Introduction
Think of your cover letter as the opening act for your resume. Cover letters might seem old-fashioned to some, but when crafted right, they offer something your resume can’t – a glimpse into your personality and why you’re the right fit for the job. This guide breaks down how to write a cover letter that hooks the hiring manager’s attention and leaves them eager to learn more about you.
Cover Letter Essentials: What Makes Them Stand Out
While your resume lists your achievements, your cover letter introduces the person behind the list. It’s your chance to grab attention and show how your skills align with the potential employer’s needs. Let’s focus on the vital elements that elevate your cover letter from mediocre to memorable.
Address It Right – Get Personal
“Dear Hiring Manager” isn’t inherently wrong, but it’s the minimum. If you can dig a little, try these steps to personalize your greeting:
- Company Website: Many companies list key staff profiles. This information might contain the hiring manager’s name.
- LinkedIn: A quick search of the company staff on LinkedIn can often reveal the right person.
- Use Their Network: If you know someone at the Company, politely ask if they know who handles applications for the position.
Addressing your letter to a specific person demonstrates initiative and helps your application stand out in their inbox.
The Powerful Opening: Your ‘Hook’ in 2-3 Sentences
Avoid starting with “I’m writing to apply for…” Recruiters read dozens of cover letters; that bland opener offers no reason to keep reading yours. Here are potent alternatives:
- Achievement-Focused Opener: Showcase a quantifiable achievement related to the desired role. Example: “Having increased organic website traffic by 35% in my previous role, I’m eager to use my SEO expertise to boost [Company]’s online presence.”
- Skill + Experience Combo: This offers quick insight into your value proposition. Example: “As a UI designer with 5+ years of experience in agency and startup environments, I understand the need for visually stunning and user-centric interfaces.”
- Company Knowledge Opener: Demonstrates you’ve done your homework. Example: “After learning about [Company]’s recent pivot towards the education market, I’m excited to use my instructional design background to help deliver high-impact learning solutions.”
- Referral Opener: Immediately sets you apart if someone already at the Company recommends you apply. Example: “[Employee Name] suggested I reach out regarding the Open Designer position due to my experience in [Specific Area].”
Show You’re the Perfect Fit: It’s About More Than Just Keywords
This is your chance to connect the dots between your resume and the Company’s needs. Here’s how to go beyond primary buzzwords:
- Study the Job Description: Identify the top 3-5 essential skills and responsibilities required for the role.
- Match Your Highlights: Think of 2-3 specific achievements from your resume that illustrate those required skills. Refrain from repeating bullet points. Instead, provide brief context and explain the positive outcome achieved.
- Company + Role Focus: Example: Instead of “Excellent communication skills,” say, “In my previous role, I streamlined team communication, resulting in a 15% improvement in project completion time.” This tailored example provides proof of your skills in action.
A Dash of Enthusiasm – Why They Should Care
Qualifications are essential, as is genuine excitement about the job and Company. Briefly communicate this, but do so strategically:
- Mission Match: If their company values resonate with you, mention that. Example: “Your commitment to sustainable design aligns perfectly with my passion for reducing the environmental impact of product development.”
- Specific Interest: Avoid vague compliments. If recent company news, awards, or projects caught your eye, mention them!
- Avoid Hyperbole: “I’m your biggest fan” or “Dream job” can come off as insincere. Convey enthusiasm while remaining professional.
End with a Clear Call to Action – Give Them the Next Step
Make sure the recruiter guesses how to reach you. Concisely finish your letter:
- Reiterate Interest: “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background can contribute to [Company’s] success. “
- Contact: “You can reach me via email at [your email] or my phone number [phone number].”
Steer Clear of Cover Letter Pitfalls
Don’t Just Restate Your Resume
Your cover letter needs to be a summary of your resume. Highlight 2-3 top skills and how they’ve produced results. This creates intrigue, motivating the reader to dive into your resume.
Tailor Each Letter (No “One Size Fits All”)
Mass-blasting the same cover letter is a bad strategy. Every application should show you’ve taken the time to understand explicitly what the Company needs and why you’re a compelling match.
Find the Right Tone
Overly formal can be just as off-putting as excessively casual. Be professional, but let a bit of your personality peek through. Avoid slang and humor, but write in a conversational way that doesn’t feel stiff.
Mistakes Matter!
Typos and grammatical errors must be corrected, suggesting that detail-oriented work might not be your forte. Get a friend to proofread or run your letter through tools like Grammarly.
Your Cover Letter Questions Answered (FAQ)
“Is a cover letter essential in today’s job market?”
Short answer: it depends. Some applications explicitly say they’re optional. However, a well-crafted cover letter makes you a standout candidate even when not mandatory. If you’re genuinely enthused about the opportunity, take the extra step.
“How long should my cover letter be?”
Stick to one page maximum. Hiring managers are busy. Aim for a concise and focused showcase of your value proposition.
“What if I don’t have a lot of relevant experience?”
Emphasize transferable skills that align with the desired role. For example, your customer service background demonstrates excellent communication and problem-solving, even if it wasn’t in the same industry. A short explanation highlighting those transferable skills is critical.
“Do I need a cover letter if I have a referral?”
Yes, but keep it even more concise. Briefly mention the referral in your opening and thank them for the recommendation. Then, use the main body of your letter to highlight 1-2 significant relevant accomplishments.
“How formal should my cover letter be?”
Professionalism is crucial, but there’s room for your personality to shine through. Avoid excessively stiff, textbook language or, conversely, anything too casual. A clear, conversational tone conveys both competence and approachability.
“What file format is right for submitting my cover letter?”
PDF is universally standard unless the job application explicitly requests something else (like a Word document.) A PDF retains your formatting and looks the same on all devices.
“I’m a career changer; how do I address that in my cover letter?”
Your opening hook is a prime spot to express your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the new field. Emphasize your relevant prior Experience (even from a different sector) and describe how it will apply to this new role. Show you’ve already begun gaining skills in the new industry through courses or side projects.
“Should I include a salary expectation on my cover letter?”
Generally, no. Salary discussions must be left for the interview unless stated in the listing. Focus first on demonstrating that you’re a compelling candidate worth engaging further.
Ready to Write? Tips & Resources
- Tailor Every Time: You must not use a same generic cover letter. Adapt it for each specific role, addressing the unique requirements of the job description.
- Formatting: Stick to standard 1-inch margins and easily readable fonts (Arial, Times New Roman). Keep your cover letter to one page and use strong action verbs throughout.
- Proofreading Help: If writing isn’t your forte, services like Grammarly (https://www.grammarly.com/) or Hemingway Editor (http://www.hemingwayapp.com/) can be great for catching errors and improving clarity. A final read-through by a friend is always worthwhile before hitting “send.”
Include keywords from the job description throughout your cover letter. This increases the visibility of your application when screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Conclusion
The cover letter isn’t just an extra chore; it’s an extension of your brand. Crafting a solid cover letter shows dedication and highlights what you uniquely bring. When paired with a stellar resume, it boosts your chances of landing that coveted interview.