Career 101: How to Write a Cover Letter in 6 Easy Steps

 

Are you searching for a perfect cover letter template in your search engine, but you just ended up having no idea how it's done? You apply for a job that you want, but they require you to send not just your Resume or CV, but also your Cover Letter. Now, you start scrolling on the result of your search  "Cover Letter template", but the suggestions are different from each other. And now you're confused. You might see lots of styles, arrangements, letter constructions on Google, and tips for values to input, but what really is the simple yet effective pattern to make a perfect cover letter? Many people are submitting job applications daily, and taking their chances to join their ideal team. However, most of the time, employers decide on who to hire based from the simple actions and documents you show them, including your Cover Letter. Oftentimes, job applicants think that Cover letter is just a summary of their resume, so why make it? They don't create one until an employer ask for it. You might be thinking, how important is a Cover letter and why should you make an effort for a single document? Do employers really read this paper or do they go straight to your resume?

What is a Cover Letter?

A Cover letter is a written document submitted as one of the requirements in a job application. It showcases your basic information, highlights your strengths and qualifications, and most of all, Cover letter defines your character. A poorly-written cover letter may show your lack of interest to the job. Employers tend to lose their interest when a jobseeker puts little effort in simple documents or tasks required in the recruitment process. On the other hand, if you submit a well-written cover letter, there might be a great chance for you to have your job application to the next step. After all, that's the aim.

So if you want to write a good and nicely-done cover letter, use these following steps as your guide to land your next job.

1. Create a Header

On top of the page, write your name. Below is your current address, including the street and city you are residing. Make sure that these information are legible and prominent because in this way, the hiring manager can clearly see your name and personal details, and easily revert to you in case you are qualified to the job.  Below the header, place the current date together with the employer’s information. You can follow this specific format as your guide [Current Date], [Name of the Employer], [Their Title], [Address of the Business]. However, if there is no given personal information of the employer on the job advertisement, you can always surf the internet and do research about it.

Here's an example:

James B. Smith

123 First Street

Springfield, Missouri

 

January 4. 2020

 

Anna A. Sullivan

15 Coal Blvd. Floor 2

Westerville, Ohio

 

 

2. Personalized Greeting

Note: "If you have written their name on the header of your cover letter already, avoid using "To Whom It May Concern", because there might be a great chance you're going to be rejected."

Employers may see this as lack of effort and attention to detail. Instead, address them personally by their name. In this way, employers will feel that the greeting is personal, and will not think that you just downloaded a template on the internet and submitted the same document to hundreds of employers out there, including them.

Here are some examples of Greetings you can put to your Cover Letter:

 

Dear Ms. Sullivan,

Dear Anna Sullivan,

Dear Ms. Anna,

 

3. Reason for Writing

Your first paragraph should grab the attention of your employer. Make sure this isn't another *Control C + Control V* from Google because, chances are, they have already seen that before. Think and contemplate about your skills and strengths and how the company would benefit to that. Write down the medium or website reference where you see the job advertisement in a lively tone, and with excitement to be part of their team. Point your strengths, qualifications and related experiences. Express in your cover letter on how you could help them based on the combined experiences and qualities you have as an applicant.

4. Explain Why You Are The Best For The Position

In the 2nd Paragraph, provide specific accomplishments you have done before, point out activities related to the job you're applying. Define figures and show results of your works. It is much better of you can elaborate to address specific needs of the company based on their job ad, by using your past accomplishments. Focus more on how you could help to address their needs than listing the experiences you have had. Different businesses have different pains.

5. Closing Comments

Be open for communication; show your interest of knowing more on what they expect and plan to have for their business through the job or service you are to offer. On the last paragraph of your Cover letter, instead of saying the usual "Thank you. I hope you consider my application because I want to be in your team", rather say "I would be delighted to discuss more about your business and plans for this role, and further confer about my abilities to address the work successfully". You can also state the attachment of your CV in this part and point your contact information, such as phone number and e-mail address, for further announcement and updates in regard to the status of your job application.

6. Sign off

This serves as your signature. You can write “Thank you”, “Best Regards”, “Sincerely”, and below that, write your name in printed together with your handwritten signature on top of it.

Do you still think that this is nothing but a summary of your Resume? Your Cover letter mostly answers usual questions in an initial interview like "Tell me something about yourself", "What are your strengths and how do you think it will benefit our company?" and "What are your biggest accomplishments in work?” A Cover letter is like an initial interview, in paper. This defines your strengths, your character and your edge among other applicants; express yourself with pride and professionalism.

PS. Remember to keep your Cover letter in just a single paper; and do put in mind this saying whenever you are to write your Cover letter: "First impression lasts".