Cover letters are an important part of a successful job search because they can help you showcase your unique skills and abilities. An informative and interesting cover letter can create a lasting impression on a hiring manager or potential employer.
You want to convince the reader that your interest in the job and company is genuine and specific. You also want to demonstrate ways that your experience has prepared you for the role by sharing a few brief stories that highlight your qualifications. This takes time and research, use the job description and the company’s website or LinkedIn page to identify traits and skills the company values.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs. It acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell your application. The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background.
A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate. It is also important to note that cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it.
How to write cover letters that win
A well-written, unique cover letter can help distinguish you from other job candidates. Here are the steps you can follow to write a cover letter that wins:
- Expand on your CV
Your cover letter is an opportunity to convert some of the bullet points on your CV into more detailed explanations of your qualifications. Cover letters are typically a full page long, so you have room to provide additional information that can help outline your job history or describe your unique skills. Instead of simply copying and pasting information from your CV, be sure to include new information in your cover letter that elaborates on your skills and experience.
- Customize your cover letter to the job role
You can customize your cover letter for the particular job to which you’re applying. Hiring managers usually read dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters when looking for a new hire. Using specific language can help you attract the hiring manager’s attention and interest. When writing your letter, consult the job listing and the company’s website to find relevant keywords you can include in your cover letter. Additionally, be sure to address your letter to a specific recipient and to mention the company by name throughout your letter.
- Showcase your personality
One of the most effective ways to make your cover letter stand out is to allow some of your personality to show through your writing. You can highlight your personality through your tone, vocabulary, and any personal traits you choose to share. If you’re an outgoing, confident, and enthusiastic person, your cover letter might use an energized tone and lots of action words. If you’re reserved, hard-working, and team-oriented, you might use a more traditional tone and focus on your past professional accomplishments.
- Showcase professionalism
While showing personality in your cover letter can certainly make an impact, it’s also important that your letter demonstrates your professionalism for the role. To accomplish this, you can address your letter formally, use professional vocabulary, and maintain a consistent cover letter format. Be sure to avoid colloquialisms, idioms, and slang, which can be distracting for your reader. Maintain a pleasant, polite tone throughout the letter and make your paragraphs and fonts consistent.
- Write concisely
Your cover letter is most effective when it’s efficient. This means cutting out any unnecessary words or repetitive sentences. One way to make your cover letter stand out is to fill each paragraph with highly relevant and purposeful content. Hiring managers appreciate any effort you make to condense your letter and make it easier for them to find and read the most important information quickly.
- Proofread before you submit
Proofreading is the final step in writing a successful cover letter. A clean, accurate cover letter with no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can highlight your attention to detail. If you take the time to read your cover letter carefully and edit it for mistakes, hiring managers are more likely to perceive you as professional and capable. If possible, ask a friend or family member to read over your letter and offer suggestions for corrections.
Cover letters are necessary as they give you the chance to explain to an employer why you’re the best candidate for the job. You do this by highlighting your relevant skills and experience while keeping the position you’re applying for in mind.