Cover letters are your chance to make a great first impression. It’s the first thing a prospective employer will see, which means it needs to stand out among all the other applications.
Here’s how to write a cover letter that’s sure to get you noticed.
Getting Started
Your cover letter will start with a salutation such as “Dear John.” However, you’ll want to make the salutation formal by adding Mr., Mrs., or Ms.
If you don’t know the human resources manager’s name, you can use something like “Dear Human Resources Department,” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
If you have no other option, you can use “To Whom it May Concern,” but finding out the person’s name shows initiative and resourcefulness.
It also shows that you’ve done your research, and the job is important to you.
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE WORLD’S FIRST RESUME WAS WRITTEN BY LEONARDO DA VINCI, WHO WAS SAID TO HAVE CREATED IN 1482 AS A MEANS OF GAINING EMPLOYMENT IN THE CITY OF MILAN.
The First Paragraph
This is the most important part of your cover letter, although it’s also the shortest part.
It tells the reader what job you are applying for and grabs their attention.
You can also add how you found the job. Be specific and to the point.
You’ll get into why you’re right for the job in the body of the letter. Keep the first paragraph about one to two sentences long.
How to Write a Cover Letter Body
The second paragraph is where you dazzle your prospective employer.
Explain to them why you are interested in the position and why the company excites you. Use the job posting as a guide. Note any industry specific terms used and incorporate them into your cover letter.
Don’t ever neglect to research the company thoroughly. Check out their social media presence, read their blog and about page and do a Google search for the company.
Learning as much as you can about where you want to work will help you write a detailed cover letter that is specific to the company to which you are applying. This shows off your research skills as well as initiative.
Sell yourself
The third paragraph should discuss your personal strengths and how they will benefit the company.
Also, include examples of your strengths in action at previous jobs. You want to show the reader why you’re perfect for the job, not just tell them.
This should be the main highlights of your experience in the field, not your entire resume.
Include how many years you’ve been in the field or job, and how your skills will benefit the company. Remember, the cover letter isn’t about you, it’s about the company.
The Closing
Your closing paragraph should tell the employer when you will contact them and how they can get in contact with you.
It should be brief and to the point.
For example: “I will contact you by 4 pm Friday. I look forward to meeting you…” is to the point and lets the employer know you want an interview without being forward.
Knowing how to write a cover letter can help you land that perfect job. But take your time writing the letter, and don’t forget to proofread it!
