A cover letter might appear an intimidating task to undertake yet it is a very important aspect of your job application. A good cover letter is going to attract the employer to see you as someone different from all the other applicants, and provide you with a platform to convince the employer why you are the right fit for the job. With this ultimate guide, we are going to demystify the process of formulating a strong cover letter that will go hand in hand with your resume to give you a higher chance of getting the job.
What Is a Cover Letter?
Definition and Purpose of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a business letter that is posted with your resume in response to an application. It gives you the chance to meet the employer and present to him or her why you would like to work at the position. A cover letter also allows you an opportunity to communicate why you are a good match to work at the company and provide an opportunity to show how your skills can bolster their success whereas such an opportunity is not given in a resume. It is mainly aimed at showing that you have an interest in the job and want to gain more knowledge about your background which may not be clear in your resume only.
How a Cover Letter Complements Your Resume
A cover letter gives you a chance to express your personality, how you think your talents meet the needs of the firm and express why you love the opportunity. Consider it as a supplementary request that will add the personal touch to your application and persuade the prospective employer to take a closer glance in your resume writing . An excellent cover letter is not a repeat of your resume but a way of highlighting the most pertinent sections of your experience and demonstrating why you are a wonderful, and distinct, fit out there to become the person to fill the job.
Importance of Personalizing Your Cover Letter
Making your cover letter unique is one of the best things you can do with your job application. Instead of writing your cover letter using one of the many generic templates, be specific and address that particular job in your application letter. Use the name of the employer, refer to the values of the company, and reveal that you know how to meet their requirements. Personalization will reveal that you have bothered to do some research of the company, and are sincere in the position.
When and Why Should You Write a Cover Letter?
Situations That Require a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a desired element of a job application in most cases. In case the vacancy state cover letter is required, you have to provide a cover letter. Although it is not expressly demanded, a cover letter may be of a lot of help when it comes to getting noticed. It is a chance to impress and demonstrate your professionalism with the first impression.
In some cases, the employer may request a cover letter while in others Employee may not specify the cover letter. If, When not requested, a cover letter remains an opportunity to stand out, most often in the event that you are applying to a competitive job.
When to Write a Cover Letter Even If Not Requested
When the job description does not talk about a cover letter, you might be tempted to think about whether it is all worth the hustle. Yes, definitely, even when it is not required, it is best to include a cover letter. A well-conceived and persuasive cover letter may:
- Be able to control your power of speech.
- State the reasons why you are so enthusiastic about the job.
- Demonstrate what you know about the company.
The fact that you send a well-constructed cover letter along with your resume, means you are being more professional and in a competitive job market you may need this to make you noticed.
Key Components of a Winning Cover Letter
Contact Information Section
The place where you give contact information in your cover letter is the heading. Add your name, phone number, email address, as well as (LinkedIn profile link, in case it is relevant). This information should be current and professional. The contact information is to be placed on the top of the letter and the employer name, job title, company and address (or just address) should be provided.
Introduction Paragraph: How to Capture Attention
The introduction paragraph is where you get to attract the attention of the reader. Start with introducing yourself, the position you are applying to and then state how enthusiastic you are. Make sure that you answer the question of why you are interested in the company and the position, just do not go too much into this step.
You can do this by citing an example, such as: In your case, if you were applying to a technology firm, you can speak about your anticipation in creating cutting edge products, or how the mission statement of the company reflects your own beliefs.
Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Qualifications
Your qualifications, experience and proficiencies should be brought to focus in the body paragraphs, in respect to a job description. Display how you used to perform past job roles, success and competencies that qualify you to be the best candidate. Be concrete- give examples of how you will address the needs of the company.
Don t just reiterate your resume, you need to elaborate on your most important accomplishments or experiences that can support the idea that you are the one. It is better to concentrate on what you can give to the firm and not what you have done.
The Closing Paragraph: Creating a Call to Action
In your closing paragraph,, explain why you are most deserving of the job and state how you are highly interested to be able to talk more about your qualifications. Add a call-to-action, which can be an offer to find out more, to arrange an interview, or any other information. Keep it courteous and professional and show your enthusiasm about what is next in the process.
