How to Write a Cover Letter? Several Essential Issues for You to Know
Composing a cover letter is a very responsible process. The better you compose it the more chances you will have to get the job of your dream. This is why it is strongly recommended not to use any pre-written samples, as well as never send the old cover letters composed for your previous application. It is better to spend some time on writing the absolutely new cover letter yourself rather than letting the whole process go.
One more essential thing is that you shall write a new cover letter for each new application. Each company has its own requirements for applicants, and your resume must meet them all. Also, your potential employers want to make sure that you are truly interested and passionate about this job, which means that a custom cover letter is a must in this case. However, it is fine if you use several cover letter samples for more ideas when writing a cover letter. But don’t get carried away too much!
Note that your cover letter must show all your strengths and present you from the best side as an employee. Its goal is to convince HR to hire you instead of another candidate.
What Is a Cover Letter? A Detailed Instruction for Successful Job Application
So, you are about to get to work. First, take some time and do a little pre-writing work. For example, think of what your cover letter will consist of taking into account the job requirements. Also, remember that, unlike a resume, a cover letter is more personal. It is, in fact, your introduction, that is why it has to present you in the best possible way and make you memorable among all the other candidates.
To write an effective cover letter, you need to include the following parts: an introduction, the main part describing your work experience and professional traits, and a conclusion. Now let’s take a closer look at each of them.
- Introducing yourself
When writing an introduction part, start with a hiring manager’s name. Use his or her first and last name including the title “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Mr. Paul Smith”). If you are absolutely sure that the company’s policy allows a more informal tone, it would be acceptable to use only the first name when addressing the HR (for example, “Dear Paul”). However, if you don’t know which title – Mr. or Ms. – is correct, simply skip it.
And God forbid you to use such archaic generic salutations as “To Whom It May Concern”!
What else do you need to remember how to write a cover letter intro? You may not put your name in the introduction as HR already has it in your resume. Instead, you could mention the position you are applying for and highlight your excitement about the company. Here it is the right place to speak about how passionate you are about your job and tell about your past achievements.
- The body of your cover letter
This is the place where you can tell the hiring manager about yourself in more detail. The most common mistake job applicants do here is to simply repeat the information provided in their resume. Instead, why not to present them a wider picture of your work achievements and professional experience? Tell these guys why you would be the perfect member of their team!
By the way, avoid speaking only about yourself and your own interests! You will not make a proper impression when talking only about how this position is good for you and your career. It would be much better to tell HR how useful you could be for the company. To do that, try to find the weak points of the company and see whether you have according to skills and experience to help to improve them. And simply emphasize those skills in your cover letter.
It would be also helpful to use some statistics in your cover letter. It will help HR to visually measure your contribution to your previous work.
One more useful trick that could be useful for you is about your skills. It may so happen that, though you feel you can do this job, your experience is not enough or it is not quite appropriate for this position. No panic! Instead, emphasize your skills that could be useful in this job!
It’s also ok to mention the testimonials given to you by your ex-colleagues, managers or clients.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, emphasize how enthusiastic you are for the company or say how well you’d fit the position you are applying for.
It’s ok to add any important details, too (e.g. that you are ready to move to get this job). Make sure you have impressed the HR!
Never-to-Do Things
However, there are several issues you have to remember when writing a cover letter. Avoid focusing on your education too much. This is not the most essential thing for HR. What matters more is how experienced you are and the useful skills you have.
Also, never apologize for the lack of experience if it so happened that you don’t meet all the job requirements. It would be much better to draw the HR’s attention to your strong sides and skills you have.
And of course, remember to check your cover letter for any grammar and spelling errors before sending it off.
For more tips on how to write a cover letter for a job go on the internet and search for cover letter samples or look at theis one: