular job, provide a summary of your qualifications/accomplishments relevant to the role, and mention why you think that they would be impressed by hiring someone with similar skills as yours.
Just remember that this should be a short paragraph (about one full page) that gives readers an idea of who they might hire if they were given enough information about their past projects or accomplishments while still keeping it short enough so as not to overwhelm them with too many details all at once!
Are you struggling to write a cover letter? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Our article on do cover letters help provides tips and tricks to help you create a compelling cover letter that will impress potential employers.
How Formal Should My Writing Be In A Cover Letter?
There is no one correct way to write a cover letter. Your tone should reflect how you want to be perceived by the hiring manager; however, some general guidelines apply to most job seekers.
A friendly voice is usually appropriate when writing cover letters for jobs in industries like marketing or sales where you will likely interact with people regularly. A friendly tone conveys that you are not only competent but also easy to work with and can build relationships with coworkers or clients.
A casual voice works best for jobs that require less interaction with other people, such as secretarial positions or data entry roles wherein your main role would be entering data into databases and spreadsheets rather than interacting directly with customers or clients.
A formal voice is appropriate for any type of job requiring strict adherence to standard written communication practices (such as legal assistant positions).
What Information Should Go In My Cover Letter Introduction?
Your cover letter introduction is where you set the tone for your whole application. This is also where you should be sure to include:
Your name and contact information
The name of the position that you are applying for (and how you heard about it)
The name of the company or organization that you are applying to
The date on which the cover letter was written and sent (if applicable) or a general period when it was written and sent (if not applicable)
A location where your resume could be picked up or mailed back if either one is requested
Are you struggling to write a cover letter? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Our article on do cover letters help provides tips and tricks to help you create a compelling cover letter that will impress potential employers.
Should I Add Bullet Points In My Cover Letter?
Bullet points are a great way to highlight your key skills and accomplishments in the cover letter. They’re also a good way to break up the text and make it easier to read.
They can be used as a sort of “mini-resume” at the top of your letter, which helps keep your cover letter short and sweet while still highlighting what makes you stand out from other applicants.
How Do I Write A Conclusion For A Cover Letter?
A cover letter conclusion is your chance to ask the employer for an interview, so be sure to include one. You can use it as the last sentence or add it at the end of any other paragraph.
Here are some examples:
“It would be my pleasure to discuss your open position further via phone or email, whichever works best for you.”
“I look forward to hearing from you regarding this position and/or setting up a time that we can meet.”
“Please contact me if I can answer any questions about my qualifications or experiences.”
When Should I Highlight My Key Skills And Accomplishments In My Cover Letter?
If you are applying for a job that requires certain skills, it is a good idea to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job description. For example, if you are applying for a job where you will be required to work with children, potential employers must know that you have experience with this type of work.
The best way to do this is by including a list of your achievements and transferable skills in your cover letter at the very beginning of the document:
I’m sure my experience working with children will prove helpful as I assist clients on their journey toward financial literacy. In addition, my communication skills make me an excellent candidate for customer service positions where clear communication between employees and customers is paramount.
When Should I Talk About Transferable Skills On My Cover Letter?
In the cover letter, you can talk about your transferable skills. Transferable skills are more important than hard skills because they can be used in multiple contexts, and they are valued by employers. Examples of transferable skills include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
When Should I Discuss Soft Skills In My Cover Letter?
Soft skills are important for companies to know about because they help employers assess how well a candidate will fit into the company’s culture. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires constant interaction with clients and coworkers, then being able to work well under pressure will be one of your most important soft skills.
Soft skills also often makeup 90% of what an employer is looking for in potential employees and yet, these skills aren’t always included in job descriptions or advertised as “required.”
When you take the time to write about them in your cover letter (or include them on your resume), it shows the hiring manager that you care enough about this job opportunity to go above and beyond what’s required of applicants.
This shows that your motivation goes beyond just getting hired it also shows that these particular tasks interest you enough to want more information about them!
Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but it’s an important part of the job application process. Our article on does a cover letter help explains why a cover letter is important and how it can improve your chances of getting hired.
What Information Shouldn’t Be Included In A Cover Letter?
Don’t include your salary requirements.
Don’t include references.
Don’t include your photo It’s unnecessary, and it could be illegal to post a picture of yourself on a public job application.
Don’t include a list of work experience, skills, or accomplishments that are already included in your resume (unless there’s something specific you want to highlight).
Conclusion
You may be wondering if a cover letter is really necessary. Honestly, it depends on the company and the job. If you’re applying to a company that doesn’t require one or they don’t want to see one, then there’s no point sending one (though we still recommend sending a short email thanking them for their time).
But if they do require one and even ask for specific information say, the name of a contact person who referred you or some other details make sure it’s correct before submitting your application!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you write a great cover letter:
Do I Need a Cover Letter?: This article provides a detailed explanation of when you should and shouldn’t include a cover letter with your job application.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Indeed’s guide to writing a cover letter includes tips on formatting, structure, and content.
How to Write a Cover Letter Guide: This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about writing a cover letter, including what to include, how to format it, and how to tailor it to the job you’re applying for.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should include a brief introduction, a description of your relevant skills and experiences, and a closing statement. You should also tailor your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for and address it to the hiring manager if possible.
How long should my cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to make your letter easy to read and highlight your key qualifications.
Should I include personal information in my cover letter?
No, you should not include personal information such as your age, marital status, or religious beliefs in your cover letter. Stick to information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Can I reuse the same cover letter for multiple job applications?
No, you should customize your cover letter for each job application. Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job shows that you’re interested in the position and have taken the time to research the company.
Is it okay to follow up on my cover letter?
Yes, it’s a good idea to follow up on your cover letter if you haven’t heard back from the employer after a week or two. This shows that you’re interested in the position and can help you stand out from other applicants.
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.
