Before drafting a cover letter, you should know why you’re writing one. A cover letter is complementary to your resume, not a replacement, and it must not repeat the same information already mentioned in the resume. The key to writing an effective cover letter is to demonstrate how your professional experience fits the opportunity’s needs. This blog explains how to write a cover letter to impress potential recruiters.
The primary purpose is to introduce yourself and summarise your professional background. A well-written cover letter would spark the recruiter’s interest and persuade them to review your resume. On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter could lead your resume to the trash.
5 Steps For Writing a Cover Letter
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Add a Professional Header
Start your cover letter with a professionally compelling header with your name, address, contact information like a cell number and professional email address, and links to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio (if any).
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Greet the Recruiter Formally
Usually, generic terms like “Dear Recruiter” are used to greet the hiring manager. However, you can use the recruiter’s name if you’re sure, as it gives a good impression of the candidate while establishing a personal connection. Moreover, we recommend using gender-neutral initials to avoid any mistakes at the very beginning.
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Include a Compelling Introduction
The opening sentences of a cover letter are pivotal in grabbing the attention of your prospective employer. Here, you can make a lasting first impression and take advantage of the opportunity to stand out. It is a significant space for your reader to decide whether to read the complete document, including the resume or skip the application.
Learn more: Top 7 Resume Mistakes To Avoid
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Write an Impressive Body
When writing a cover letter, ensure that the body includes why you’re interested in the position and explains your top skills and experience to describe how you would be the best fit for the opportunity. Showcasing your qualifications and quantitative accomplishments and how these apply to meeting the role’s requirements is the ultimate goal of the body part. However, fresh graduates can connect the opportunity with their final year projects or internships by highlighting the relevant skills the role requires.
This space should also mention reasons for short-lived jobs or career gaps while streamlining your career path toward the opportunity you’re applying for. Emphasize your transferable skills, demonstrating to the recruiter that you can accomplish the tasks with little or no guidance. Overall, a cover letter should target the future and what you want to achieve in your career. Think of it as a pathway between the past and the future, explaining your next career move with adequate reasoning.
Finally, the key to writing the ending of a body part is persuading your potential employer why you want this specific job, not just any job. Your motivation and passion to join a company help prove that you’ll hit the ground running when hired.
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Sign off With a Closing Paragraph
For a closing paragraph, show the recruiter you’re excited about working with them. Ensure a soft reminder that you’re confident of possessing all the expertise required to get the position. Show your enthusiasm to play your part in taking the company forward in achieving its goals. Conclude your cover letter with a professional and courteous call to action. Sign off formally! Don’t forget to proofread your cover letter before sending it out.
Read more: 5 Tips For Writing A Job-Winning Resume
Checklist for Writing a Cover Letter That Stands Out
- Tailor your cover letter for a specific job
- Ensure the accuracy of contact details
- Watch your tone to avoid sounding desperate
- Keep it short (single-page)
- Watch out for grammatical or spelling mistakes
- Use professional formatting, including the file format
A Final Word!
Your cover letter aims to answer the traditional question of recruiters, “Why should we hire you?”
Writing a cover letter is worth it, as it allows you to demonstrate what makes you, you! Moreover, a job-winning cover letter focuses on the potential employers’ needs to fill the position with the perfect fitting employee – that’s you.
Finally, register at Jobs N Recruitment to seek job opportunities worldwide that match your skills and land your dream job easily.
