Cover letters are a pain. They’re often unnecessary, they usually come after your resume and cover letter have already been submitted, and they always have to be perfect. But what if I told you that writing a cover letter isn’t as hard as you think it is? In fact, it can be quite simple once you get into the right mindset.
So let’s dive right in! Here are five tips for making sure your cover letter is easy to write:
Takeaways |
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Writing a strong cover letter is important to stand out in the job market. |
Your cover letter should be customized to the job you’re applying for. |
A good cover letter should highlight your relevant skills and experience. |
A cover letter should be brief, no more than one page. |
Always proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it. |
Write A Particular Cover Letter For Each Job
In addition to the general tips above, it’s important to tailor your cover letter. You can’t use the same template for every job you apply for you need to adapt it so that it’s relevant for each company and role you’re applying for.
The best way to do this is by using a “dynamic” resume builder. These types of programs allow users to fill in information about their skills and experience, then generate professional-looking resumes from them.
They also often contain a section where users can write customized cover letters that are tailored specifically for their chosen roles.
This isn’t always easy (especially if you want your CV/resume builder program), but it’s well worth the effort because: It will make you stand out in employers’ eyes; It helps ensure that all of your relevant information goes into each application.; And finally, it ensures that each application looks like one person wrote all of them!
Starting your cover letter can be overwhelming, but following a few key steps can help you get started. Our guide on how to start writing a cover letter breaks down the process into manageable pieces, helping you craft an effective introduction to your job application.
Gather Information About The Company
When you write your cover letter, you should be sure to include a brief overview of the company and its history. This will help the reader understand what kind of organization they’re dealing with and determine whether it has anything in common with their values.
You can find out about these things by doing some research on the company website or other sources like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Hoovers (for businesses in North America).
Here are some things you’ll want to know:
- What is this company’s mission?
- What is this company’s history?
- What are its values?
How did it start? Who were its founders and how did they build it into what it is today? Where did they come from, if not another business that was already established before theirs began operating?
This will help give context for why certain decisions get made to stay true to those founding principles while also retaining profitability as an integral part of their business model going forward into future years ahead once again under new leadership roles such as yours!
Pick The Right Length
You should always keep the length of your cover letter in mind when writing it. It can be tempting to write a long-winded essay, especially if you are applying for a job that requires you to write an essay of your own.
But remember that most employers don’t have time to read more than one or two pages of your application, so make sure you only include what is necessary.
A good rule of thumb is that the length should depend on the position (and company) you’re applying for:
If it’s a high-level position with lots of responsibility and expertise required, then aim for 1–2 pages
For other jobs, 2-3 pages should be enough
Give Careful Thought To The Opening Line
Your cover letter should be a conversation starter. The best way to make sure that it is is by giving careful thought to the opening line. The goal is to make it sound natural, so don’t say “To Whom It May Concern.”
And you should avoid cliches like “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam.” Instead, opt for a more personal approach: address your cover letter directly to a person who will be reading it (or at least someone with whom you know you’ll have direct contact).
If possible, try to find out the name of this person via LinkedIn this will help ensure that they receive only one version of your CV and not multiple copies addressed to different people.
A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job. Learn more about the key elements of a cover letter and how they work together in our guide on how do cover letters work, and start crafting a winning application today.
Make The Second Paragraph All About You
The second paragraph is all about YOU. Here, you should be able to demonstrate how your skills, experience, and qualifications will benefit the company in some way.
You’re not writing a cover letter for yourself this is a chance for you to show employers how much value you can add to their business. Give them an idea of what your day-to-day would look like if they were to hire you!
For example:
Continuing with my previous example about teaching English as a foreign language, I have also taught English online via Skype with students from across the world (including Africa).
This has given me valuable experience in developing lesson plans and creating tasks that engage students in various activities while helping them develop their language skills at the same time.
Explain What You Can Do For Them In The Third Paragraph
The third paragraph of your cover letter is where you can explain what type of value you can bring to the company.
You want to show that you have experience in the industry and that you have a track record of success. You also want to show that you are an expert in something, whether it be sales, marketing, or customer service.
This section should contain specific examples of how you have helped other companies achieve their goals or grow their business in some way.
Include Specific Examples From Your Past Jobs
Another thing you can do to make your cover letter more effective is to include specific examples from your past jobs. People hire you based on what you’ve done in the past, so they must know how well you can do the work they need to be done in their company.
