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Last Updated on September 30, 2024
Whenever you apply for a job position through a job search board or a company’s career site, it is highly recommended to include a cover letter. This will effectively communicate the alignment between your skillset, experience, and the job opportunity to the
A cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your professional
How to Write a Cover Letter
- Use an AI-powered
cover letter generator: If you’re struggling to start or format yourcover letter , consider using an AI tool like CareerToolbelt. It helps you craft a personalized and professionalcover letter tailored to the job you’re applying for, saving you time while ensuring quality. - Understand the Purpose: A
cover letter introduces you to potential employers, highlighting how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements and company culture. - Research the Company: Tailor your
cover letter by researching the company’s values, projects, and the role itself. Show how your background makes you a perfect fit for theirteam . - Address it Properly: Whenever possible, address the
cover letter to a specific person. Use “DearHiring Manager” only if you cannot find a name, to add a personal touch. - Start Strong: Begin with a compelling opening sentence that grabs attention. Mention the position you’re applying for and how you discovered the opportunity.
- Highlight Key Experiences: Use specific examples from your past work or education to demonstrate your qualifications and how they apply to the position at hand.
- Show Your Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the role and the company. Explain why you’re passionate about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Include Soft
Skills : Mention important soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Explain how these have benefited you in past roles or projects. - Keep it Concise: Aim for a single page. Be direct and to the point, ensuring every sentence adds value and relevance to your application.
- Close Strong: End your
cover letter by thanking the employer for considering your application and expressing eagerness to discuss your application in further detail. - Edit and Proofread: Before sending, meticulously proofread your
cover letter for typos, and grammatical errors, and ensure it’s tailored to the job and company.
Introductory Paragraph
Start your
Main Body Paragraph
Next, you will write the body paragraph, which serves as the core of your cover letter. Here, you will demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job position. Highlight specific skills that align with the job requirements and showcase relevant experiences that support your suitability for the role. When applicable, refer to your resume to provide additional evidence. If you’re not applying to a specific job, explain how your skills and abilities would contribute to the company’s success. Proofread the content carefully to eliminate any typos, grammatical errors, or other mistakes.
Closing Paragraph
In the final paragraph, express your continued enthusiasm for the job and convey your anticipation for an interview. Reiterate your interest and provide your contact details to facilitate communication with the employer. Conclude the letter by expressing gratitude to the
Don’t Make These Mistakes
- Spelling errors – Your
cover letter should be free of all spelling errors or grammatical errors. Proofread yourcover letter or use a product like Grammarly.com.
- Lack of Follow-up – Don’t leave the letter “open-ended”. Indicate that you will follow up in two weeks.
- Summary of Your Resume – To cut and paste from your resume or restate what is already included in your resume. Your
cover letter should be a stand-alone document. - Form Letter Format – Your
cover letter should be specific to the opportunity and not a form letter. It should specifically mention the job title andskills that are aligned with the job opportunity - Research the company before writing your letter (take a look at Company Research). Find out as much as you can about the company and the job position. Research the
hiring manager via LinkedIn. Yourcover letter should show that you are familiar with the company.
- Never send the same
cover letter for every job posting.
- Never send a
cover letter in anemail format. Always send the letter in a high-quality paper to suggest a professional attitude (also take a look at Knock ’em Dead Cover Letters:Cover letter samples and strategies you need to get the job you want).
Gear You Need for Your Resume and Cover Letters
Okay, you are ready to find your job, but do you have everything you need? Not sure that you have everything, take a look at the following links.
Resume Paper
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Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
