Landing your dream job may seem difficult, but do not underestimate the power of a well-written cover letter. Put in the effort, and you may successfully grab the hiring manager’s attention. But what would you call “My Perfect Cover Letter”? In this blog post, we will discuss that and much more below!
What Is A Cover Letter?
Many jobs you come across will demand that you send in a cover letter. It is a one-page document submitted as part of your job application. It allows you to give a brief overview of yourself, your professional background, and why you will be a good fit for the position.
If well written, the best cover letter can spark the hiring manager’s interest enough that they give your resume a closer look. On the downside, if your cover letter is not up to mark, your resume won’t be getting a second glance.
So, do not waste any opportunities that come your way! Here is all you need to know about crafting the perfect cover letter.
Steps To Writing The Perfect Cover Letter
Do Your Research
The first step to pen a cover letter is to do your research. Thoroughly read the job description, particularly the roles and responsibilities associated with the position. Sometimes, job descriptions also add particular details that they expect when you send in your cover letter. They may request that you only send in a PDF or ask you to add a few lines answering a specific question. This is done to ensure the candidate is serious about the role and the cover letter is not generic.
So, do not just go through the job description; research the hiring company as well. Going through their socials can help you get an idea of their work culture and values. This will allow you to better understand why you are the best fit for the organization.
Make A Checklist Of What Matters
After you have done your research, you will be better positioned to justify why you are the perfect person for the role. Now, you should start creating a checklist of what you will use to write a perfect cover letter. This checklist should include:
- A list of your notable accomplishments
- A list of the skillsets you have acquired; ensure that they are relevant to the skills required for the job you have applied for
- Your educational qualifications
- Any certifications you have acquired
- Any notable awards you have received
Consistency Matters!
Consistency is key when you write a perfect cover letter. It helps to get a quality template you can follow, but there are still several things you must be mindful of.
Utilize the same font throughout the letter, and stick to font styles that are clear, simple, and commonplace, such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri. Your font size should range from 10-12 points and remain the same throughout the letter. Keep a one-inch margin on either side of the letter. Add appropriate spacing so the letter is easy to read as well.
Know Who You’ll Be Addressing
Your cover letter should clearly address a singular person. A rule of thumb is to address the letter to the hiring manager using their formal name with the appropriate salutation. You can add a title with “Mr.” or “Ms.” but avoid adding “Mrs.” or “Miss.” As for salutations, it is perfectly fine to begin with “Dear [Name]” or even “Hello [Name].”
On the off chance that you do not know their name, you can try researching the company’s executive team. Add the name of the relevant HOD. This is a far better approach than not using any name. Plus, it will show that you did your research!
Add A Powerful Cover Letter Introduction
Always open strong. You want to instantly hook the attention of the hiring manager. Do not go with something generic like “I’m excited to apply for the XYZ position.” Managers want something new and exciting. You can try showing enthusiasm for the company, passion for what you do, or even telling a creative story.
For example, “I was excited to see that XYZ Company – known for its innovation – has an opening for [job position]” or “With over five years of experience working as a marketing executive for leading start-up companies in L.A., I have gained in-depth knowledge of consumer behavior and marketing metrics.”
As you open the letter, be straightforward. State what position you are applying for. Also, mention how you discovered the job listing.
Make Your Skills/Accomplishments Shine
The main body of your cover letter will largely focus on your skills and accomplishments. Remember you will also be attaching a separate CV or resume for the job application, so do not go into detail on all the positions you have worked in.
Try to mention only relevant past positions and emphasize the accomplishments you made there. Remember, adding figures that quantify how you made these accomplishments will make you stand out!
Be Enthusiastic (In Just The Right Doses)
As you reach the ending notes of your cover letter, you want to show the right amount of enthusiasm. It should not be overkill; overenthusiasm will not do you any good! Do not appear overeager and do not beg to be given a chance.
Simply share that you look forward to being a part of their team, what you can bring to the table, and why you think their organization is the right choice for you. This is how to end a cover letter.
Putting It All Together
Now that you know how to build cover letter that impresses, let’s go over the simplest tried and tested cover letter format you should follow. Here is what it looks like:
- Your cover letter header should be at the top with your contact information.
- A salutation addressing the hiring manager
- Your opening paragraph – hooks the hiring manager’s attention
- Your second section – share the skills/accomplishments that make you a good candidate for the job
- Your third paragraph – share why you think you are a good match for the company
- Closing salutations
Some Additional Tips
Want to say my perfect cover letter is truly amazing? Follow these cover letter tips and you will love your job application.
Add Clear Contact Information
Your cover letter should carry your contact information, typically listed in your header section, at the very top. Some of the essential information you want to provide includes your full legal name, phone number and your email address.
Avoid listing unprofessional emails such as “rocketman945@gmail.com” or “thepianoman@xyz.com.” Follow the simple [First Name] + [Last Name] email format for cover letter.
Add The Correct Sign-Off
Your sign-off statements are just as important as your opening salutations. Remember to be respectful, polite, and professional. Avoid closing with “Yours,” “Take Care,” or “Cheers.” Instead, use professional closing salutations such as “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” and “Looking forward to your consideration.”
Proofread
This goes without saying, but you should carefully proofread your cover letter before you send it in. Look out for grammatical errors or typos, improve the sentence structure and boost clarity. Remove any unnecessary information and stick to only that which is relevant to the job. It also helps to read it aloud or give it to someone else to proofread for you. (You may even get a new perspective on what to add/remove)
Use Job-Specific Phrases
When you go through the job description, you should keep a note of the relevant keywords and phrases. These are specific skills, qualifications, accomplishments, or traits the hiring manager is looking for. Make sure to enrich your cover letter with these phrases. They may help you stand out in several ways.
For instance, hiring managers now use advanced tools such as ATS (applicant tracking software) to sort through large volumes of cover letters. It will pick out those that only use relevant keywords!
Tailor Your Cover Letter To The Job
Hiring managers go through plenty of cover letters during their tenure. They develop an eye for spotting generic cover letters, which are likely shredded before even going for consideration. If you want to stand out, always tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for. Use relevant keywords, share what you bring to the table, and why you are a good fit.
Avoid Oversharing
Writing a cover letter can help you share a bit of your personality, but sharing every detail of your life or career is never a good idea. There is no need to exaggerate your accomplishments or discuss your financial situation, family background or religious beliefs. You should also avoid discussing your past or expected salary; a cover letter is not the best place for that.
You can, however, use a cover letter to explain a job gap or any reason you had for a career change.
Read More :- cover letter for an internship
My Perfect Cover Letter: Final Thoughts
Not all jobs require a cover letter. But unless they explicitly ask you not to send one, you should have one ready! And now you know how to format a cover letter.
Crafting a cover letter is a form of art. It demands a delicate balance of words that share your professional accomplishments, personality, traits and what you bring to the table. It is completely fine if the words do not come to you as easily.
We help individuals such as yourselves get the jobs you deserve! Don’t ever miss out on the opportunity to grow your career. Reach out to us to have your very own cover letter crafted from scratch that showcases your distinct accomplishments, the best you offer, and what you can deliver!
