In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the key to unlocking new career opportunities. It’s your personal introduction to a potential employer and gives you the chance to make a memorable first impression. This guide will help you write a compelling cover letter that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document that allows you to directly address the hiring manager and provide meaningful context to your achievements. Ideally, it will connect the dots between your work experience and the job requirements – all in your own words. You can see an example of a cover letter here.
How Is a Cover Letter Different From a Resume?
While a resume is an impersonal, objective structured overview of your career and experience, a cover letter is your chance to get personal and tell your story. It allows you to explain why you are passionate about the role and how your background uniquely qualifies you for it. Think of your cover letter as the narrative bridge between the bullet points on your resume, your dedication to the role, and the needs of the employer.
How To Write a Cover Letter
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
When writing a cover letter, brevity is your best friend. Aim for a concise, one-page document with three to four well-crafted paragraphs. Each sentence should serve a purpose and provide clear and compelling reasons why you should be considered for the role.
Cover Letter Format
Adhering to a professional format is crucial for your cover letter to be taken seriously. Here’s how to structure it effectively:
- Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information.
- Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, such as "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]."
- Introduction: Start with a brief introduction that mentions the position you are applying for, and a compelling reason for your interest.
- Body: Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your most relevant experiences and achievements. Demonstrate how your skills align with the job requirements, including any that were specifically mentioned in the job listing.
- Conclusion: End with a closing paragraph that reiterates your interest, thanks the employer for their time, and includes a call to action, such as letting them know you would be happy to set up time to answer any questions they might have.
- Signature: Close with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name.
Personalizing Your Cover Letter
You should always personalize your cover letter! Start by researching the company and the role you are applying for. Mention specific details about the company that resonate with you, such as its role or mission, and explain why you are particularly interested in working there. This shows that you have done your research and demonstrates your enthusiastic outlook toward the opportunity.
Quick Tips To Stand Out
- Tailor Your Tone: Check the social media channels or web pages of the company that you are applying to and match your cover letter’s tone to their own. For example, if you’re applying to an up-and-coming design agency, you may want to take creative risks when writing your cover letter. However, a cover letter to a brokerage company may sound a bit more conservative by comparison.
- Open With a Hook: Avoid being the person that flatly introduces themselves by name, then immediately mentions the position they are applying for. Instead, try explaining why the job is exciting to you, and what you have to offer the company.
- Keep Looking Forward: Don’t settle for stating only how your experience is relevant to the job listing; find ways to emphasize how you’re going to use that experience to contribute to the company and its goals in the coming weeks, months, and years!
- Emphasize What Makes You Unique: The job market is tough; you may be one of hundreds of applicants – but you’re the only you, and no one else has your story. Use your cover letter to explain how your specific skills and background sets you apart from the rest.
- Get a Second Look: It’s always encouraged to get as many eyes on a cover letter as possible. Ask for feedback and be specific about what kind of criticism you need. Two things should be clear: the main point of your cover letter, and the story you’re telling. If someone can’t construct a profile of what type of person you are based on your cover letter, you may need to consider going in for revisions.
Writing a Resume
Your cover letter works in tandem with your resume to present a complete picture of your qualifications. Your resume should offer a detailed account of your work history, skills, and accomplishments. For comprehensive guidance on writing an effective resume, visit our Writing a Resume resource page.