A great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and having your application ignored.
A poorly written or generic letter won’t do you much good, but a well-crafted one has the potential to land you an interview or even a job.
Please, note that a cover letter is not a resume. A cover letter is meant to supplement your resume by providing additional information on your skills and experience, as well as your motivation for applying for the job.
What are the 10 Tips to Writing a Cover Letter?
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s always room to improve your cover letter. These ten simple suggestions will help make sure that it stands out and gets the attention of hiring managers so they can see what makes YOU special! If, after reading this article, nothing seems easy to doable, then don’t worry—you have options other than just doing something “because everyone else does.”
There’s nothing wrong with seeking help with writing a cover letter. Sometimes it can be helpful to have someone look at what you’ve written and offer suggestions. There are also many professional resume writers and services that can help. Here are the ten tips for writing a winning cover letter.
1. Use a professional-sounding email address
You do not want your potential employer to think you are unprofessional before they even read your cover letter. Use an email address that sounds professional and is easy to remember. Avoid using cutesy nicknames or anything that could be perceived as unprofessional.
2. Do your research
Before you begin writing your cover letter, make sure you have done your research on the company. Find out their mission statement and values, and try to align your own experiences with these. This will show that you are truly interested in the company and not just any old job.
3. Keep it short
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. The reader does not want to be bogged down with too much information. Be clear and concise in your writing, and get to the point quickly.
4. Tailor it to the job
Each cover letter you write should be tailored specifically to the job you are applying for. This means specifying why you are a good fit for that particular job and not just any job. Mentioning specific details about the company and the job will show that you have done your research and that you are truly interested in the position.
5. Highlight your achievements
Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and skills relevant to the job you are applying for. Do not simply restate what is already on your resume. Instead, focus on highlighting your most impressive achievements and explain how they will help you excel in the job you are applying for.
6. Use strong verbs
When writing your cover letter, use powerful and persuasive language. Avoid using passive language, such as “I was responsible for….” Instead, use active language such as “I led…” or “I managed….” This will make your letter sound more confident and assertive.
7. Be honest
Do not try to exaggerate your skills or experience in your cover letter. The employer will likely do their own research, and if they find out you were not truthful, it will reflect poorly on you. Just be honest about your qualifications and let your experience speak for itself.
8. Proofread
Before you send off your cover letter, make sure you proofread it for any grammar or spelling errors. Nothing will make you look more unprofessional than a cover letter with mistakes. If possible, have someone else read over your letter as well to catch any errors you may have missed.
9. Keep it positive
Your cover letter should be positive and upbeat, even if you are writing about a difficult situation such as a career change. Focus on the positive aspects of your experience and how they will help you excel in the new job.
10. End on a strong note
End your cover letter on a strong note by expressing your interest in the job and telling the employer how they can reach you. Thank them for their time and consider including a call-to-action, such as inviting them to contact you to discuss the position further.
FAQs on How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
1. Do I need to write a different cover letter for each job I apply for?
Yes, you should tailor each cover letter to fit the specific job you are applying for. This is important because it shows that you are truly interested in the position and have researched the company.
2. What should I not include in my cover letter?
You should avoid including anything that could be perceived as unprofessional, such as cutesy nicknames or jokes. You also want to avoid repeating what is already on your resume.
3. Can I use bullet points in my cover letter?
Yes, you can use bullet points to highlight your key qualifications and achievements. However, ensure the rest of your letter is well-written and free of grammar or spelling errors.
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