Well-written cover letters help attract an employer to read your resume more closely and give it the attention it deserves, while a messy, boring one can send your application straight to the trash. Cover letters are essential to every job application. It is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and demonstrate your interest in the position and your knowledge of the company. They should be treated as a sales letter. Your cover letter should present a benefit to the employer, so they will want to read your resume to see if you can deliver on that benefit.
What Is a Cover Letter For?
Employers use cover letters to distinguish between applicants who are otherwise quite similar. Therefore, your cover letter must emphasize your exceptional accomplishments, transferable abilities and qualifications. The summary of your job history should be found on your resume, not in your cover letter.
Employers are more interested in understanding your personality and style than what you have already done. A cover letter aims to sell yourself to an employer.
What to Include in your Cover Letter?
Here are the top 5 parts of a cover letter that applicants should include: Header, Greeting, Opening Paragraph, Body Paragraphs, and Closing Paragraph.
Header- Applicants must include their names and contact information like phone number and email address.
Greeting- Include a greeting that is friendly and professional. It must also include the hiring managers name.
Opening Paragraph- Your opening paragraph should be simple, stating what position you are applying for and why you want to work there.
Body Paragraph- In the body paragraphs, give a brief overview of your professional experience related to the job. You can also mention any skills or special training.
Closing Paragraph- In the closing paragraph, applicants must include a thank you and express the desire to meet face-to-face for an interview.
Complimentary Close and Signature- Examples of good complimentary close are: Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards, and many more. Also, do not forget to affix your signature.
More Tips in Writing your Cover Letter
Planning ahead of time and tailoring your cover letter to each job advertisement will help you get the job of your dreams. For example, you can use some of the keywords used in the job advertisement in your cover letter. That will show you did your research and are interested in the company.
In writing the opening paragraph, it’s essential to clarify that you’re interested in this position and that you’re the best applicant for the job. Also, you must be straightforward. A cover letter must take just a minute to read.
Show that you have a thorough understanding of the company’s problems and how your abilities can address them. Focus on the aspects of your background that will help you fill in a gap or help the company make a significant shift to new products or markets.
Lastly, proofread before you submit your cover letter. Before submitting it, keep an eye out for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.
Make sure you practice writing your cover letter now that you’ve learned the art of it. Getting a job you’ve been dreaming of is easier if you keep practising.
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