A cover letter is an essential element of the job application. Its purpose is to introduce you and summarise your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be between 250 and 400 words long.
Most people hate writing them, as they are don’t know what to include. But writing the perfect letter can be easier than you think if you follow these seven steps.
#1 – Use a professional header
Your header should include your name, contact number, email address, home address, the date, the name of the hiring person and their professional title and the name and address of the company to which you’re applying. Optionally, you can provide your social media handle for LinkedIn, Twitter and/or your Skype link.
Remember to keep it professional. Don’t send your cover letter from your current employer’s email. Rather use a Gmail account and ensure your email address includes your first and last name only – such as peterreilly@gmail.com. Your contact information should be consistent across your resume, cover letter and social media profiles.
#2 – Use a proper greeting
Your cover letter should be addressed to the hiring person. Add the person’s name in the greeting, as this makes it personal. If you’re not sure about whether to use the hiring manager’s first or last name, look at the company culture for clues. If you’re applying for a position at a relaxed, casual company, use their first name. For corporate cover letters, rather use the addressee’s last name.
If you don’t know who the hiring person is, contact the company and ask their HR staff. Otherwise, opt for ‘Dear Hiring Manager’. Avoid starting your cover letter with “To whom it may concern” and “Dear Sir or Madam.”
#3 – Write a catchy opening paragraph
First impressions count, especially when it comes to the job search. It’s therefore essential to catch the hiring person’s attention from the first paragraph.
There are a few different yet effective strategies for your cover letter opening. You can highlight your achievements, show how well you know your prospective employer’s needs, or base the introduction on your enthusiasm. Your achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
#4 – Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job
In the first sentence of your second paragraph, show that you’re an expert in your field. But don’t keep on bragging. By scanning the job ad, you’ll see what the main requirements are. The rest of your second paragraph should be about how your previous experiences will fulfil your future employer’s requirements for the job.
#5 – Say why you’re eager to join
Your future employer also wants to know that you’ll enjoy working with them because you’re more likely to stay longer with them. So, use your third paragraph to show the hiring person why you want THIS job. Be enthusiastic and passionate.
You can also mention a company fact, for instance, an upcoming project. Say why you find it interesting and reiterate that your experience and knowledge will let you succeed with the project.
Also, be sure that you know about the company product or service. If possible, try it out.Determine what the culture is like. Is it casual? Will someone micro-manage your work? O will you have autonomy on how you get things done?
You are likely to find all the information you need on the company website or elsewhere on the web. You can then decide what you like about the company and write about it.
#6 – Make your offer in the closing paragraph
Your cover letter so far shows that you have the relevant skills and you’ve explained your motivation. Now, tell the hiring person that you’re looking forward to meeting in person to discuss how your experience and knowledge can help your future employer fulfil their goals.Focus on what you have to offer, rather than on how much you want the job.
#7 – Use the right formal closing
Add a formal closing by writing, “Sincerely” and follow it with your full name. A handwritten signature is optional, but it’s recommended for more formal cover letters.
If you prefer not to use “Sincerely”, other options are: “Thank you,” “Best regards,” “Kind regards” and “With best regards.”
Before sending your cover letter, be sure to proofread it. You could also ask a friend to review it for you too. Once it’s sent, you could send a follow-up email to the recipient to make sure it was received.
This article is based on an article published on zety.com
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