Want to learn how to write a good cover letter? This guide is for you.
As a job seeker, you'll frequently have the need to send cover letters along with your curriculum vitae as a way of introducing yourself to potential employers and explaining your suitability for the desired positions.
You're probably here because you have a job application that requires a cover letter. Right? Well, before you start writing a cover letter, you should understand what a cover letter is and familiarize yourself with the document’s purpose.
This guide will walk you through the basics of cover letter, why you need one and how to write a perfect cover letter.
Let's get started!
Think of your cover letter as a sales pitch that will market your credentials and help you get the interview. As such, you want to make sure your cover letter makes the best impression on the person who is reviewing it.
A neat, concise, well-written covering letter can entice the employer to read your resume with greater interest and will improve your chances of getting an interview.
Application Cover Letter
This is the standard cover letter used alongside a resume during a job application. The application cover letter is geared toward a certain job, and it is tailored to the skills and specifications listed in the job posting.
Don't confuse the application cover letter with a proper application letter. This type of cover letter and a proper application letter are slightly different because an application letter can stand alone unlike the cover letter that is usually accompanied by the CV. However, it is common place for the cover letter and the application letter to be used interchangeably in our society. So when you are asked to submit an application letter along with your CV as a requirement for a job application, then you can submit the cover letter.
In this article, you'll learn how to write this type of cover letter.
Prospecting Cover Letter
Like the application cover letter, the prospecting cover letter is written by a job seeker to a company of interest. However, this type of cover letter inquires about open job positions in general. It is not a response to a specific job posting.
Networking Cover Letter
This type of cover letter is the most casual and tends to be the shortest. It still comes from the job seeker, but rather than being sent to a company, it is sent out to former colleagues, mentors, friends and other contacts. It informs the recipient of the person’s status as a job seeker and asks them for help in their job search.
The “Non-Cover Letter” Cover Letter
This cover letter is simply an introduction to your resume. It is professional but very short. This type of cover letter is great to use when a formal cover letter is not requested in the job posting.
The “Non-Cover Letter” cover letter does not follow a specific format. It usually includes a greeting, simple body explaining your experience and your interest in the company and a closing with reference to any attachments such as your resume, portfolio, samples or any other requested documents.
If you are emailing your resume, it is always a good idea to write a quick, professional email to go along with it. It should be short--a couple of paragraphs is sufficient--and the tone should remain casual but professional throughout.
Again, don't cut and paste your resume into your cover letter -- rather, try to re-word the information in your resume. Include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the employer’s job requirements. A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume and should never be more than one page (3 to 5 paragraphs are typical).
Since a cover letter is a type of formal letter, while writing one, you must adhere to all the stipulated rules of writing a formal letter. For example, you must ensure you use an accepted formal letter format and layout among other things. The most commonly used letter layout today is the full-block style.
Basically, a cover letter is comprised of several parts:
You can also include the employer's contact information: the name of the hiring manager (if you know it), their job title, company name, and full address. This is most appropriate to include in a hard copy cover letter submitted by hand. If you are sending a cover letter by email or through an employer’s online application system, it is not necessary to include the employer's contact information.
Salutation
Please be aware that the most formal way of ending a salutation is with a colon. So instead of “Dear Mrs. Johnson,” you should write “Dear Mrs. Johnson:” and then continue with the body of the message.
Body of the Letter
Closing
Your Signature
When you are done writing, don’t forget to spell check and proofread your letter before you send it. Ask a second person to review it for you. It’s always good for another pair of eyes to take a look because it’s hard to catch our own mistakes. Grammarly, a free online tool, can help you proofread your work too.
Job Position: Administrative Assistant
Job Description
Qualifications:
Ed Smith,
13 Allen Avenue,
Ikeja, Lagos State.
24th August, 2010.
Mrs Sarah Penelope,
The Hiring Manager,
Company Name,
Address.
Dear Mrs Penelope,
I am writing to express my interest in the opening for an administrative assistant at [Company Name].
I am drawn to this opportunity for several reasons. First, I have a proven track record of success in administrative roles, most recently in my current job as an administrative coordinator. A highlight from my time here was when I proactively stepped in to coordinate a summit for our senior leaders last year. I arranged travel and accommodation for a group of 20 executives from across the company, organized meals and activities, collaborated with our internal events team, and ensured that everything ran according to schedule over the five-day summit. Due to the positive feedback I received afterward, I have been given the responsibility of doubling the number of attendees for the event this year and leading an internal team to get the job done.
I am also attracted to this role because of the growth opportunities that [Company Name] provides. The research that I’ve done on your company culture has shown me that there are ample opportunities for self-motivated individuals like me. A high level of organization and attention to detail are second nature to me, and I’m eager to apply these skills in new and challenging environments.
I am available for interview at any time and should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me on 080xxxxxxx. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[signature]
In conclusion, writing an impressive cover letter for the first time could be really challenging, however, using the tips outlined in this guide will help you write a perfect cover letter that can nail your dream job.
If you'd rather not start from scratch, you can explore over a thousand cover letter templates available for free. Using a cover letter template makes it easy for you to edit and personalize your cover letter.
Good luck in your career!
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