Tips for Writing A Cover Letter

Essential Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Will Get You Noticed

While writing the perfect cover letting can feel daunting, it can be a deciding factor in whether you get the job you want. A perfect cover letter can set the tone for how hiring managers view you even before they see your resume.

Cover letters let you showcase your achievements and convey enthusiasm for the role. In 2021 a survey highlighted that 76% of hiring managers are more likely to review your credentials when a cover letter is included, giving your chances of getting an interview a significant boost.

This finding emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted cover letter that proves you are a good match for the job. During your job search, remember that a single page of well-formatted, focused writing that addresses the specifics of the job description can leave a lasting impression and help you stand out as the best possible candidate.

In this article, we break down the key characteristics of an effective cover letter, from pre-writing research to final proofreading. You will learn how to present your qualifications in a way that meets the needs of the hiring manager’s company, making your job application more attractive. With step-by-step guidance, this insight aims to equip you with the skills needed to stand out in your job search.

Definition and Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter supports your resume when you submit an application for a new job. Its primary purpose is to introduce you to the hiring manager, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and express your genuine interest in the position.

Unlike your curriculum vitae, which provides a structured summary of your career history, a well-written cover letter offers additional context. This document should showcase your enthusiasm for the role and highlight the most important qualifications for the position you are applying for. It should complement your resume, not duplicate it, by providing insights into your personality, work ethic, and suitability for the job.

The Value of a Well-Written Cover Letter

Managers generally agree that a standout cover letter can tip the balance in favor of a candidate who might otherwise be evenly matched with another applicant. When writing a good cover letter you should look to capture the attention of the hiring manager from the start.

Document generator software can simplify the process of creating professional cover letters quickly and easily. However, relying solely on the generated content is unwise. Although this can be a good starting point for your cover letter, it is always important to review the information and add your personal touch to the content.

As the cover letter introduces your entire application, it should make it clear why you are the best candidate for the role. A cover letter is more than a quick formality, it is a strategic way to show off your experience and work history and a productive way to highlight your strengths in an engaging manner.

Furthermore, cover letter writing helps you display your communication skills in ways a resume alone cannot. In your cover letter, you are able to showcase your ability to maintain a professional tone even when writing, an important skill many managers will be looking for.

However, the most valuable reason for including a cover letter is that it demonstrates to potential employers that you are serious about the position and willing to go the extra mile.

Preparing to Write a Cover Letter (Pre-Writing Steps)

Before you write a cover letter, it is best to first research the company and the specific job you are applying for. Look for the company name, goals, and culture so you can reflect them in your writing. Whenever possible, find the hiring manager’s name through the organization’s site or networking platforms. If you confirm who that specific person is, you can address them directly, such as “Dear Sir” or “Dear Mr. Jones.”

It also helps to review the posted requirements before you begin. If the employer needs someone with a strong teamwork background, think about examples from your past that show how you work with others. If they value problem-solving, recall specific situations where you overcame obstacles. By tailoring your letter to each specific company you are applying to, you improve the chances of catching the hiring manager’s eye. Verifying these details in advance helps you address every relevant point and keeps your letter focused.

Many people find it helpful to use a writing checklist to ensure they do not skip key sections, such as a greeting, achievements, and a focused conclusion.

Research the Company

Researching the company is crucial in writing a standout cover letter. It demonstrates your interest in the organization and the position, showing that you have taken the time to understand the company culture.

It can be helpful to begin your research by visiting the company’s website and social media pages to gather information about its products or services. Look for recent news articles and reviews as well, this will assist you in getting a better sense of the company’s reputation. Having a clear “real-world” understanding of the employer will enable you to tailor your cover letter to that specific employer.

Choose a Template

After completing your research, you could then look into selecting a professional-looking cover letter template. Look for a template that satisfies the requirements of the job and industry you are applying for, and customize it to fit your unique qualifications and professional background. A good template provides a clear and concise format, with designated spaces for your contact information, the hiring manager’s details, and a professional closing.

You can find a variety of cover letter templates online or use cover letter software to build out your own personalized template. Remember, templates should always be treated as a guide, it’s essential that you take the time to personalize the letter.

Essential Elements of a Cover Letter

Greeting & Recipient’s Contact Details

A formal greeting sets a courteous tone. It is best to utilize a professional, direct, and standard greeting like: “dear hiring manager”/”To whom it may concern”. Also include the company’s address and the date you write the cover letter in the header. These elements mirror standard business practices and emphasize your professional intent.

Opening Paragraph

Your opening paragraph should show enthusiasm and make it clear why you are genuinely interested in the position. One approach might be to mention a recent accomplishment by the company or a value that you admire. You could reference your earlier research, and highlight how you have followed their social media campaigns. You can then make a positive comment about how you appreciate their creativeness, or how the campaigns reflect their company culture. Referencing certain parts of the job description also confirms that you understand the requirements and that you are prepared to meet them.

Showcasing Work History & Experience in the Letter Body

In the main paragraphs, expand on your work history and specific examples that line up with the job requirements. If you have managed complex projects, you could explain how your methods produced positive outcomes. When you have overseen a budget or led a team, offering specific data, like a cost reduction, helps you build a compelling case that you can bring value to the organization.

If you are unsure how to structure this section, review cover letter examples for inspiration. Still, it is important to draw on your own experiences rather than rely solely on generic responses.

Closing Paragraph

Your closing paragraph should reinforce why you are the ideal candidate, thank the reader, and invite further conversation. You might say that you appreciate the time they have taken to review your application and would be grateful for the chance to discuss how your background could benefit their team.

