A cover letter has only one true purpose, and that is to get someone to actually open your resume. Plain and simple. There is no need to use elaborate language or have a stiff, formal tone. Most hiring managers will only take a quick glance at it for a few seconds, which means that each line must count. Here is how to write a cover letter that will work for you, step by step.
Start With a Real Opening Line
Don’t use the outdated lick that says “I am interested in applying for the …” We know why you are writing, so it’s an unnecessary line. Determine something that is true and specific to lead off your letter. For instance, you can say something about what interested you in the company, mention a mutual connection, or even get right to a success that you are proud of. This will gain the reader’s attention from the get-go and add a personal touch that lets them know you didn’t just copy and paste the same cover letter for each job application.
For instance, rather than saying, “I am very happy to have the opportunity to apply for the marketing job,” say something more like, “I am applying for this job because of your last campaign for [product].” You have made a small change, but it will make a great deal of difference.
What to Include in Your Opening
Ensure that your opening line is brief and clear. You should include:
- Your name and the role you are applying for.
- A sentence explaining why this job caught your attention.
- A brief description of what you can offer the company.
This is all you need to establish the framework for the rest of your letter. You do not need to write a lengthy introduction before getting into the main details.
Show and Prove
Past the introduction of your cover letter, it is time for the part where most cover letters fail. We write sentences like “I am a hard worker” or “I have good communication skills.” But these sentences do not convey anything about who we are. It is easy to say and almost everyone can.
Instead, you should support your statement with evidence of an event that somehow helped you. For instance, instead of talking about your skills in problem-solving, you could provide an example of a problem you resolved. Did you manage to save time along the way? Did your efforts help your team to accomplish its goals? Providing some example to prove what you can do is much better than just having a list of characteristics about you.
In addition to that, this section should not take longer than two or three paragraphs at most. You do not need to tell them your total work history. You just highlight a few points that demonstrate that you will be able to do the work they need.
How to End Your Cover Letter
The Importance of Signing Off Your Cover Letter
The end of your cover letter is probably more important than you think, as it is often the final thing your hiring manager reads before making a decision about what to do next. You want to ensure that your cover letter doesn’t finish weakly. Instead, the end of your cover letter should do the following:
- Thank the hiring manager for their time.
- Restate your interest in the position in just one line.
- Clearly state a follow-up, leaving the hiring manager wanting more.
Something simple works best here. Take this example: “Thank you for your time. I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to speak with you more about this role and the ways I can be an asset to your team.” Finish off with your name.
Common Mistakes That Turn Hiring Managers Off
Even a cover letter that is written in good faith can turn off someone in a few seconds. Here are the common mistakes that do the most harm:
- Reiterating your resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter should present some new information and not just restate what’s already there.
- Using the same cover letter for multiple jobs. Employers can usually recognize a duplicate letter, making yours seem less unique.
- Setting a formal tone. You aren’t writing a contract, you’re writing to an actual person.
- Having a lengthy cover letter. If it is longer than one page very few readers will continue reading.
- Only discussing yourself. Keep the employer’s needs in mind as you formulate the goals that will benefit both of you.
Properly doing this will help you get ahead of other applicants immediately.
Quick Checklist Before You Hit Send
Prior to sending off your letter, consider using the following short list:
- Is it under one page?
- Have you verified that you wrote the correct company name and job title?
- Is your opening line specific and not generic?
- Have you given at least one example to back up one claim?
- Have you read it aloud to ensure it sounds right?
- Has anyone else proofread the letter prior to sending it off?
If you meet these criteria, you should be ready to send your letter.
5 Popular Online Cover Letter Website
For cover letter design ideas, you can always check out online options which come complete with templates and writing tools. Each template has its own features so carefully choose one that suits your needs well.
1. Canva
Canva has lots of design templates to choose from and includes cover letter templates to modify for online use. This allows you to pick any template then make your own changes to text, look or font styles, etc., thus allowing you to design or replicate based on your own preferred layout. Just be careful that your design concept will suit the job well because it is best if your cover letter looks simple in its presentation instead making it harder for your new employer to read.
Canva is an excellent tool for anyone looking for cover letter features like:
- Getting started with remade cover letters
- Ease of use in making last minute editing online
- Multiple layouts to choose from
- A matching cover letter and resume
Just remember to go over your final product once more prior to submitting to ensure everything is clear and easy to read!
2. Indeed
Indeed is used for job searching and finding career information. It gives tips on how to write cover letters and what they should look like.
This website is useful for you if you don’t know what to put into your cover letter. It helps you to structure your cover letters based on the job you apply for and your relevant experiences.
Also, it gives tips on job applications and career development. Thus, you will find this website helpful for writing your first cover letter.
3. Resume.io
Resume.io is a resume and letter tool that offers various templates. This website offers users the ability to create professional job application documents using the knowledge of an editor.
On this site, users can either choose a template and put their information or take advantage of other features that include samples as well as tips on how to create their letters.
This option gives users the chance to avoid having to sit in front of a blank computer screen trying to start their letter from scratch. It is critical to take time to edit the finished letter carefully.
4. Zety
Zety provides online resume and cover letter creation tools. The company’s resume writers have templates and suggestions to help organize your information.
This service may be beneficial to you when you are unsure how to proceed. You may benefit from Zety’s advice on the placement of your introduction, skills, work history, and conclusion.
Nonetheless, the template should serve only as a guide. Your finalized cover letter must be an expression of your actual experiences and the specific position for which you are applying.
5. Adobe Express
Adobe Express features customization designs and allows you to make use of its formatted templates. Adobe Express has cover letter templates customized.
They can help with the design and can be customized. You have more freedom if you’d like a cover letter similar to your resume.
When using any design tool, limit too many design elements so that the information is clear and readable.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to have an elaborate cover letter as long as you are speaking from the heart, being brief, and giving your reader a reason to look at your resume. Be simple, be straightforward, and be sincere, because this is normally what works best.