A cover letter is a short introduction to your resume. It’s the first thing employers will see when they review your application, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Learn how to write an effective cover letter by following these steps:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Cover letters are an essential part of the job application process. |
| A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants. |
| Your cover letter should be personalized to the specific job and company you are applying to. |
| A cover letter should be concise, engaging, and free of errors. |
| Your cover letter should provide specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position. |
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a letter that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It’s a way to introduce yourself and explain why you are a good fit for the position. A well-written cover letter can help make your application more memorable, but it requires attention to detail (especially if it’s being sent via email).
Cover letters should:
- Introduce yourself to employers
- Explain why you are interested in working with them
- Highlight relevant skills, qualifications, and experience
Cover letters are an important part of the job application process, and having a well-crafted one can make all the difference in landing your dream job. Learn more about the key components of a cover letter on our comprehensive guide on all you need to know about cover letters.
Do I Need A Cover Letter?
When applying for a job, you will need to write a cover letter. A cover letter is an introductory letter that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. The cover letter highlights the most relevant information of your resume by briefly describing who you are and what you have done in the past, as well as why you’re interested in working at this specific company/position.
The main purpose of a cover letter is to show that you are qualified for the position and ready to work hard if hired. While it’s not mandatory for all jobs (and some companies may even choose not to review your application), writing one can help strengthen your application and increase your chances of being invited for an interview!
How To Write A Cover Letter?
Cover letter writing is a tedious task. It is important to write a cover letter that is in sync with the job description, as you want to highlight your relevant skills and why you are the best candidate for the position. To ensure that your cover letter stands out from all the others, here are some tips:
Use a formal tone. When writing a cover letter, make sure it’s formal enough so that it shows professionalism and attention to detail on your part. Use proper grammar and spelling; avoid using contractions (e.g., I’m instead of I am).
Use the same font/typeface as what’s used on the job posting’s website or social media page where they advertise their open positions!
This ensures that there will be consistency between screens when someone looks at them side-by-side; otherwise, people might think something has changed since they last checked those pages before sending out their applications which could give them second thoughts about whether or not they want to apply now!
Are you unsure about how to write an effective cover letter? Our guide on how do cover letters work can help you understand the purpose and structure of a successful cover letter.
How Should I Start My Cover Letter?
Knowing how to start a cover letter is important because it can make or break your chances of landing the job. A good first sentence will grab the reader’s attention, while a bad one may have them skimming through your other paragraphs.
A good first sentence should be clear and concise, but it should also demonstrate that you’re capable of doing what the employer is looking for at this company.
This can be done in one of two ways: either by telling the company exactly why you want this particular job (or why they should hire you) or by showing what kind of employee they’ll get if they do decide to hire you. For example:
“I’m writing this letter with great enthusiasm because I am so passionate about teaching children to read.”
This sentence conveys both desire and expertise two things that are essential for teachers!
“I’m applying for an opening as an elementary school teacher because I believe I’m exceptionally qualified for the position.”
In this case, we get no sense of passion from our candidate at all (other than confidence), which might turn off some hiring managers who prefer applicants who are eager and excited about their work.
Can I Use The Same Cover Letter For Different Jobs?
Yes! A cover letter can be used for multiple jobs, but it should be tailored to each job. The same cover letter can be used for different jobs, but it should be tailored to each job.
Examples of ways to tailor a cover letter:
If you are applying for an entry-level position at a small company and want your resume to stand out from the other applicants, consider starting with an attention-grabbing story or anecdote that demonstrates why you are qualified for the job (e.g., “I’m currently working as a server at [restaurant], where I’ve learned how important customer service is.”)
If you’re applying for a senior-level position at a large company, then maybe start by saying why this particular role is right up your alley (e.g., “My wealth of experience in building teams and managing projects makes me uniquely qualified to serve as Director of IT.”)
Should I Include References In My Cover Letter?
When it comes to references, it’s best to leave them out of your cover letter. This saves you from having to write two separate letters (one for your resume, one for the reference) and helps ensure that both documents are consistent.
