A cover letter is one of the most important documents you will need when applying for a new job. It is your first opportunity to make a good impression on the hiring manager, and it should be customized to fit each job application. This ultimate guide will show you how to write a cover letter that will get you hired.
Cover letters are not difficult to write, but they do require some time and effort.
Introduction: why a great cover letter matters
A cover letter is like a first impression—it’s one of the first things a potential employer will see, and it’s your opportunity to make a good impression. A great cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and help you land an interview.
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the position, and show that you’re the best candidate for the job. A strong cover letter will pique the employer’s interest and compel them to read further.+
When applying for jobs, be sure to take the time to write a great cover letter. It may take some effort, but it will be worth it when you land your dream job!
Dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter
There are a few key things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter. First, make sure to address the letter to the correct person – addressing it to “To Whom It May Concern” is impersonal and can make your letter seem like a form letter. Second, be sure to tailor your letter specifically to the job you’re applying for – generic letters are another turn-off. Finally, don’t regurgitate your resume in your cover letter – use the space to tell a story about yourself and why you’re excited about the opportunity.
Following these simple tips will help you write a strong cover letter that will pique an employer’s interest and hopefully land you an interview. Good luck!
How to start a cover letter
When you sit down to write a cover letter, you might be wondering where to start. After all, there’s a lot of pressure to make sure it’s perfect.
Here are some tips on how to start a cover letter that will help you get the job you want.
- Start with a bang.
The first sentence of your cover letter should be attention-grabbing and compelling. It should make the reader want to learn more about you and what you can bring to the company.
- Introduce yourself.
In the second sentence, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing the cover letter. Be sure to mention how you heard about the job opening and why you’re interested in it.
- State your case.
Body of the cover letter
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. The cover letter is an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and motivation for the job.
The following tips will help you write an effective cover letter:
- Do your research
- Address the letter to a specific person
- Tailor the letter to the position
- Highlight your strengths
- Use persuasive language
Closing a cover letter
When you are ready to close your cover letter, there are a few options for how to do so. You want to sound professional and courteous, so avoid any overly familiar or casual language.
“Sincerely” is always a safe bet, followed by your name. You could also choose to sign off with “Best regards,” “Thank you for your time,” or something similar. If you know the name of the person who will be reading your letter, you can address them directly (“Thank you for your time, Mr./Ms. Smith”).
Whichever closing you choose, keep it short and simple. This isn’t the place to get creative; you just want to thank the reader for their time and let them know how they can get in touch with you.
Cover letter examples
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. The cover letter is an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and motivation for the role.
There are a few different types of cover letters, but the most common is the chronological format. This type of cover letter starts by listing your contact information, followed by the date and the contact information of the employer. The body of the letter should be 3-4 paragraphs long, and each paragraph should be approximately 4-5 sentences long.
In the first paragraph, you should introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. In the second paragraph, you should discuss your qualifications and how they match up with the job requirements. In the third paragraph, you can talk about your motivation for applying to this particular position.
Conclusion: following these steps for your next cover letter
When you’ve written your cover letter and are confident it’s error-free, review these tips for what to do before you hit send or upload on the job site.
First, check if the company prefers a specific format. Many organizations now use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage job applications. An ATS can read a certain file type, such as a PDF, but not others. If a company asks for a specific file type (.docx or .rtf, for example), send your cover letter in that format.
Next, take the time to personalize your cover letter for each job you apply to. Generic letters are obvious to hiring managers and will quickly land your application in the trash. Start by researching the company so you can include relevant information about why you want to work there.