You’ve polished your resume and are ready to submit your job application, but then you encounter the phrase “cover letter required.” Writing cover letters can be daunting, but they remain a crucial element in the job application process. A well-crafted cover letter highlights your value and convinces the employer that you’re the best fit for the job.
List Your Contact Details
First, ensure your cover letter header includes the following contact information:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address (optional)
- LinkedIn profile link (optional)
- Portfolio or website (optional)
- Pronouns (optional)
Address the Hiring Manager by Name
Next, whenever possible, address your letter to the hiring manager by name. Avoid generic salutations like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” If you cannot find the recruiter’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Always start with a professional title such as “Mr.,” “Ms.,” or “Dr.”
Tailor Your Letter to the Job Description
Moreover, tailoring your cover letter for each job is essential. Avoid generic, copy-and-paste methods. Instead, align your skills and experiences with the specific job requirements to create a personalized statement that effectively highlights why you are the ideal fit for that role. Consequently, this tailored approach enhances your chances of standing out among other applicants.
Include Keywords
Additionally, identify keywords in the job description, such as “data-driven” and “customer-centric.” Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter to optimize its performance within an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and increase visibility. As you address the essential requirements listed in the job description, provide specific examples demonstrating how you’ve effectively applied these skills in the past, emphasizing your accomplishments.
Make It Easy to Read
Furthermore, the readability of your cover letter is crucial. Use professional fonts like Garamond, Times New Roman, Arial, Montserrat, or Lato. To ensure readability, keep the font size between 11 and 12, and set margins at 1” or 1½”. This ensures a balanced appearance that is neither overly sparse nor too congested with text.
Highlight Your Accomplishments
The main objective of your cover letter should be to present convincing arguments for why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Therefore, highlight accomplishments that distinguish you from other candidates. Use bullet points to emphasize key aspects and noteworthy achievements. Including measurable data, like facts and figures, resonates with employers who appreciate tangible evidence.
Highlight Your Skills
If your previous work experiences don’t explicitly highlight you as the ideal candidate for the role, focus on emphasizing your skill set. Offer an extensive overview of the specific skills you possess that align with the job responsibilities. Additionally, highlight any certifications or qualifications that solidify your competence and expertise in the field.
Demonstrate That You’re a Culture Fit
Companies prioritize candidates who resonate with their corporate culture. Thus, examine the company’s website and social media channels to understand its vision, mission, and values. Tailor your cover letter’s tone and language to reflect the attitudes and values projected by the company.
Save Properly
Regardless of the file format, save your cover letter with a professional and specific title. Avoid generic titles like “Cover Letter 1” or “Resume (copy of copy).” Instead, use specific, descriptive titles like “Sarah Johnson Cover Letter for Graphic Designer Application.” This conveys professionalism and ensures clarity when submitting your application materials.
Show a Little Personality
Don’t hesitate to reveal your personality in your cover letter. Employers want to understand the individual behind the application. Therefore, infuse your genuine self into your writing and showcase unique attributes or achievements that might not fit into your resume, such as successful remote work experiences. However, maintain a clear, concise approach, keeping your cover letter confined to a single page while captivating the reader’s interest.
Crafting an effective cover letter is pivotal in securing a job opportunity. By tailoring the letter to the specific job description, showcasing relevant skills and achievements, and aligning with the company’s culture, you can significantly enhance your chances of standing out. Furthermore, infuse personality while maintaining professionalism, keep the content concise yet impactful, and pay attention to formatting and presentation details. Ultimately, a well-crafted cover letter serves as a gateway to introducing yourself beyond the resume, making a lasting impression on prospective employers.
The Academic Hive webpage offers you top-notch tips on how to write a convincing cover letter. We also offer Consultancy Services, book a session today.
