Cover letters: They strike fear in the hearts of millions. Many wonder how important they are and what employers want them to include, or even if anyone reads them.
A cover letter introduces you in a more personal way and compliments the information on your resume, highlighting skills, achievements, and successes. It displays your writing skills, sets you apart from other applicants and shows that you went the extra mile. It is your opportunity to sell and brand yourself.
A cover letter should address common questions a recruiter might ask, such as why you want to work for the company, what makes you the right fit and how you’re unique. It should describe why they should hire you by answering two key questions:
- Why are you the right fit for the role?
- How will you add value to the organization?
Following are steps for writing cover letters to help you nail the answers for these two questions. The format of a cover letter is also important and will be covered as well.
Step 1: Thoroughly review the role description.
Knowing how well you fit the role you are applying for requires a thorough analysis of the job responsibilities and qualifications compared to your own experience and skills. If you find very obvious gaps that could disqualify you, this should be addressed in your cover letter. Conversely, it is critical to highlight the areas where you bring an exact match to the employer’s needs.
Step 2: Research the company.
The only way to convince hiring officials that you will add value to the organization is to demonstrate that you know what the company values and link yourself so that you appropriately match. It’s wise to learn about the company’s values, culture, goals and history. Explore their website and any social media accounts they might have. Use the company’s language to describe your own achievements and competencies.
Step 3. Address the letter to a specific person.
Avoid using “To whom it may concern” as your greeting. Always try to address your letter to a specific person, such as a recruiter or hiring manager. Include their name, title, company and address at the very top below the date. If you don’t know who to address, LinkedIn is a great place to start researching.
Step 4. Opening paragraph.
Your opening line doesn’t need to be anything extravagant. In fact, it should be the complete opposite, according Harvard’s career experts. Keep it simple and straightforward: State why you’re writing, the position you’re applying for and, if applicable, how you found the job listing. Brand yourself immediately by communicating what makes you unique. Grab the hiring official’s attention. Name the key skills or expertise that qualify you for this role. Explain what is motivating you to change careers or jobs.
Step 5. Body paragraph.
Here you will provide supporting examples to demonstrate that you have the key skills and expertise needed in the role. Tell a story that highlights a career achievement and include quantifiable results. Be specific and concise. Don’t rehash your entire resume. Explain why you are interested in this employer and type of work.
Depending on the role or company you are applying for, you may want to consider a unique format in this section. Perhaps a more informal tone may be appropriate, or a headline that states “3 Reasons I’m an Excellent Choice for Regional Sales Manager.” Use your voice to differentiate yourself.
Step 6. Closing paragraph.
Your closing statement is your last chance to make it clear that you’re excited about the possibility of working for that employer and putting your knowledge and expertise to good use. Reiterate your interest in the position and your enthusiasm for using your skills to contribute to the goals of the organization. Thank the reader for their consideration and state that you look forward to hearing back from them as a call to action. Sign off with your full name and proofread your letter. Be sure it is no more than one page.
Following these steps can help you create a solid, well-written cover letter. If you want to refine your letter further, there are a few additional things you can consider. Go back through your letter objectively and ask if it seems unique and genuine. Did you fill it with overused business buzzwords such as “team player” or use generic language anywhere? If so, rewrite to make sure your voice sounds unique. This is especially wise when applying for a creative position or with a new startup company. If you have trouble reading your letter objectively, ask a friend for help to make sure you are on the right track.
