How to write a cover letter

What is a cover letter?

 

Before you start writing a cover letter, you should familiarize yourself with the document’s purpose. A cover letter, also known as a covering letter or application letter, is a one-page document that introduces a job seeker’s work history, professional skills, and personal interest in applying for a job. It is your best chance of getting the attention of the hiring manager or the recruiter.

 

The letter provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Don’t simply repeat what’s on your resume. Rather, include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the job requirements. Think of your cover letter as a sales pitch that will market your credentials and help you get the interview. As such, you want to make sure your cover letter makes the best impression on the person who is reviewing it.

 

Types of Cover Letter

 

There are three different types of cover letters. Choose a type of letter that matches your reason for writing.

 

• The application letter which responds to a known job opening
• The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions
• The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search

 

 

Step 1: Put your contact details in the header

 

Contact Details

 

At the top of your cover letter, you should type:

 

• Your first and last name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Your mailing address (Optional)
• Your Linkedin profile link (Optional)

 

Under your contact details, you should type:

 

• Today’s date
• The first and last name of the person you’re writing to, or the relevant department
• The company’s address
• The company’s phone number
• The hiring manager or company’s email address

 

 

Step 2: Address the hiring manager by their name

 

Opening Salutation

 

Make a great first impression by addressing your cover letter to a real person using their name. Robotic and impersonal greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” will come off as insincere.

 

Not sure who to address? Try checking the company website, searching Linkedin, or even calling or emailing human resources to ask. If you’re still having problems addressing your cover letter, follow these tips:

 

• If you’re not certain about the recruiter’s title (like Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.,) you can drop it from your salutation. For instance, “Dear Nick Jones” is acceptable.
• If you can’t figure out who the recruiter is, you can guess. For instance, if you’re applying for a position, you can address by “Dear HR” or by name instead.
• If you can’t find anyone’s name, you can address it to the department as well. For instance, “Dear Sales Department” is acceptable.

 

Step 3: Hook the hiring manager with a strong introduction

 

Intro Paragraph

 

Job seekers agonize over how to start their cover letters, but it’s actually quite simple. A successful cover letter introduction must include the following:

 

• Job position: The name of the position you’re applying for
• Company name: The name of the company you’re applying for
• Intention to apply: An enthusiastic announcement that you’re applying for that position

 

So long as your cover letter’s opening lines have those ingredients, you’ll successfully hook the hiring manager into reading more.

 

Step 4: Prove that you’re the perfect candidate for the job

 

Body Paragraphs

 

Next, it’s time to argue persuasively why you’re the right person to do the job. To write these paragraphs well, and sell yourself as great candidate, remember three main points:

 

• Be bold, but don’t brag: A strong cover letter conveys confidence. If you’re able to provide evidence for a claim (like that you’re the best candidate for the job), put that evidence in your cover letter. But don’t make wild and factless claims about your abilities.
• Be honest, and don’t embellish: Don’t lie or even stretch the truth about your experience, as getting caught could devastate your career. It’s not necessary anyway — you’ll get a job with the experience you’ve got.
• Don’t include irrelevant information: Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and company you’re applying for. Your cover letter (and resume) should respond to the job posting, directly referencing the skills and qualifications outlined by the recruiter.

 

Step 5: Close your cover letter with a request to interview

 

Closing Paragraph

 

When writing your cover letter closing, be polite, confident, and continue to sell yourself as a candidate. It’s important to write your final paragraph as thoughtfully and strategically as the rest of your cover letter, so be sure to include the following:

 

• Thank the hiring manager for reviewing your resume and cover letter
• Concisely summarize why you’d be a good hire
• Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity
• Politely ask them to send you an invitation to interview

 

 

Step 6: Sign off with a professional closing salutation

 

Closing Salutation

 

Sign off your cover letter with a professional closing salutation:

 

• Sincerely
• Best
• Regards
• Thank you
• Respectfully
• Kind regards
• Best regards

 

 

Step 7: Review your cover letter

 

Now, it’s time to make sure what you’ve written follows cover letter writing best practices.