A cover letter is an important part of your job search. It has the power to make or break your chances of getting an interview.
Therefore, it should be well-written and edited before you send it in for consideration. Here are ten tips that will help you write a great cover letter:
1) Use simple language.
Your cover letter should not read like a novel! Keep the writing concise and clear so that the hiring manager can easily understand what skills you have to offer their company.
2) Don’t use flowery language.
This goes back to Tip 1; keep your words straightforward so they can be understood by all readers without having to do much thinking about them.
3) Sell yourself.
A good way to sell yourself in your cover letter is to be confident in who you are and what you have to offer. Talk about how your skills, knowledge, talents, etc. can help the company solve any problems it may be having at the moment.
4) Mention what you’ve learned.
If there has been an article or story that recently circulated in popular media related to the job, talk about it in your cover letter. This shows that you have been keeping up with current events and will give them an idea of exactly what you plan to bring to the table.
5) Keep examples short.
If there is a story or example from a previous experience that can be used as a good cover letter example, keep it short and to the point. Don’t make it too long or you’ll lose their attention.
6) Use examples from current events.
If there are no good stories related to a specific company, use current events as a way to show that you have been following certain companies closely enough to know what they do and how your skills can be useful to them.
7) Be honest.
This is the most important part of writing a cover letter. If you are not qualified for a job, don’t bother applying for it anyway because your cover letter will be what gets you noticed by the company and called in for an interview.
8) Use simple verbs.
Keep all verbs clear so that the reader can understand what you are trying to say without too much effort.
9) Keep it short and sweet.
If there is no way to summarize your background in a few sentences, chances are you’re not qualified enough for the job. Your cover letter should be one page (max) with ample margins and simple font; this will make them easier to read.
10) Proofread beforehand.
This covers everything mentioned here, but it is important enough to mention again. A careless mistake in your cover letter could keep you from getting an interview so carefully proofread the whole thing before sending it to anyone.
11) Use a cover letter template.
Using a cover letter template will not just make your application letter stylish, but also professional. Online graphic editing platforms like Venngage provides free cover letter templates to help job seekers get their dream job in just a few clicks. To give you an idea, here are some cover letter examples you can use.
Benefits of a good cover letter
There are several benefits that come along with writing a good cover letter.
1) Cover letters show you have good communication skills and can write concisely, which is important for all jobs.
2) Your cover letter will be the first thing the hiring manager reads about you so it’s important to make a great impression with it.
3) The best cover letters give you the opportunity to tell the hiring manager why their company is great and why you want to work for it.
4) A good cover letter should be able to summarize everything you can bring to the table; writing one will allow you to highlight your best qualities.
5) An effective cover letter shows that you have initiative and puts you ahead of other applicants whose resumes only show the bare minimum.
6) A good cover letter shows the hiring manager that you have researched their company and will therefore be a better fit for it than someone who didn’t bother to do any background research.
7) Cover letters allow you to show your personality and let the hiring manager know who you are as a person; this will make it easier for them to make the decision whether you can fit in with their company culture.
8) A well-written cover letter is something the hiring manager can show to colleagues and superiors so it needs to be concise, professional, and effective.
9) Cover letters allow you to put your best foot forward and show the hiring manager why you are a better fit for their company than any of the other applicants.
A good cover letter will make a great first impression, summarize your best qualities and give you the chance to highlight why their company is perfect for you. Remember that this is not an opportunity to talk about yourself but rather what you can bring to the table. Keep it short and sweet with simple verbs so they know exactly who you are as a person without having to do any more research on you. If you want a professional-looking cover letter without having to put too much effort, check out Venngage and create the cover letter that will get land you your dream job!
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