What Should You Write In A Cover Letter? Crafting the Perfect First Impression
Landing your dream job starts long before the interview. It begins with the initial application, and a crucial component of that is the cover letter. Often overlooked, a well-crafted cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight your skills, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. But, what exactly should you write in a cover letter to make it stand out from the crowd? Let’s dive in.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter: Beyond the Resume
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s important to understand the “why” behind a cover letter. Think of your resume as a list of facts – your experience, education, and skills. The cover letter is where you tell the story behind those facts. It’s your chance to connect with the hiring manager on a personal level, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position and the company. It’s not just a formality; it’s a strategic tool.
Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter: The Essential Sections
A strong cover letter typically includes several key sections, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s break down the essential elements.
The Header: Your Contact Information and the Recipient’s Details
This section, while seemingly straightforward, is vital. It includes your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Below that, include the date and, ideally, the hiring manager’s name and title. If you can’t find a specific name, use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” Researching the hiring manager is a small detail that can make a big difference in the impression you make.
The Opening Paragraph: Grab Their Attention Immediately
This is your first and arguably most important chance to make an impact. Forget generic greetings. Instead, start with a strong statement that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be:
- Expressing your enthusiasm for the specific role and company.
- Mentioning a mutual connection (if applicable).
- Highlighting a key achievement that directly relates to the job requirements.
Avoid simply restating the job title; instead, show you understand the company’s needs and how you can help.
Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Skills and Experience
This is where you elaborate on your skills and experience, connecting them directly to the job requirements. Don’t just list your accomplishments; demonstrate them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate how you tackled challenges and achieved positive outcomes. Tailor these paragraphs to the specific job description, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant. Quantify your achievements whenever possible – using numbers provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.
The Closing Paragraph: Reinforce Your Value and Call to Action
This is your opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and make a clear call to action. Briefly summarize why you’re the ideal candidate and express your eagerness for an interview. End with a confident and professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
Key Elements to Include in Each Section
Let’s look at the specific content you should integrate into each section to make your cover letter truly shine.
Demonstrating Your Understanding of the Role
Thoroughly research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Show that you understand the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. This demonstrates your genuine interest and that you’ve put in the effort.
Highlighting Relevant Skills and Accomplishments
Focus on the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the job posting, but don’t just parrot them back. Show, don’t tell. Provide specific examples of how you’ve used those skills to achieve tangible results.
Tailoring Your Letter to the Specific Company
Generic cover letters rarely impress. Customize your letter for each application. This means researching the company, understanding its culture, and adapting your language and tone to fit. This shows that you’re not just sending out a generic application; you’re genuinely interested in this specific opportunity.
Showcasing Your Personality and Enthusiasm
Let your personality shine through! While maintaining professionalism, infuse your letter with your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Let your passion for the work come through. This makes you more memorable and shows that you’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for a career.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter
While knowing what to include is important, it’s equally crucial to know what to avoid.
Avoid Generic Greetings and Closings
As mentioned earlier, skip the generic greetings. “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” are impersonal and make your letter feel less engaging. Similarly, avoid overly casual closings like “Cheers” or “Best.” Aim for a professional and personalized approach.
Don’t Simply Repeat Your Resume
The cover letter isn’t a rehash of your resume. It’s a chance to provide context, explain your accomplishments, and highlight the skills that make you unique. Think of it as the narrative that brings your resume to life.
Proofread Meticulously
Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies can instantly damage your credibility. Proofread your cover letter multiple times before submitting it. Use a grammar checker and consider having a friend or colleague review it as well.
Don’t Be Negative or Complaining
Avoid criticizing previous employers or dwelling on negative experiences. Focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the table. Maintain a positive and professional tone throughout your letter.
Optimizing Your Cover Letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. Here’s how to optimize your cover letter for these systems:
Use Keywords from the Job Description
Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and keywords. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your cover letter. Don’t stuff keywords; instead, weave them into your sentences seamlessly.
Use a Clear and Readable Format
Avoid complex formatting, unusual fonts, or excessive graphics. Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial and maintain a clean, easy-to-read layout.
Save Your Cover Letter in the Correct Format
Save your cover letter as a PDF file, as this ensures that the formatting remains consistent regardless of the recipient’s software.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some frequently asked questions that go beyond the structure of the cover letter itself.
What’s the ideal length for a cover letter?
Keep your cover letter concise and focused. Aim for one page, typically around 300-400 words. Focus on quality over quantity.
Should I include a salary expectation in my cover letter?
Unless the job posting specifically requests it, it’s generally best to avoid mentioning salary expectations in your cover letter. You can discuss salary during the interview process.
Is it okay to use a template for my cover letter?
While templates can be a helpful starting point, avoid using them verbatim. Customize the template to reflect your unique skills and experiences, and tailor it to each specific job application.
What if I have a gap in my employment history?
Address any employment gaps briefly and honestly. Explain the reason for the gap (e.g., further education, travel, personal reasons) and emphasize what you did during that time to develop your skills or gain new experiences.
How important is it to follow up after submitting my application?
Following up is a good practice, but don’t be overly persistent. Send a polite follow-up email a week or two after submitting your application, expressing your continued interest in the position.
Conclusion: Crafting a Cover Letter That Works
Writing a compelling cover letter is a critical step in the job application process. By understanding the purpose of a cover letter, crafting a strong structure, incorporating key elements, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a document that showcases your skills, highlights your personality, and significantly increases your chances of landing an interview. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company, and always proofread carefully. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a cover letter that gets you noticed and helps you secure your dream job.