Cover letter – these two words generally strike immense fear in the hearts of many job seekers, especially fresh graduates. Fear not. Writing a cover letter may seem like a rocky mountain to climb, but it is actually much smoother than that. It may seem easy to let your resume stand the test alone. However, a well-written cover letter showcasing your background, skills, and purpose of application can give you an edge over the other candidates. Here are a few steps you can follow to make sure your cover letter is perfect for the opportunity.
Table of Contents
Use a Template
If you are a fresh graduate, you may not be familiar with cover letters and their format. Select a template which, you feel is appropriate for the position and tailor it to suit your needs. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of services on the internet, including Resume Done Right, which provides quality cover letter writing services.
Address the letter to the Hiring Manager
A common mistake which applicants make while writing cover letters is using generic salutations like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam.” Such salutations can reflect poorly on your cover letter and make it seem like you lack interest in the position. Address your cover letter to a specific person. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, address the letter to the head of the department.
Eye-catching Opening Line
Start your cover letter with an eye-catching opening line that conveys your enthusiasm for the role. Open with a line that highlights your desire for the role, your passion towards the field, and your past achievements. It has a positive impact on the hiring manager and is capable of compelling them to read further.
State your purpose clearly
Employers get a number of applications but don’t have enough time to go through all of them. A cover letter gives a summary of the applicant without needing the employer to go through the application. This is the level where most applications get eliminated. So, don’t beat around the bush. Write an accurate and concise cover letter which states your purpose clearly.
Remember, It’s not your Resume
Remember, a cover letter is not your resume. Neither is it a summary of your resume. Instead, a cover letter is an opportunity to genuinely explain your interest in the role and the company. Be formal, but also add a personal touch that will help you stand out to the employer.
When it comes to resume, you can use tools for free resume review online to assess the strength of your resume.
Highlight your Skills
A cover letter is the first formal introduction of you before the interview. The way you write your cover letter will help the employer to perceive your personality and interests even before they have met you. Keep a confident tone throughout the letter and highlight your abilities that relate to the job.
Consistent Formatting
A consistently formatted piece of document is much easier to read and understand. Given the fact that an employer does not have ample time to go through your application, formatting your cover letter neatly can increase the chance of it being noticed.
Hope the above-mentioned steps will help you write a perfect cover letter.
