A cover letter is a tool that helps you present yourself during a job application in a fun, personal manner. A well-written cover letter includes information about your curriculum vitae. It will extend that knowledge for the public and lead them on a guided tour of some of the biggest achievements in life and career.
Before you start writing some cover letters, it is always essential to plan the letter’s information based on the requirements of the job for which you apply.
This article would include: the elements of a good cover letter, how to compose a memorable cover letter, what and how to include that in cover letters, what not to include, and how to send a cover letter.
How Long Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter should be as short as possible. The standard way is to keep your cover letter maximum 2-3 short paragraphs summarizing the essential points of your academic and professional achievements.
What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a must-include paper of your resume when applying for a job. The recruiter will see your cover letter before referring to the resume. Thus, you should be able to write the content short and concise, mentioning only the essential facts.
You MUST include the following points in your cover letter when submitting your application.
- Introduce yourself
- Mention the job (or kind of job) you’re applying for (or looking for)
- Show your skills and experience match the skills and expertise needed to do the job
- Encourage the reader to read your resume
- Finish with a call to action (for example, asking for an interview or a meeting)
It still does not make sense about how to write a good cover letter completely, isn’t it? That’s right, just knowing how long it should be and what to include will not help that much!
How to Start?
The most important thing to remember is that you should always use different cover letters for each job. The reason is each job requires different skills, qualifications, and experience. Ideally, not every situation is the same as the one you applied yesterday or a few minutes ago!
The worst thing is that a professional recruiter with experience of reviewing candidate applications for years can quickly recognize if you have written a specific cover letter or if it is a general cover letter for every job.
This can create a good environment for you to get disqualified for the job with a glance at the cover letter. So be specific and understand what the job exactly requires.
To Whom You Are Addressing?
Do not write “To whom it may concern” in your cover letter. Try to avoid it when you are addressing the person. Instead, spend a few minutes on Google search and find the name of the person you have to send the resume.
This will make the first impression of your recruiter a better one because they know that you have especially focused on the job before applying. Most of the job advertisements mention the contact person. Be sure to use the last name of the person with Mr./Ms./Mrs.
Language Use
Using the same vocabulary as individuals doing a specific job demonstrates you know the sector or area in which the employer is working. Figure out how the boss is doing and how they’re feeling about them. In your cover letter, use this phrase.
For instance, if the job requires a machine or software or skill, such as machining equipment or cash handling, include it in your cover letter (but make sure you mention it correctly!).
Make a Memorable Introduction
“Hi, I’m ___. I’m a detail-oriented, multi-tasking, natural-born leader, and I am perfect for your company.”
Hiring managers are going to read the same basic cover letter repeatedly, and you don’t want to be the last template email the hiring manager discounts before lunch. Adding a little word variation helps you stand out against other applicants.
Instead of describing yourself as creative, try imaginative. You’re inventive, not innovative. You’re not determined, you’re tenacious. These word variations at least show that you can think beyond what the average applicant is willing to do.
Proofread Before Submitting
Also, read your cover letter for mistakes and read it through the cover letter to friends and relatives. You should test how the language feels to anyone using Hemingway if you need a little extra help.
Paste the text, and the software can illustrate phrases and parts which are too lengthy or wordy, use passive voice, or are riddled with sophisticated phrases when it comes to simpler words.
You don’t have to follow all of Hemingway’s advice (maybe “facilitate” is the best choice of words there!), but it’s a helpful way to check the letter’s readability.
Be Specific
Bear in mind the following points when starting to think about how to create your cover letter distinctively. You must create your cover letter distinctively and demonstrate the audience about you as a special person.
You should have skills and experience that are directly linked to career posting. These may sound like contrasting claims, but for writing a good cover letter, they are vitally important.
Avoid
- To Whom It May Concern.”
- “I’m not sure if you know.”
- “Dynamic.”
- “Please feel free.”
- “Significant.”
- “Self-Starter,” “Detail-Oriented,” and “Forward-Thinker.”
- “Really, truly, deeply.”
Ignore Irrelevant Details
Don’t include your cover letter with useless information. It can annoy or overwhelm the reader with unnecessary information, leading them to Miss critical details of your cover letter.
Contact Information
You can optionally add your contact number, home address, and the email address in your cover letter for more clarity. However, be sure to use a professional email address which includes your first and last name. Do not ever use email addresses such as sexykatherine@hotmail.com, davelikegoats@hotmail.com.
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