A cover letter is typically a one-page professional document sent together with a resume. It interprets the data-oriented details on the resume and adds a finer touch to your application for employment.
The letter provides more information about you that makes you qualified for the job you are applying to. Most employers for good qualities in an employee. Such qualities include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the job requirements.
A good cover letter makes you stand out. Employers use cover letters to select the best candidates they will like to interview. Having an outstanding cover letter puts you at a higher chance of being shortlisted for an interview.
Tips on how to write a good cover letter
Here’s an outline of the items to be included in a cover letter to make it more effective.
1.Header
A cover letter should begin with both yours and the employer’s contact information, for example, your name, address, phone number and email. followed by the date for a hard copy letter.
For email cover letters, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.
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2.Salutation
Every cover letter should begin with a salutation.
Begin your letter with “Dr./Mr./Ms then their Last Name.” If you are unsure if your contact is male or female, you can write out their full name.
For instances where you have no information about the company or the job poster. Simply start your application with “Dear Hiring Manager, HR.
3. Introduction
This the major part of the letter. If your introduction is weak and not self-explanatory, the employer might skip your letter for another one.
Here your goal in the introduction is to get the reader’s attention this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter.
A good introduction begins by stating what job you are applying for. Explain where you heard about the job, particularly if you heard about it from a contact associated with the company. Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the position the company has posted.
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3.Body
After the introduction, the employer needs to hear why you match the job.
Give a detailed explanation highlighting your interest in the job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. Highlight the qualifications listed in the job post and give an example of a previous job or gig you presented to demonstrate your abilities.
A good explanation might get you hired. The employer is interested in the qualities posted and if you qualify all of them there’s a little chance that you be hired.
Use tangible examples from your work experience to show these traits in action. For a first time jo,b be detailed and show confidence in your write up. It will catch the attention of the employer. Make it convincing that you truly can deliver on the job.
4. Closing
In the closing section of your cover letter, restate how your skills make you a strong fit for the company and/or position. Additionally, you can discuss why you are interested in working for the company.
Some employers want to know what you will offer the company once they hire you. Stick to the skills you have provided in the previous section. You can other soft skills you have to make it great. Remember to not over-promise.
State that you would like the opportunity to interview or discuss employment opportunities. Explain what you will do to follow-up, and when you will do it. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.
5.Signature
Use a complimentary formal closing and end your cover letter with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. For email letter, simply include your name, followed by your contact information, after the complimentary close.
When writing your cover letter, note that there are different types of cover letters you should put into consideration.
The cover letters comprise of The application letter, prospecting letter and networking letter.
The application cover letter responds to known job openings like those posted on the company website or job sites.
The Prospecting cover letter is an inquiry letter that job seekers send to a company or an individual to ask about possible positions. The job seekers apply with the hope that the positions will be available in the near future.
college and university students mostly use this letter. Especially those looking for internships in specific companies in their field of study.
Finally, With the networking cover letter, job seekers requests for information or assistance from other people to get jobs.
For instance, a job seeker can use a current company employee to give them information about the hiring status of the company so that they can apply for open positions.
