Struggling to write an interesting cover letter? We've got the newest tips and examples to make your cover letter writing uncomplicated.
Let’s start with this – what is a cover letter?
To put it simply, your cover letter is an introduction to YOU.
Unlike your resume, your cover letter allows you to show some personality. It is a crucial way to identify and differentiate you from all other resume applications.
In a competitive job market, it is essential to separate yourself from the rest. If you do not catch an employer’s eye right away, your cover letter will be quickly dismissed.
EXPLORE COVER LETTERS & RESUME DESIGNS
So - let’s breakdown your cover letter:
Date
- Always date your resume the day it is submitted.
Contact Information
- Your first and last name should be displayed clearly- Stay away from difficult-to-read fonts.
- City, Province or State - Your exact address is not needed.
- LinkedIn Address - If you are a professional, it is a good thing to have.
- Website - Only if related to the job position.
- Phone Number - Always.
- Email -Keep your email address professional.
Introduction
- It is best to find out who will be reading your cover letter.
- Call the company and ask who your cover letter should be addressed.
- Make sure to pay special attention to the spelling of their name.
- If no name is available: Dear Hiring Manager or To Whom It May Concern is acceptable.
Introduction Paragraph
- Right off the bat, introduce yourself to the employer or hiring staff.
- State your professional title and the job position in which you have an interest.
Main Body - Highlights
- Choose 2-3 work history highlights - this includes notable qualifications, credentials, experiences, skills, and achievements.
- Make sure your highlights directly relate to the job position.
Main Body - Identifying
- State clearly how you will benefit the company.
- Keep it related to the job position and company objectives.
- You can find this information on the job advertisement and company website.
Main Body - Skills
- Emphasize other additional relevant skills, such as computer programs or certifications.
Ending - Motivation
- Thank the reader for their consideration.
- Ask for an interview.
- Query the next steps to be taken in the resume application process.
COVER LETTER & RESUME TEMPLATE EXAMPLES
Key Cover Letter Points:
- Convince the employer that you should be interviewed.
- Emphasize why you would be the most suitable person for the job.
- Your cover letter must be specifically appealing to the company's needs and interests.
- These needs and interests will be found on the job application posting as well as the company website.
- Analyze and breakdown the job description by finding keywords that match with your skillset - highlight these skills in your cover letter.
- Emphasize why you would be the most suitable person for the job.
- Research the company and state why you want to work there.
- Show your knowledge of the company and its objectives.
COVER LETTER & RESUME TEMPLATE SAMPLES
Types of Cover Letter:
Response to Job Post or Advertisement Cover Letter
This is a cover letter created when applying to a specific job posting. The job posting and company will request a cover letter to be included in the job application process.
Broadcast Cover Letter
If there is no job position opening, a way to show you are interested the company or a specific position is to submit a cover letter.
Networking Cover Letter
Creating this cover letter is a way to introduce yourself and initiate communication between yourself and a prospective employer. You will be creating a network with the company.
Thank You Cover Letter
Creating a cover letter after a job position or interview has been confirmed creates positive relationship with the company.
Thank You Cover Letter
Equally, a cover letter with a rejection outcome will create a positive network with the company in question.
COVER LETTER & RESUME TEMPLATE SAMPLES
Smart Cover Letter Tips:
- Call the company and tell them about your application
- Ask who you should address your letter
- If you absolutely cannot find a name, try – Dear Hiring Manager - Dear Hiring Staff - Dear Human Resources Manager
- Your resume should answer this question:
- Why should we hire you?
- If you can give a clear and strong answer, you will qualify for an interview.
- Your relevancy for this position will be based on matching your skillsets to the job posting/advertisement
- Try to personalize your cover letter while keeping it written in a formal business language
- Reference the company and correlate it to your personal work history.
- Do not use the same cover letter for multiple companies. It will be obvious
- While your resume is direct and technically based, a cover letter will give a small insight into your personality and if you will fit into their culture
- Language and spelling are key - triple check your cover letter.
- Have someone else review your letter
- Use resources like your word processing spell-check
- Grammarly is a free program and a great resource
- Use an active voice - being consisted throughout your cover letter as well as your resume
- Keep your cover letter brief - one page only
- Your cover letter should not recite your resume
- Draw parallels of previous work accomplishments and how you will bring these positive measures to this company
- Include powerful action verbs such as utilized, established, or authorized
- Re-iterate an ending statement summary including a thank you
EXPLORE COVER LETTER & RESUME TEMPLATE DESIGNS
Things to Remember On Your Cover Letter:
- Always follow up on your resume and cover letter application with a phone call roughly 1-3 days after.
- This affirmative action is important and will increase your possibility of an interview.
- Use US letter size paper in Canada and the US and in Australia and Europe use A4 paper size.
- Keep your cover letter matching your resume format - including font and style.
- If emailing your cover letter, you do not need to sign.
- You can sign if submitting in person.
- Your font must be legible - using common fonts like Calibri or Helvetica is preferred.
- When addressing the reader, always make sure you have verified the spelling of their name right - this is particularly important.
- Always check grammar and spelling.
- A small grammar creates an instant bad first impression and can get your job application immediately knocked off the list.
- Use spell checks and online grammar resources like Grammarly.
- Read your cover letter aloud and give time (10 min) in between each reading check.
- Always add a date on the cover letter and make sure it is consistent from when you sent it.
- Keep the information on your cover letter short and directly to the point.
- If if it is possible to cut out a word on your cover letter, always trim it down.
- This brevity should entice people to invite you to an interview where you can further elaborate.
- Keep the language in your cover letter positive and confident.
- Make sure all of the information on your cover letter is parallel to your resume application and LinkedIn account.
- Any inconsistencies in information will be regarded as a means for concern.
- If you have an internal company referral, a great place to mention is in your cover letter.
- When submitting your resume and cover letter, always look at the job application post for a specific file format.
- If the posting does not mention a file format, PDF is the standard file type.
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Cover Letter: What Not to Do
- Repeating word verbatim from your resume -- instead, elaborate on your resume achievements (adding personality)
- Having more than one page - because there are often may cover letters to read, keep yours short and sweet
- Do not use technical wording unless it is part of the job position
- Avoid complex language (generally), your cover letter should be written for the average reader
- Never mention your salary
- Your cover letter should only be work-related
- Do not share personal information about yourself or your family
- Save your questions about the company or employer for the interview
- Do not ask questions about the job, salary, schedule, benefits should be always be omitted from a cover letter
- Stay typical resume words and phrases - a goal-oriented, team player who consistently meets or exceeds company goals” is cliche in nature and lacks value and credibility
- Great at leadership or Strong communication - lack of evidence and supporting factors to give any substantial information to the reader - you must verify your claim