Remember when, on the first day of school, the teacher asked you to stand up and introduce yourself? Writing a cover letter brings the exact same feeling back; however, the only difference is that this time, if you fail to convince the readers, they will not be calling you for an interview. Instead, your statement will fly directly to the bin (recycle bin).
So, before you get officially rejected and lose the chance of being considered for your dream role, you should start learning how to write a cover letter. It is pretty simple, but there are a few considerations before you move on.
5 Steps of Writing a Cover Letter That Grabs Attention
Your first step should be to comprehensively go through the job description and see whether the listed qualities and experiences align with yours. The next thing you need to consider is to learn more about the company and its culture. This is important to make sure you are on the same page with their mission, vision and work environment.
Once you are comfortable with the insights, move on to the compensation and benefits section. Read it and analyze it very carefully before you start CV and cover letter writing. Is the compensation justified by the amount of work they are expecting in return? If yes, then you can proceed to the 6 steps of writing a flawless cover letter. But if not, then you need to search for a better opportunity.
Step #1: Do Your Research
Before you start writing anything, you should know who the CEO is. When did the company come into existence? What is the vision? Who are its competitors? And so on.
Step #2: Plan Before Writing
Once you have all the answers and the job description right in front of you, the planning phase can begin. There have to be just three paragraphs, so you need to think twice about what to include where, in a sequence that keeps the reader hooked.
Step #3: Introduce Yourself
The first rule of how to write a cover letter is that after the opening sentence, you must introduce yourself to the employer. The introduction has to be very interesting so that he puts your document aside for later and does not throw it away.
Step #4: Highlight Your Unique Selling Points
Step four, according to CV Auckland services, is the perfect display of your skills, experiences and expertise. Not more, not less, just the exact amount and relevant ones required should be included.
Step #5: End with a Call to Action
Last but not least, you need to mention why you should be hired or why you are enthusiastic about getting hired. Then, end the document with your contact details, and that is it.
Here Are Some Powerful Opening Sentences for You
Your opening should be very direct towards the hiring manager. For example if you know their name, you can write Mr. Alex or Ms. Leila. If not, then start with the regular salutations: Dear Hiring Manager.
Then, as you proceed, bear in mind that you have a very limited number of words, and everything has to be to the point. So, skip the generic statement and write something that gives the reader a reflection of your unique personality. Also, remember that the first few sentences are very important to keep the reader hooked. Here is what you can begin with:
- ‘I am immensely excited to express my interest in the position of senior marketing manager at your company.’
- ‘Having worked for (old company name) Limited for almost 6 years, now I am looking to switch…’
- ‘I was referred to this opportunity by (name of the mutual contact). He spoke very highly of your organization, which attracted me to the vacant position of…’
- ‘Being a long-time admirer of your company in the industry, I finally found the much-awaited opportunity to contribute to the continued success as a financial advisor.
The Summary of Writing an Impactful Cover Letter
No one ever wishes for a life where they are just appearing for interviews every other day, only to get no response in the end, but it is a bitter reality of the world. If you want to get hired in this cut-throat market competition, then you have to stand out as much as possible.
Therefore, writing a flawless accompanied with a CV is the only way an employer will notice you and consider you for the role. If you’re an experienced professional, be sure to also check out our CV tips for experienced candidates to strengthen your entire application. Just follow the systematic guide about how to write a cover letter above and make sure to implement it.
The Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I end a cover letter?
You must summarize your key points in fewer than 50 words and emphasize all the important information once again. Then, with confidence, include a call to action section and request for an interview.
Q2. What makes a cover letter stand out from the crowd?
Your letter will shine the brightest if it is personalized. Hence, it is important to include only the information that is relevant and fact-based. In addition, you should also align all the skills and experiences with the job description.
Q3. What is the most professional font for the document?
Times New Roman and Arial are some of the most professional document font styles. We say this because they are both easy to read and associated with traditional and formal documents. For more guidance, check out this Jobscan article on the best fonts for resumes.
Q4. Is it necessary to include this with your resume?
Yes, you cannot lose the chance of setting a lasting impression on the potential employer. It is highly recommended and should effectively highlight your enthusiasm for the job position.