Top 10 cover letter writing tips
When it comes to writing a cover letter, it needs to be perfect. It’s important to take the time and effort to write a letter that is simpl...
Top materials for your job interviews:
When
it comes to writing a cover letter, it needs to be perfect. It’s important to
take the time and effort to write a letter that is simple and straightforward,
free from grammar or spelling errors, and customized for the position you are
seeking.
Ten
tips and advice below for writing effective cover letters will increase your
chance of getting selected for an interview. Please complement your suggestions
to the list if you have ones to share.
1.
Write
targeted cover letter
Read
through the job description again and again to make a list of criteria the
employer is seeking at potential candidates. At the same time, make a list of
your own skills and qualifications. Then, make a match between the two lists to
state the common things clearly in your letter. This way, the hiring manager
can see, at a glance, why and how you're qualified for the job.
2. Never duplicate your CV
Your cover letter should add more
specific details to your resume than be a copy of itself. Highlight the
qualifications, skills and experience you have that are related to the position.
Remember to make your cover letter short, concise, straightforward and to the
point.
3. Make your cover letter personalized
When it comes to cover letters,
taking the time to get personal is really important. Find out as much as you
can about the company and the hiring manager via online research or phone
call. Personalize your cover letter by addressing it
to the person responsible for recruiting. Use
email for cover letters, but, keep them short and include in the email
message. You shouldn’t attach a cover letter unless it is specifically required
by the employer
4. Double-check
your letter before submitting
It
is difficult to notice errors in your own writing, therefore in addition to
spell checking and proofreading by yourself, ask somebody else to review your
letter before sending it. Remember to make your correspondence brief and
targeted. Each letter should be less than a page
long and each paragraph should contain maximum three or four sentences.
5. Don’t forget
to sign your name
If
you don’t have to fill out and sign an application form, then the only place
where you can provide your signature is your very cover letter. Signature is
important as a genuine proof of your authenticity regardless of the fact that
it may seem old-fashioned in this technology era.
6. Put your
letter in good layout
Presentation
really matters, so make sure your letter has a clear layout without any tying
or spelling errors. If possible, compare your covering letter to that of other
candidates to be ensured that you’re standing out from the crowd.
7. Tell the employer who you really are
Make
sure that your correspondence reflects your impressive personality. Show the
recruiters how motivated and enthusiastic you are. Never include negative
comments in your letter. For each skill you want to elaborate on, try to use
dynamic acting verbs. For instance:
Research - Analyzed,
clarified
Interpersonal skills - Collaborated, communicated
Teaching - Instilled, motivated
Interpersonal skills - Collaborated, communicated
Teaching - Instilled, motivated
8. Keep your
letter short and to the point
A
letter speaking to the needs of the company and position with relevant
experience should draw the attention of the employers immediately. A
well-written and targeted letter would make a positive pen-picture of you in
the mind of the recruiters. Remember to keep your covering letter less than a
page long.
9. Focus on the
first and last line
Don’t
beat around the bush in the first paragraph. It is the place where you must
make clear the reason you are writing and what makes you more qualified and
outstanding than other candidates straight off. That first glance at your cover
letter is your one opportunity to make a good impression and make it to the
next round. Remember to finish your letter with a call to action. Ask the
recruiters arrange you an interview and let them know you will be available to
discuss.
10. Tell what
you are impressed with the company
COVER LETTER TEMPLATE WITH LAYOUT
Contact Information
The first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you.
If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.
This section should be single-spaced and left-justified, with a space between your contact information and your employer’s contact information.
Your Contact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
(space)
Date
(space)
Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
(space)
Salutation
(space)
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
(space)
First Paragraph:
Each of your body paragraphs should be single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph. The first paragraph of your cover letter should include information on the position you are applying for, including the job title. You should state how you heard about the job, and (briefly) explain why you think you are an ideal candidate for the position.
(space between paragraphs)
Middle Paragraph(s):
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention why you are qualified for the job and how your skills and experience are a match for the position for which you are applying. Provide specific examples to prove your skills and experience; these examples will “pop” on the page if you provide them in a bulleted format.
(space between paragraphs)
Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up with them regarding the status of your application.
(space)
Closing:
(space)
Sincerely yours,
(double space)
Signature:
Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
(double space)
Typed Signature