If you do need an additional page at the end of your cover letter because of space limitations (see below), then yes: include a brief note about any professional references that might help understand the quality of your work experience.
When applying for a job, it’s important to remember that a cover letter can be just as important as your resume in making a good first impression. Check out our article on how important is a cover letter when applying for a job to learn more about why you should take the time to craft a strong cover letter.
What Is A Good Closing Sentence For A Cover Letter?
The closing paragraph is your last chance to make a good impression on the employer. You want to let them know that when you come in for an interview, you will be ready to start work immediately.
This can be done by reiterating how interested you are in the job and how much value you will add to their company. It’s also important not to be overzealous about this statement or else it may come across as fake or insincere.
The closing paragraph should be short but powerful, so try not to go over two sentences at most!
How Do You Write An Opening Paragraph In A Cover Letter?
The first thing you need to know is that your opening paragraph should be the same in all of your cover letters. It’s also a good idea to write it at the top of every page so you can quickly copy and paste it when applying for jobs or internships.
The opening paragraph should be short and to the point, with no more than three sentences (or five if there are multiple paragraphs).
One sentence would suffice! The purpose of an opening paragraph is to introduce yourself by listing your relevant skills and experience, so there’s no need to ramble on or make excuses about why they should hire you instead of someone else. Just get right down to business!
Your opening paragraph should be written in the third person from the perspective of an outside observer who can see all sides equally well
“John Doe has been working for ABC Company for four years as a software engineer.” (third person) vs “I have been working for ABC Company as a software engineer…” (first person) vs “We’ve worked here at ABC company.
A well-written resume and cover letter can significantly improve your chances of landing a job. Find out how these two documents work together and learn tips for crafting effective ones by checking out our guide on how a resume and cover letter help you get the job.
How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?
The right length for your cover letter depends on the type of job you’re applying to and what kind of experience you have. In general, we recommend keeping it short no more than two pages, and sweet.
A concise cover letter will give hiring managers a quick overview of who you are and why they should hire you while letting them know that there’s more information available in the body of your resume (which is where they’ll want to go if they decide they like what they see).
A good rule of thumb is that your cover letter should take up no more than half a page per paragraph. If you find yourself rambling or repeating yourself, try revising until each paragraph can fit within this restriction without losing any important information!
While we don’t necessarily recommend using a template for writing your custom cover letters (especially since it’s easy enough to find examples online), having some basic formatting tips handy can help ensure that everything looks professional and well-organized when someone else reads through them later down the line.
Starting a cover letter can be daunting, but our guide on how do cover letters start can provide you with helpful tips and examples to get you started on the right foot.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered the basics of how to write a cover letter. We’ve also given you some tips on what to include and how to format your letter so that it looks professional.
Remember that your cover letter is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your strengths and persuade employers that they should consider hiring you. Make sure it reflects well on both yourself as well as the company!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on how to write a cover letter:
Indeed’s guide on how to write a cover letter: Indeed provides a step-by-step guide to help you write a great cover letter that showcases your skills and experience.
Novoresume’s guide on how to write a cover letter: This guide provides practical tips and examples to help you create a compelling cover letter that stands out from the competition.
The Muse’s tips on how to write a cover letter: The Muse offers advice on how to make your cover letter more engaging and effective.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
A cover letter should include an introduction that explains why you are applying for the job, a brief summary of your qualifications and experience, and a closing that expresses your interest in the position.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be no more than one page long. It should be concise and to the point.
Should I include my salary requirements in a cover letter?
It’s generally not recommended to include your salary requirements in a cover letter. If the employer specifically requests this information, you can provide it in a separate document or during the interview process.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
If possible, it’s a good idea to address your cover letter to a specific person rather than using a generic salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern.” This shows that you have taken the time to research the company and are genuinely interested in the position.
How do I make my cover letter stand out?
To make your cover letter stand out, you should personalize it to the specific job and company you are applying to, use a professional and engaging tone, and provide specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position.
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.