Example: I would like to use this chance to explain how my experience and skills can meet your requirements, and how I can help your team to be successful. I appreciate your taking into consideration my application. I hope to have the opportunity to talk to you in the future.”
Signature Line: Professional Closing Etiquette
Close your cover letter with some professional closings like best regards or sincerely. Following the completion, leave a blank line on which you can sign (in case of a hard copy) or type your full name (in case of a soft copy).
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application
Researching the Employer and Job Description
The initial action you need to take in order to customize your cover letter is the one that involves researching the employer as well as the job description in detail. Know the mission, the values, and culture of the company. Read the job description and underscore/mark the key responsibilities and the qualification requirements needed. Adjust your resume to make it appealing to the needs of the employer by focusing on how your skills will fit their situation.
Customizing Your Content to Address Specific Job Requirements
Tailoring the cover in this case is referring to customizing your cover letter to the specific job requirements that are highlighted in the job description. Show that you are the right person for the job and understand the job and are capable of meeting the requirements of the job. In case you have to be technically competent to do a job, prove that you are. When the company states its importance of teamwork, then describe how your teamwork skills are going to contribute to the team.
Aligning Your Skills and Experience to the Employer’s Needs
You should have the skills and experience that is what the employer is seeking. Bring out relevant experience and achievements that can meet the job requirement. To demonstrate the difference you have made in your former roles, use measurable results.
Using Keywords and Phrases from the Job Posting
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is used by many firms to scan cover letters and resumes and search for certain keywords. The added keywords and phrases that are present in the cover letter can help it get past these automated systems by including keywords and phrases found on the job posting. Do not forget to list particular skills, job titles or a particular technology that have been brought up in the job description.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter
1. Using Generic Language
Writing a cover letter using boring or general language, which can be applied to any occupation is one way of making your cover letter seem impersonal and forgettable. When applying to any job position, it is essential to always personalize the cover letter and tailor it to each role, noting the given experiences and correlating them with the demands of the company.
2. Repeating Information from Your Resume
Your cover letter can not just be a copy of your resume. It is important to emphasize more details and tell how the contribution to the company based on the experience and skills fits the needs of the company. You can write job titles in the resume, but it is better to emphasize on how the experience helps you serve the employer.
3. Not Tailoring the Cover Letter for the Specific Job
A generic cover letter will not be outstanding. It is essential that you tailor your letter to a job application. Since every job is unique, make sure you tailor your information according to how this specific job description complements your skills, experiences, and values in relation to the mission of the company.
4. Failing to Include a Call to Action
The call to action should be provided at the end of your cover letter which should be an interview request or additional information provision. This demonstrates self-drive and interest in the job and makes the reader take a step towards it.
5. Using an Unprofessional Tone
Be very professional in your cover letter. Do not use slang, informal language or humor, because it will portray you as unprofessional. Your language must be pretty respectful, polite, and business like.
6. Not Following the Job Application Instructions Properly
Always go through the job posting carefully and apply accordingly. It might involve providing information in a certain format or even having specific information in your cover letter, but not doing so may result in the fact that your application is overlooked.
7. Ignoring the Importance of the Subject Line (for email applications)
The use of a subject line should be clear and concise when sending your cover letter via email. A good subject line helps the recruiter figure out who the application is and makes sure that there is no chance of the application being ignored.
8. Not Including a Salutation or Addressing the Hiring Manager
Do not begin such a letter with a blanket greeting such as “To whom it may concern.” Whenever possible it is a good practice to address the letter to the hiring manager. Customizing your cover letter indicates that an individual has done some research on the company.
9. Using a Non-professional Email Address
Having an incompetent email address (e.g. cutiepie123@gmail.com) would be damaging to your prospect of getting attention. Use a professional email address with your name in it as this will show that you are rather serious about applying to the job position.
10.Overlooking Legal and Privacy Considerations
Do not offer any personal details that are not related to the job like your age, marital status or any other aspect which is not of your interest to the job in particular. Only stick to professional qualifications and you better be following privacy norms when doing so.
Conclusion
A compelling cover letter forms part of the job searches. Use these suggestions and avoid such errors to write a letter that will help you be selected to get your dream job. The cover letter must be job-specific and employer-specific, show fervor and be professional all through.
