Mastering the Art: How To Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired
Landing your dream job often hinges on a single piece of paper: your cover letter. It’s your first, and sometimes only, chance to make a strong impression on a potential employer. Think of it as your personal sales pitch, carefully crafted to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the role. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you create a cover letter that captivates and compels.
Why Your Cover Letter Matters More Than You Think
In today’s competitive job market, a compelling cover letter is essential. It provides context to your resume, allowing you to expand on your accomplishments and demonstrate how your skills align with the specific requirements of the job. It’s also a crucial opportunity to showcase your personality and writing style, setting you apart from the crowd. Many hiring managers immediately screen out candidates who don’t submit a cover letter, so don’t skip this critical step.
The Resume vs. The Cover Letter: Understanding the Difference
Your resume presents a factual summary of your professional journey. It’s a list of accomplishments, skills, and experiences. The cover letter, on the other hand, is where you tell a story. It’s your chance to explain why you’re the right fit, how your skills translate, and what you’re passionate about. Think of it as the narrative that brings your resume to life.
Crafting a Cover Letter: The Essential Components
A well-structured cover letter typically includes the following elements:
1. The Header: Setting the Stage for Success
Your header should include your contact information (name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL), the date, and the hiring manager’s name and title (if you can find it). Researching the hiring manager beforehand demonstrates your initiative and attention to detail. If you can’t find a specific name, use a general title like “Hiring Manager.”
2. The Salutation: Making a Personal Connection
Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, try to address the hiring manager by name. This shows you’ve taken the time to research the company and the role. If you can’t find a name, consider using “Dear [Department] Hiring Team.”
3. The Opening Paragraph: Grabbing Their Attention
Your opening paragraph is crucial. It needs to grab the reader’s attention immediately. Briefly state the position you’re applying for and where you saw the job posting. Then, make a compelling statement about why you’re interested in the role and the company. Highlight a key accomplishment or skill that directly relates to the job requirements.
4. The Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Value
The body of your cover letter is where you demonstrate your value to the employer. Each paragraph should focus on a specific skill or experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your accomplishments. Explain the situation, the task you were assigned, the action you took, and the positive result you achieved. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” say “Increased customer satisfaction by 15% through implementing a new customer service protocol.”
5. The Closing Paragraph: Reinforcing Your Interest
In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Briefly summarize your key qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Include a call to action, such as “I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your team,” and thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
6. The Closing: Professional and Polished
Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your time,” followed by your full name.
Tailoring Your Cover Letter: The Key to Relevance
Generic cover letters are easily dismissed. The most successful cover letters are tailored to each specific job application.
Researching the Company and the Role: Doing Your Homework
Before you start writing, thoroughly research the company and the specific role. Visit their website, read their mission statement, and check out their social media profiles. Understand their values, their culture, and their current challenges. Then, carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications they’re looking for.
Matching Your Skills to the Job Description: The Alignment Strategy
Carefully align your skills and experience with the requirements listed in the job description. Use the same keywords and phrases that the employer uses in their posting. However, don’t simply copy and paste; explain how your skills and experiences translate to the specific demands of the role.
Highlighting Relevant Accomplishments: The Power of Proof
Provide concrete examples of your accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. Use the STAR method to describe your achievements, and quantify your results whenever possible. This provides tangible evidence of your value.
Avoiding Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Several common mistakes can quickly lead to your cover letter being rejected.
Grammatical Errors and Typos: The Importance of Proofreading
Grammatical errors and typos are unacceptable. They demonstrate a lack of attention to detail and can create a negative impression. Proofread your cover letter carefully, and consider having a friend or colleague review it as well.
Generic Content: The Kiss of Death
Avoid using generic phrases and clichés. Tailor your cover letter to each specific job application, and avoid sending the same letter to multiple employers.
Length and Format: Keeping it Concise and Professional
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Aim for one page, and use a clean, professional font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Use clear formatting to make your letter easy to read.
Failing to Follow Instructions: Attention to Detail Matters
Always carefully read the job posting and follow any specific instructions provided. If the posting asks for a specific file format or requires you to answer a particular question, make sure you comply.
Cover Letter Formatting: Presentation is Key
The appearance of your cover letter is just as important as the content.
Font and Font Size: Choosing the Right Look
Use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Choose a font size between 10 and 12 points.
Margins and Spacing: Ensuring Readability
Use standard margins (1 inch on all sides) and single-space your text. Use a double space between paragraphs to improve readability.
File Format: Submitting the Right Document
Unless otherwise specified in the job posting, save your cover letter as a PDF file. This will ensure that your formatting is preserved when the employer opens it.
The Power of Keywords: Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and cover letters.
Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): What They Are
ATS are software programs that scan resumes and cover letters for keywords and phrases. They help employers quickly filter through a large volume of applications.
Keyword Optimization: Getting Your Application Seen
To optimize your cover letter for ATS, carefully review the job description and identify the keywords and phrases that the employer uses. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your cover letter.
Avoiding Keyword Stuffing: Maintaining Readability
While it’s important to use keywords, avoid keyword stuffing. This is the practice of overusing keywords in an attempt to trick the ATS. Keyword stuffing will make your cover letter difficult to read and may result in your application being rejected.
FAQ: Demystifying the Cover Letter Process
What’s the best way to showcase soft skills in a cover letter?
Focus on providing specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in past roles. Instead of simply stating you’re a “team player,” describe a situation where you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a specific goal. The STAR method works well here.
How should I handle salary expectations in my cover letter?
Unless the job posting specifically requests salary expectations, it’s generally best to avoid mentioning your salary in your cover letter. Focus on your qualifications and your interest in the role. You can discuss salary during the interview process.
Is it okay to use a template for my cover letter?
While templates can be a starting point, it’s crucial to customize them. A generic template will likely be easily recognized and may not impress the hiring manager. Use the template as a guide, but personalize the content to reflect your unique skills and experiences.
What if I have gaps in my employment history? How do I address them?
Be honest and address any gaps in your employment history in a brief and positive manner. You can explain that you were taking care of family, pursuing further education, or traveling. Frame it as a period of personal growth and learning.
How can I effectively follow up after submitting my cover letter?
If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe (typically one to two weeks), you can send a polite follow-up email to the hiring manager. Briefly reiterate your interest in the role and the company. Keep the email concise and avoid being overly persistent.
Conclusion: Your Cover Letter, Your Success
Writing a compelling cover letter is an essential step in the job search process. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can craft a cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the role. Remember to tailor your letter to each specific job, highlight your accomplishments, and proofread carefully. Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and secure that all-important interview. Good luck!