You should also use examples that illustrate your skills and show how you helped your previous employer and/or its customers.
For example: “When I was working at ABC Company, I helped them increase sales by 20% by creating a new marketing strategy that targeted millennials. After implementing this strategy, ABC Company saw a 20% increase in revenue within six months.”
Whether you’re a seasoned job seeker or just starting out, crafting a strong cover letter can be a challenge. Fortunately, our guide on all you need to know about cover letters provides valuable insights and tips for writing effective cover letters that will help you stand out in a crowded job market.
Use Numbers And Metrics To Quantify Your Accomplishments
To make your cover letter stand out, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This shows how you can make a difference for the company and how you can help them grow.
Here’s some advice from one of our writers:
“When I’m writing cover letters, I like to think about what makes me different and then use that as evidence of my value at the company.”
Ask A Question Or Two In Your Closing Paragraph
In your closing paragraph, ask a question or two that shows you’ve done your research. This is a great way to show you are genuinely interested in the company and all that it does. It also shows that you’re not only capable of doing the job but also knows what it’s like on a day-to-day basis.
You can ask:
What is a typical day like for someone in this role?
How long have people been at the company who have held this position? Do they stay long-term?
Is there anything unique about working at [company] compared to other companies where I’ve applied previously, such as benefits, culture, and values (etc)?
When it comes to job applications, a strong resume is important, but a well-written cover letter can be the key to getting noticed by hiring managers. Learn more about the importance of cover letters in our guide on how important is a cover letter when applying for a job, and start crafting your winning job application today.
Above All, Be Concise But Do Not Sound Concise, Sound Natural
It’s a tough line to walk: you want to get right to the point and demonstrate your intelligence with very few words, but you also don’t want to sound like you’re trying too hard or that your letter is devoid of personality (which can happen when all your sentences start with “I”).
Writing A Cover Letter Is Not Hard When You Use Our Free Guide
Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at why the cover letter is so important.
In the job application process, your resume is usually the first thing a hiring manager will see. But it’s not the last step in their decision: they’ll also need to read your cover letter before deciding whether or not to interview you.
And if someone doesn’t make it past this stage? They’re out of luck. So make sure your cover letter doesn’t contain any errors or typos (we have some tips for that below).
It’s also worth noting that employers often use online applicant tracking systems (ATS) to track each candidate as they go through the selection process.
These systems allow companies to sort through applications quickly and efficiently but only if all necessary information is present in both the resume and cover letter.
An ATS won’t know what information was lacking unless there are obvious gaps in either document! That means you’ll want both documents to look well-organized, complete, and professional from start to finish before sending them off into cyberspace
Crafting an effective cover letter can be a challenge, but the effort is well worth it when it comes to landing your dream job. Check out our guide on how effective is a cover letter to learn more about the impact a strong cover letter can have on your job search, and get started on your own winning application today.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand how to write a cover letter. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a little bit of work.
You need to get your hands dirty and spend some time researching the company, writing down your accomplishments, and crafting an opening line that sticks out from the crowd.
But if you follow these tips and guidelines, then I guarantee that your cover letter will be as good as any other one out there maybe even better!
Further Reading
How to Write a Cover Letter Guide: Novoresume provides a comprehensive guide on writing a cover letter, including step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, and sample cover letters to help you get started.
How to Write a Cover Letter: 31 Tips You Need to Know: The Muse offers 31 tips for writing a great cover letter, including advice on how to address your letter, what to include in each paragraph, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Indeed provides a step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter, including tips on how to customize your letter to the job you’re applying for and how to showcase your skills and experience.
FAQs
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the employer, highlights your relevant skills and experience, and explains why you are the best candidate for the job.
Why is a cover letter important?
A cover letter is important because it allows you to showcase your skills and experience in a more personalized way than your resume. It also shows the employer that you have taken the time to research the company and the job, and that you are genuinely interested in the position.
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should include an introduction that explains why you are writing, a body that highlights your relevant skills and experience, and a conclusion that expresses your enthusiasm for the job and your willingness to follow up.
How long should my cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. It should be brief and to the point, highlighting your most relevant skills and experience.
How do I customize my cover letter for a specific job?
To customize your cover letter for a specific job, you should research the company and the job posting. Look for keywords and phrases in the job description that match your skills and experience, and highlight them in your cover letter. You should also address the letter to the hiring manager by name, if possible, and explain why you are a good fit for the job and the company.
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.