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Employers often need both a résumé and a cover letter when you apply for a job. Your cover letter should be roughly three paragraphs long, emphasising what makes you a good match for the position and inspire the hiring manager to set up an interview.
Before we go into how to style a cover letter, here’s a short rundown of what should be included:
- Begin by writing the date and contact information in your letter’s upper left corner
- The letter should send to the recruiting manager
- Begin your cover letter with a standard greeting like ‘Dear Nina Mittal’
- Introduce yourself and describe how the spot fits with your professional objectives and goals
- Mention any present workers who recommended you for the job
- Connect the needed abilities for the job to your prior successes
- Thank the employer for their concern and time
- Close the letter with a kind but the official signature, such as ‘Sincerely,’ and sign off
Let’s look at a good cover letter construction. We’ve included cover letter examples to help you get started.
How to Write a Cover Letter?
What exactly is a Cover Letter?
Cover letters are one-page documents sent with resumes. A cover letter has three paragraphs. It includes why you want the job offer, a summary of your professional background, and your qualifications. Some companies need a cover letter, while others don’t.
Cover letter elements
- Contact and date information
- Salutation/greeting
- The first paragraph
- Paragraphs in the middle
- The last paragraph
- Close and signature are complimentary.
- Contact and date information
Whether you’re sending a digital or print copy, there are two methods to provide contact information on your cover letter.
If submitting a digital copy online, you may skip the precise location and provide your city and state, phone number, and email address. Include no contact information for the firm or the recruiting manager.
Salutation/greeting
Begin your cover letter for a job with an introduction to the recruiting manager. Find the hiring manager’s name for the position you’re applying for, if possible. Check the corporate website or reread the job description to see whether it’s posted there. It’s also a good idea to phone the organisation and ask for the name of the recruiting manager.
Explain that you are looking for a job and want to address your cover letter to the appropriate individual. It is not required to provide Mr, Mrs, or Ms since gender and marital status may involve some conjecture on your side. Put their first and last name.
The first paragraph
The first paragraph is your opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention, introduce yourself, and excitedly explain why you’re applying for the position. You should tailor this paragraph to each job you apply for.
Include why you’re enthused about the position and the organisation and how the job aligns with your career objectives. Include keywords from the job description and relate your talents to the employer’s criteria to avoid making this paragraph appear formulaic.
If you were suggested to this position by someone who knows the hiring manager or already works at this organisation, you should mention that in your introductory paragraph.
The middle paragraph
After introducing yourself and demonstrating your excitement, it’s time to go into your most relevant experience and discuss the same credentials and talents that make you the ideal candidate.
In one or two paragraphs, you link your prior successes and your preparation for this new job. Consider these lines your opportunity to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job. Employers will have previously reviewed your CV, so avoid repeating the bullet points. Instead, offer details that expand on those highlights.
The last paragraph
The primary purpose of your ending paragraph is to express gratitude to the employer for their time and thoughtfulness. You may also make any further explanations. You may, for example, explain any significant gaps in your career history. You may also use this field to summarise your credentials for the post and demonstrating interest in moving further in the recruiting process.
Close and signature are complimentary
- Choose a polite but official complimentary ending, followed by your first and last name. Closing phrases to consider include Sincerely Regards.
- Best
- Thank You for Your Consideration, Respectfully Thank You
- Avoid closings that are too casual or warm, such as Cheers, Warm Regards, Thanks a Ton, or Yours Truly
- If you send a paper copy of your cover letter, handwrite your signature and complete name
Font
Keep it basic and professional when it comes to the typeface. Select a simple, clear typeface such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, or something similar. Avoid using ornate or fancy typefaces.
Many organisations utilise applicant tracking systems, which are pieces of software that automate sorting job applications based on specified keywords, talents, job titles, or other criteria. Complicated typefaces might make it difficult for the programme to read your letter, thus preventing your application from progressing.
For easier reading, choose font sizes 10 and 12. Anything smaller will make the hiring manager squint; anything more significant will make your letter seem unprofessional. In general, use the same typeface and font size that you used on your resume.
Spacing
Your cover letter must have enough space. Whitespace in the correct areas will help the hiring manager read rapidly. Follow the following guidelines:
Single-space your cover letter
Separate each component with a space: contact information, greeting, introductory paragraph, middle paragraphs, concluding paragraph, and complimenting closing. You do not need to indent any of your paragraphs.
Length
Use just three paragraphs in your cover letter. If necessary, add an extra paragraph in the centre. Before doing so, consider whether you can convey the essential information in fewer words.
Conclusion
Make an excellent first impression by sending your cover letter to the correct individual. A unique greeting sets the tone for the remainder of your cover letter, showcasing your attention to detail and making your highest paying job application stand out. Tips on how to address a cover letter are provided above to assist you in starting a cover letter that will capture the hiring manager’s attention.
