Keeping it simple is the key to writing a great cover letter. It should be short and sweet but also compelling. Additionally, you can hire a cover letter writing service to impress the hiring manager, so they want to meet you in person for an interview. Follow these steps for a cover letter that gets results:
Step 1. Open with a Personal Greeting.
The first step to writing a perfect cover letter template is to give it a title. You can use the job description as your guide. But keep in mind that you’re not writing a summary or objective statement. Instead, you’re giving your prospective employer an idea of what kind of person they’ll be working with if they hire you.
It is using this information as inspiration. Write down several different titles for your cover letter: professional, friendly, personal and formal all come to mind. Take each one and write out three versions of each. One that’s formal; another that’s friendly; and finally, one that’s casual. That’s right—you’ll have nine different letters to choose from! Then pick the one that best serves you and the Job at hand. (feel free to add some more information where necessary).
Step 2. Introduce yourself by name
- In the second sentence of your cover letter, introduce yourself by name. This is important because it lets the hiring manager know who they’re reading. It can help them remember you when they read your resume.
- Use a professional email address that isn’t tied to your account (like Gmail). Use an address like [firstname]@[companyname].com. Or [firstname]@[college or university].edu. When in doubt, opt for something like [email protected].
- If you still need an email address, create one! There is no excuse not to have one these days. It only takes seconds through Gmail or Outlook 365.
Step 3. Inform About your Intentions In the First Paragraph
In the first paragraph, tell the hiring manager you’re interested in the Job and want to be considered for an interview. To avoid being considered for an interview, save time by writing a cover letter.
Some people think that including this information makes them seem pushy or desperate. But it doesn’t—especially if you do it right! You can make clear that you are interested in the Job while still being polite and respectful of your hiring manager’s time by saying something like:
- I am very interested in this position because [insert reason why]. I would appreciate an opportunity to interview with your company at your earliest convenience.*
Step 4. In the Second Paragraph, tell the Hiring Manager why you’re the Perfect Candidate for the Job
Your second paragraph should be dedicated to giving the hiring manager a solid reason why you’re the best choice for the Job.
To do this, you want to explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements listed in the job description. If you’re applying for an engineering role, focus on how your previous work as an engineer has helped shape your current professional interests or goals. If you’re applying for a customer service role at a retail store, focus on how much time and energy you’ve spent helping customers find exactly what they were looking for. Then see if there’s another area where these same skills would be applicable.
It’s also essential that this section show that there is some fit between yourself and this particular company. This means they can be similar in size and industry. It means there needs to be some indication that your personality could mesh well with theirs. (e.g., if they have strong values around diversity).
You can do this by mentioning their mission statement and providing examples of other organizations whose values align with yours (or vice versa). It may also help if there is room for growth within the organization. Growing into different roles will allow both parties involved more opportunities down the line!
Your final sentence should give an example of writing experience in either school or work. This helps to show where your traits were demonstrated enough that someone else noticed them, too, even if it was only briefly! Be sure to include any achievements here and also quantify them. For example, “Increased profits by $10 million yearly since 2016.”
Step 5. Conclude with a Professional Closing
For a formal cover letter, you can use this last paragraph to thank the hiring manager for their time and attention. If your letter is informal, include an additional sentence expressing excitement about the position or company. For example: “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
At this point in your cover letter, you must provide contact information. It helps the hiring manager to reach out if they have any questions about your qualifications or background. Or if they want to schedule an interview with you!
A Cover Letter is an Important Part of Applying for Jobs
A cover letter is a written introduction to your resume. It should be personalized for each job application, so use the same one sparingly. A good cover letter should be brief, unambiguous and concise. Make sure you address it to the right person at the company, using their name if possible. (it’s often on their bio or LinkedIn profile). If not, look at their website or call/email them directly before sending it in as a follow-up question about their open position.
Conclusion
This quick guide has helped you understand how to write a cover letter. It’s important because it gives the hiring manager a sense of who you are. And also why they should consider you for an interview. Remember that your cover letter should be brief but personal. Try to work on some details about your experience or qualifications. And remember that good grammar is essential!