If you are not including a cover letter with your resume, you’re making a big mistake! A cover letter sets you apart from other candidates. It says who you are, your past work experience, and what you can bring to the company if they hire you. It also shows your personality and sets the tone for how the potential employer will perceive your resume.
Here are a few tips on how you can make your cover letter attractive and informative to a potential employer:
- Address the letter to the appropriate person. If you don’t know their name and title, then use “To the Human Resources Department.”
- In the first paragraph, include the position you are applying for and the job number if it is provided. For example, “Please accept my cover letter and resume as my application for the Administrative Assistant position.” Also, you can include where you heard of the job opening and the name of a person you know in the company who may have referred you or would speak highly of your abilities.
- In the second paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and the personal skills you possess. For example, you have a positive attitude or you thrive in workplaces with tight deadlines. Make sure that it is meaningful and reflects who you are as a person.
- In the third paragraph, mention your work experiences, abilities, and the skills you have gained that would benefit their company. Focus on three of your best attributes and give examples.
- Finally, include your education or courses you have taken that relate to the job.
- Finish off the letter with something that makes you sound confident and excited to hear back from them. For example, “I believe that my combined work experience and education would be a valuable asset to your organization. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.”
- Make sure to include your name and contact information at the bottom of the page.
Important things to remember:
- Get someone to review your cover letter to check for spelling mistakes and the flow of the letter.
- Keep the letter to one page; short and concise is the best option.
- Send your cover letter and resume as soon as possible. If you send it through the mail, make sure to give it enough time to get to the employer before the deadline.
- With every new job application, make sure to update it to make it relevant and targeted towards a particular job.
- Make sure not to just repeat your resume.
- Don’t start every sentence with “I”.
Find samples and more tips here!
FAQs
Focus on three of your best attributes and give examples. Finally, include your education or courses you have taken that relate to the job. Finish off the letter with something that makes you sound confident and excited to hear back from them.
How do you write a stand out cover letter? ›
Writing a Stand-Out Cover Letter
- Start fresh for each position you're applying to. ...
- Address your letter to a real person. ...
- Adopt a positive mindset. ...
- Grab attention with your opening line. ...
- Explain why you're the best candidate. ...
- Show them why you want THIS job. ...
- Finish strong. ...
- Sit on it.
Here are the steps you can follow to write a cover letter that stands out:
- Expand on your resume. ...
- Customize your letter to the specific job. ...
- Show your personality. ...
- Be professional. ...
- Write concisely. ...
- Edit before you submit.
How to write a college application cover letter
- Write your name and street address. ...
- Include the date. ...
- Write the head of admission's name, the college's name and the college's address. ...
- Include a salutation. ...
- State your purpose for applying to the school. ...
- Explain why you want to attend their school. ...
- Write a conclusion.
Writing a Compelling Cover Letter
- Introduce Yourself. Grab the reader's interest with your opening paragraph. ...
- Explain Why You Are the Best Candidate. Next, describe what you can bring to the role. ...
- Be Enthusiastic About the Role. ...
- Summarize and Request a Follow-Up.
Provide details about your accomplishments and impact. Connect how these experiences have prepared you for this role and why you are motivated to do this job. There is no need to apologize if you feel you lack experience; focus on the accomplishments that you have.
What a cover letter should not include? ›
Don't repeat information from your resume.
- Explain how you can help. ...
- Don't focus on what the job can do for you. ...
- Discuss your skills. ...
- Don't focus on your current job title or education. ...
- Research the company before writing the cover letter. ...
- Don't mention any negative media mentions. ...
- Include specific keywords.
How to write a cover letter for a job: 5 essential tips
- Customize your letter. ...
- Supplement your resume, don't repeat it. ...
- Include keywords and supporting details. ...
- Address any missing pieces. ...
- Proofread and ask for feedback.
Look for Personality, Promise, and Proof
Look for personality, promise, and proof. Any candidate that can break free of the “I am writing to apply for” mold, clearly articulate how they'd solve your problem, and provide evidence from their past that proves their abilities is well worth your time.
What is the first paragraph of a cover letter? ›
1st paragraph: State why you are writing, the position or type of work for which you are applying. Mention how you heard of the vacancy. 2nd paragraph: Discuss why you are interested in this position, the company , and its products. Describe your background (skills, accomplishments, and abilities).
4 Great Tips for an Effective Cover Letter
- The Right Format.
- Customize Your Cover Letters.
- Build Upon Your Resume.
- Let Your Personality Shine Through.
A professional sign-off: End with a courteous and professional cover letter closing salutation. "Sincerely," "Best regards," and "Thank you" are all good choices.
How do you introduce yourself in a cover letter? ›
Introduce yourself by saying something about yourself (i.e., I am a senior studying communications at American University). Note how/where you learned about the position. If you are writing at the suggestion of someone who knows the recipient, say so.
What is a powerful opening sentence for a cover letter? ›
A compelling opening for a cover letter often includes expressing genuine enthusiasm for the position or company. For example: "I am excited to apply for the [position] at [company], bringing [specific skill/experience] and a passion for [relevant industry/field]."
What are the top three things that should be in an impressive cover letter? ›
Beyond that, Siegel boils down the most important things to include in a cover letter to three points. “Show enthusiasm, show you've done research, and show you want to come in there and make a contribution,” he says.
What are two things that should always be in a cover letter? ›
The cover letter is usually the first item an employer reads from you. Your letter should immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that demonstrates why you should be considered for the position.
How do you write a crisp cover letter? ›
How To Write A Short Cover Letter?
- Begin with a header. If the job description provides the name of the recruiter, mention it here, along with the company's address. ...
- Greet the recruiter. ...
- Introduce yourself. ...
- Mention your qualifications. ...
- Discuss your goals. ...
- Include a call to action. ...
- Sign the letter.
The cover letter is usually the first item an employer reads from you. Your letter should immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that demonstrates why you should be considered for the position. Do not repeat all of the information contained in your resume.
