How to Write a Cover Letter
The Importance of Cover Letters
Cover letters are a crucial component of the job application process, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and suitability for a role beyond what is captured in your resume. They are tailored to a specific position or company and highlight examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills relevant to the role. Hiring managers do read them, and a well-crafted cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates, which is vital in a competitive job market.
Research Before Writing
Researching the Company
Before you start writing, gather information about the company and the specific job you are applying for. Carefully read the job description, explore the company’s website, and review executives’ social media profiles and employee profiles on LinkedIn. This research will help you customize your cover letter, as sending a generic one is not advisable. It will also help you decide on the right tone. Consider the culture of the organization you’re applying to; a creative agency might allow for more risks, while a conservative organization may require a more formal approach.
Finding a Name
Address your cover letter to a specific person rather than using a generic greeting. This personal touch can make a significant difference. Visit the company’s website, particularly the "About Us" section, to understand their mission, values, and culture, and find the name of the hiring manager.
Cover Letter Overview
Purpose of a Cover Letter
An effective cover letter is directed towards a specific position or company and describes examples from your experience that highlight your skills related to the role. You want to convince the reader that your interest in the job and company is genuine and specific.
Convincing the Reader
Demonstrate how your experience has prepared you for the role by sharing brief stories that highlight your qualifications. Use the job description and the company’s website or LinkedIn page to identify traits and skills the company values.
For instance, if the job description emphasizes teamwork, you might share a story about a successful project you completed as part of a team, highlighting your role and the outcome.
Making Contact with the Company
Personal Connections and Addressing the Letter
If possible, reach out to the hiring manager or someone you know at the company before writing your cover letter. You can send an email or a LinkedIn message asking a smart question about the job. This allows you to start your letter by referencing the interaction.
Including Reference Numbers
If the role you are applying for has a reference number or code, include it in your letter so that human resources can accurately track your application.
4 Steps for Writing an Effective Cover Letter
1. Start with What Attracted You to the Company and Position
Start Strong
Avoid typical, bland introductions. Instead, craft an opening that grabs the hiring manager's attention. Highlight what excites you about the company and the role, and why you are a perfect fit.
A strong opening might be: "I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Corp, as I have long admired your innovative approach to digital marketing and am eager to contribute my skills in campaign strategy and analytics to your team."
2. Highlight What Sets You Apart from Other Applicants
Emphasize Your Value
Identify the challenges the company is facing and explain how your skills and experiences can address these issues. Demonstrating your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute will make your application stand out.
3. End with a Clear Call-to-Action
Conclude your cover letter with a strong call-to-action. Express your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the company in more detail during an interview.
4. Consider a Testimonial to Set You Apart
Including a brief testimonial from a previous employer or colleague can add credibility to your claims and provide a third-party endorsement of your skills and character.
Cover Letter Structure and Format
Length and Presentation
A cover letter should be no longer than one page with a font size between 10-12 points. Include your contact information and address it directly to the hiring manager, using their name.
Typical Structure of a Cover Letter
- Opening Sentence: State clearly the purpose of your letter and a brief professional introduction.
- Interest in Position and Organization: Specify why you are interested in that specific position and organization.
- Overview of Strengths and Skills: Provide an overview of the main strengths and skills you will bring to the role.
- Examples from Experience: Cite examples from your experience that support your ability to be successful in the position or organization.
- Restating Interest and Closing: Restate your interest in the role and why you are a good candidate. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Additional Cover Letter Tips
Tailoring to the Company
Ensure each cover letter is specifically tailored to the company you are writing to. Research the company to help you determine your approach.
Focusing on Transferable Skills
If you lack direct experience, focus on transferable skills that will add value to the role, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management.
Demonstrating Communication Skills
Cover letters are a chance to demonstrate the communication skills necessary for most jobs. Careful composing and revision are essential.
Conveying Enthusiasm and Authenticity
Hiring managers often choose candidates who seem genuinely interested in the job. Make it clear why you want the position and convey your enthusiasm.
Making the Process Easier
Make it One Page
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. A single page is sufficient to convey your message effectively without overwhelming the reader.
Convey Enthusiasm, Not Desperation
Show genuine excitement about the opportunity, but avoid coming across as desperate. Balance your enthusiasm with professionalism to leave a positive impression.
Find a Proofreader
After drafting your cover letter, have someone else review it. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors and provide feedback on tone and clarity.
Navigating Online Application Systems
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Do
- Have a strong opening statement that makes clear why you want the job and what you bring to the table.
- Be succinct — a hiring manager should be able to read your letter at a glance.
- Share an accomplishment that shows you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
Don't
- Try to be funny — too often it falls flat.
- Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job.
- Go overboard with flattery — be professional and mature.
Cover letter example
Jordan Smith jordan.smith@email.com 555-123-4567
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Chief Executive Officer position at ABC. Your company's innovative approach to market expansion and commitment to operational excellence particularly excites me, and I am eager to contribute to your strategic initiatives.
At JKL, I spearheaded the development of a comprehensive business strategy that resulted in a 40% increase in market share within two years. My skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and financial management align perfectly with ABC's goals of driving growth and operational efficiency.
ABC's dedication to innovation and excellence is truly inspiring. I am enthusiastic about leveraging my extensive experience to enhance your strategic initiatives and drive your company's success. I look forward to discussing how my background and experiences can benefit your organization.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jordan Smith
The Job Hunt as a Full-Time Job
Searching for a job requires dedication and effort. Use an AI cover letter generator or template for your cover letter to streamline the process, and ensure to customize it for each application. Invest time in researching each company and tailoring your letter to reflect your understanding and interest. This approach will enhance your chances of success in the competitive job market.
To leverage AI effectively for crafting compelling cover letters, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter with AI.