Ending with “Kind regards” or “Best regards” shows courtesy and leaves the path open for an interview or a follow-up phone call. Keeping a professional tone from start to finish enhances your credibility as a potential employee.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter Writing

A generic cover letter sent to multiple employers is unlikely to stand out and may even be perceived as lazy or uninterested. By customizing your cover letter for each application, you show the hiring manager that you are genuinely interested in the role and have the relevant experience to excel.

When you are adjusting your cover letter, start by carefully reading the job description and highlighting the key qualifications and skills required for the position. Using anecdotes from your past experiences to demonstrate how your skills align with the job requirements should be the main focus of your tailored writing process.

Specialized Approaches for Different Roles

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter for a position that requires high-level organization and communication like an administrative assistant, it is important to showcase those qualities in how you set out and write the letter. Cover letter examples that focus on administrative work can help you structure your letter but always remember to insert personal details.

By submitting a well-structured, well-research, and technically competent cover letter that comprehensively highlights your skillset for organizational work, you can set yourself apart from other applicants who are seeking the same job title.

Technical/Software Engineering Cover Letter

In the same way you might focus on emphasizing organizational skills for an administrative job, when writing a letter for work that requires technical proficiency you will want to make that a prominent component of your cover letter.

In this regard, you may want to highlight any unique tools or software that you use, showcase your problem-solving mindset, and provide any technical insights you may have on the hiring company’s current projects. In doing so, you can provide the hiring manager with a positive impression of your abilities.

Career Change Cover Letter

When you are making a career change, it can feel challenging to connect your past roles to a new position. A career change cover letter helps by highlighting the strengths you have developed in your previous work and explaining how those abilities can transfer to your new field.

If there are specific guidelines for this new role, address how your background fits those needs. It is also useful to include why you are excited about taking this new step. Explain how your unique perspective can be a benefit to this new role.

Using Cover Letter Tools and References

Many job seekers choose tools like cover letter templates, cover letter generators, or cover letter builders to guide them in creating effective cover letters. These resources can offer a less daunting approach to writing. A quick online search can lead you to several free tools.

Even though they are convenient, it remains crucial to build on what you are provided with and tailor it in a way that shows your interest in the position. Make sure to change the language and confirm that the hiring manager’s name is accurate before sending anything out.

You may also want to look at letter examples on career sites to see how other candidates phrase their introduction or closing. If the position involves a work sample, such as design or writing, you might include a link to your online portfolio in the final paragraph. These additions can help prove your credibility and give the employer a direct look at your capabilities.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common mistakes is failing to follow application instructions that are specified beforehand. Some employers request documents in a certain file format, a word limit, or references to back up your experience. Ignoring these instructions can cause your application to be dismissed without a second look.

Other common mistakes you will want to avoid include:

Giving personal information, such as marital status, that is not related to the job. This can draw attention away from your qualifications and might be considered “over-sharing”.

Not fully editing a template cover letter is yet another common mistake. Most hiring managers can quickly recognize text that looks generic, unedited, and devoid of individuality. Failing to tailor your letter properly can lead to negative assumptions about your work ethic.

You may also run into problems if your greeting fails to address the right person, make sure to address your cover letter to the correct hiring manager as some companies may have multiple.

Aim to keep your cover letter around one page and focus on sharing why you are different from other candidates who have similar skill sets.

It is also important to double-check your grammar and ensure your contact details are correct. Submitting an application with an outdated email address or phone number can halt your progress immediately.

Final Checks Before You Send Your Cover Letter

Before you finish, make sure each section contributes to selling your abilities, and that they are structured in a logical order. If you have a cover letter writing checklist or a letter writing checklist, you can use it to confirm that you have included the most important points.

A good cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and a great cover letter can improve your job application process. When you write a cover letter that reflects the employer’s culture, you leave a good impression on potential employers and show that you have done your homework.

Thorough research into the company and the position lays the groundwork for a personalized letter. Addressing a specific person, highlighting relevant experience, and explaining how you can meet the employer’s needs are all important factors to consider. Personalizing your letter and reviewing it for clarity, style, and accuracy keeps it professional and appealing. By following these steps when writing a cover letter, you increase your chance of making a strong impact and securing an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cover Letters Worth It?

The simple answer is yes, a cover letter is worth it. It can significantly enhance your chances of standing out as a strong candidate. It provides you with the unique opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and personality in a way your resume can not.

A well-written cover letter emphasizes that you have researched the company, clarifies how the skills listed in your resume align with the employer’s requirements and explains how you would be a more suitable fit than your competitors.

However, it is important to remember that simply adding a cover letter without taking the time to edit it properly or tailor it to the company’s requirements can do more harm than good.

What Are Three Things Needed In a Cover Letter?

One of the most important aspects of a well-crafted cover letter is that it is tailored to the company you are applying to. This means that there can be a lot of variety between cover letters, with each letter requiring different information. However, some consistent factors should be present.

Firstly, there should always be a header with the date, the company’s name, the hiring manager’s name, and your contact information. It should always be followed by a professional greeting addressed to whoever you expect to read the letter. If you are unsure about who that may be, use a more broad-scoped greeting instead, like: “Dear hiring manager”.

Finally, every letter should be structured with a clear introduction stating the role you are applying for, a body that highlights how your qualifications and experiences are related to the position, and a conclusion that summarizes your interest. Finally, end your cover letter with an invitation to future communications.