WRITE A STRONG COVER LETTER
A strong cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable impression on potential employers. By following these steps, you can create a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your enthusiasm, increasing your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, the job.
- Start with a professional header
Your cover letter should begin with a professional header, including your name, contact information (phone number and email address), and the date. If you are sending a physical letter, also include the employer’s name, their title, company name, and company address.
Example:
John Doe
123 Main Street
City, State, ZIP
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: john.doe@example.com
Date: August 27, 2024
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
- Open with a strong greeting
Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If the job listing doesn’t provide a specific name, try to do some research on LinkedIn or the company’s website. If a name isn’t available, use a general greeting such as « Dear Hiring Manager. »
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
- Write a compelling opening paragraph
Your opening paragraph should immediately grab the reader’s attention and convey your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Mention the specific role you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. Highlight a personal connection or a specific reason why you are excited about the company.
Example:
« I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at ABC Company, as advertised on your website. With a passion for innovative marketing strategies and a strong track record of driving brand growth, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your dynamic team. »
- Showcase your relevant skills and experiences
In the body of your cover letter, focus on two to three key skills or experiences that are most relevant to the job. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background, achievements, and skills align with the company’s needs and the job requirements. Be concise, yet detailed enough to provide context and demonstrate your value.
Example:
« As a digital marketing specialist with over five years of experience, I have successfully developed and implemented data-driven marketing campaigns that have resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% boost in lead generation. My ability to analyze market trends and optimize content strategy has been instrumental in enhancing brand visibility and driving customer engagement. »
- Highlight your knowledge of the company
Show that you have done your homework by mentioning something specific about the company, such as its mission, values, recent achievements, or culture. Explain why you are a good fit for the organization and how your goals align with their objectives.
Example:
« I am particularly impressed with ABC Company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as demonstrated by your recent launch of eco-friendly products. I am eager to contribute to a forward-thinking company that values creativity and sustainability as much as I do. »
- Conclude with a strong closing statement
Your closing paragraph should reiterate your interest in the role and the company. Thank the employer for considering your application, and include a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications in more detail during an interview.
Example:
« Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to ABC Company’s continued success. »
- Use a professional closing
End your cover letter with a professional closing phrase such as « Sincerely, » « Best regards, » or « Yours faithfully, » followed by your full name. If you are submitting a printed copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name.
Example:
Sincerely,
John Doe
- Keep it concise and focused
Aim to keep your cover letter to one page, with clear, concise paragraphs. Avoid repeating your resume verbatim; instead, use the cover letter to provide additional insights into your personality, motivations, and why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
- Proofread and edit thoroughly
Ensure your cover letter is free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. A well-polished cover letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it before submission.
- Customize for each application
While it may be tempting to use a generic cover letter for multiple applications, customizing your cover letter for each job application can significantly increase your chances of standing out. Tailor the content to highlight how your unique skills and experiences make you the best fit for the specific role and company.
A strong cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable impression on potential employers. By following these steps, you can create a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your enthusiasm, increasing your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, the job.
- Start with a professional header
Your cover letter should begin with a professional header, including your name, contact information (phone number and email address), and the date. If you are sending a physical letter, also include the employer’s name, their title, company name, and company address.
Example:
John Doe
123 Main Street
City, State, ZIP
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: john.doe@example.com
Date: August 27, 2024
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
- Open with a strong greeting
Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If the job listing doesn’t provide a specific name, try to do some research on LinkedIn or the company’s website. If a name isn’t available, use a general greeting such as « Dear Hiring Manager. »
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
- Write a compelling opening paragraph
Your opening paragraph should immediately grab the reader’s attention and convey your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Mention the specific role you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. Highlight a personal connection or a specific reason why you are excited about the company.
Example:
« I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at ABC Company, as advertised on your website. With a passion for innovative marketing strategies and a strong track record of driving brand growth, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your dynamic team. »
- Showcase your relevant skills and experiences
In the body of your cover letter, focus on two to three key skills or experiences that are most relevant to the job. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background, achievements, and skills align with the company’s needs and the job requirements. Be concise, yet detailed enough to provide context and demonstrate your value.
Example:
« As a digital marketing specialist with over five years of experience, I have successfully developed and implemented data-driven marketing campaigns that have resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% boost in lead generation. My ability to analyze market trends and optimize content strategy has been instrumental in enhancing brand visibility and driving customer engagement. »
- Highlight your knowledge of the company
Show that you have done your homework by mentioning something specific about the company, such as its mission, values, recent achievements, or culture. Explain why you are a good fit for the organization and how your goals align with their objectives.
Example:
« I am particularly impressed with ABC Company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as demonstrated by your recent launch of eco-friendly products. I am eager to contribute to a forward-thinking company that values creativity and sustainability as much as I do. »
- Conclude with a strong closing statement
Your closing paragraph should reiterate your interest in the role and the company. Thank the employer for considering your application, and include a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications in more detail during an interview.
Example:
« Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to ABC Company’s continued success. »
- Use a professional closing
End your cover letter with a professional closing phrase such as « Sincerely, » « Best regards, » or « Yours faithfully, » followed by your full name. If you are submitting a printed copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name.
Example:
Sincerely,
John Doe
- Keep it concise and focused
Aim to keep your cover letter to one page, with clear, concise paragraphs. Avoid repeating your resume verbatim; instead, use the cover letter to provide additional insights into your personality, motivations, and why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
- Proofread and edit thoroughly
Ensure your cover letter is free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. A well-polished cover letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it before submission.
- Customize for each application
While it may be tempting to use a generic cover letter for multiple applications, customizing your cover letter for each job application can significantly increase your chances of standing out. Tailor the content to highlight how your unique skills and experiences make you the best fit for the specific role and company.
