Are you striving to make a powerful first impression with your job application? Knowing how to craft a captivating cover letter can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to create a standout cover letter, complete with examples of what to do and what to avoid.
Why Do You Need a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is like a friend who introduces you at a party. It helps people get to know you better. It lets you show your personality. Plus, it’s a chance to talk about the things that make you great at what you do.
Steps to Write a Great Cover Letter
- Know the Company: Research is key when writing a cover letter. Spend some time on the company’s website, read their blog posts, and check out their social media platforms. Understand their mission, values, and culture. What projects are they working on? What achievements are they proud of? This will help you tailor your cover letter to show that not only are you a fit for the job, but you’re also a fit for the company.
- Say Their Name: A cover letter should not be generic. It should be personal and show that you’ve taken the time to craft it for this specific job application. If you can, find out the name of the hiring manager or the person who’ll be reading your letter. You can often find this information in the job listing. If not, a quick call to the company or a search on LinkedIn might give you the answer. Addressing the letter to a specific person shows that you’ve gone the extra mile.
- Start with a Bang: The first sentence of your cover letter is crucial. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read on. Instead of a generic opening like “I’m applying for the position of…”, try something more engaging. Maybe start with a short statement about why you’re excited about the role or the company. Or, if you can, tell a quick story that shows why you’re interested in this job.
- Talk About Your Skills: This is the heart of your cover letter. Here, you should highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job. But don’t just list your skills, provide specific examples. If you’re applying for a marketing role, don’t just say you’re good at marketing. Give an example of a marketing campaign you’ve run in the past, and explain how it was successful.
- Show How You Can Help: The hiring manager wants to know what you can do for the company. So, show them. Use the research you’ve done to identify challenges the company is facing or goals they’re working towards. Then explain how your skills and experiences can help them overcome these challenges or reach these goals.
- End on a High Note: The conclusion of your cover letter is your chance to leave a lasting impression. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and say that you’d love the opportunity to discuss your application further. Thank the reader for their time, and suggest the next steps. Maybe you could say you’ll follow up in a week, or that you’re looking forward to their response.
- Keep it Short and Sweet: A cover letter should be concise. Aim for no more than one page. Be respectful of the reader’s time, and keep your language clear and direct. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Remember, your cover letter is just an introduction. You’ll have the chance to go into more detail in your resume and in the interview.
Checking Your Cover Letter
Make sure your cover letter is perfect. Check it for mistakes. Ask someone else to read it too. A great cover letter shows you’re serious about the job.
Conclusion
A great cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd. It’s your chance to tell your story. And it’s your chance to show why you’re the perfect fit for the job. So, follow these tips to create a cover letter that shines.
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Example of a Poorly Written Cover Letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I saw your job posting and I’m applying for the position. I’ve worked in similar roles before and I believe I’m a fit for this job. I have a degree in Business and 5 years of experience.
I’m good at teamwork and I have strong skills in project management. I’m confident that I can contribute to your company. I’m excited about this opportunity and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why it’s bad: This cover letter is generic and lacks specificity. It doesn’t provide any concrete examples of accomplishments or skills. It doesn’t show any knowledge about the company or explain why the candidate is a good fit for the role. It’s also missing an engaging opening and a strong closing.
Example of a Well-Written Cover Letter:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m excited to apply for the Project Manager position at XYZ Company that I saw listed on your website. I have long admired XYZ’s commitment to innovative project solutions and your strong focus on sustainability. I believe that my experience managing large-scale projects in the renewable energy sector makes me a strong match for this role.
In my current role as Project Manager at ABC Company, I led a team that successfully completed a multi-million dollar project two months ahead of schedule, saving the company over $300,000. I utilized my strong communication skills to ensure all team members were aligned and my proficiency in using project management software contributed to our efficiency.
I’m confident that my proven ability to lead a team and my strong detail-oriented approach would be beneficial to XYZ’s upcoming projects. I’m particularly excited about the upcoming Green Initiatives you outlined in your recent blog post and would love the opportunity to contribute to these groundbreaking projects.
Thank you for considering my application. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with XYZ’s goals and values. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to XYZ’s continued success.
Best Regards, [Your Name]
Why it’s good: This cover letter is personalized and it’s clear that the candidate researched the company and the role. It provides specific examples of the candidate’s accomplishments and skills and relates them to how they can benefit the company. The letter also mentions a specific aspect of the company that the candidate admires, showing genuine interest in the role and the company. It ends with a strong closing, expressing enthusiasm and suggesting next steps.