Write A Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter that Lands You the Job. Writing a cover letter is an essential part of the job application process. It is a chance to showcase your skills and qualifications, and to demonstrate your interest in the job and the company.
While it can be intimidating to write a cover letter, with the right approach and techniques, you can write a compelling and effective letter that will help you stand out from other candidates and land the job you want.
We've written about Write A Cover Letter so many times this year. You can also read our article about How to Write a Cover Letter for a Restaurant Job and How to Write a Cover Letter for an Accounts Payable Position
In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter that lands you the job.
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Research the Company and Job:
Before you start writing your cover letter, it's essential to research the company and the job you're applying for. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific position and demonstrate your interest in the company. Some ways to conduct research include:
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- Visiting the company's website and social media pages to learn about their mission, values, and culture
- Searching for news articles and press releases about the company
- Looking up the job description and requirements to understand the skills and qualifications the company is seeking
By conducting thorough research, you'll be able to write a cover letter that speaks directly to the company and shows that you're serious about the job.
Address the Hiring Manager:
When writing a cover letter, it's crucial to address the hiring manager by name. This shows that you've taken the time to research the company and the job, and that you're addressing your letter to the right person. If you don't know the hiring manager's name, you can try these options:
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- Check the job listing or the company's website to see if the name is listed
- Call the company and ask for the name of the hiring manager
- Address the letter to the department head or the person who posted the job listing
Avoid using generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam," as they can make your letter appear impersonal and less impactful. By addressing the hiring manager by name, you'll create a more personal connection and demonstrate your attention to detail.
Introduce Yourself and Your Qualifications:
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should introduce yourself and your qualifications in a way that catches the hiring manager's attention. Start by mentioning the job you're applying for and how you found out about it. Then, highlight your relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep the tone of your opening paragraph professional and concise
- Avoid repeating your resume; instead, focus on the most relevant qualifications and experiences
- Use active verbs to showcase your achievements and demonstrate your impact
By crafting a compelling introduction, you'll make a strong first impression and encourage the hiring manager to keep reading your letter.
Examples of effective opening statements
Here are some examples of effective opening statements for your cover letter:
"As a highly motivated and experienced [job title], I am excited to apply for the [job title] position at [company name]."
"I was thrilled to see the [job title] opening at [company name], and I am eager to bring my [number of years] years of experience in [relevant skill or industry] to the role."
"I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position at [company name], and I am confident that my [specific skill or qualification] would make me an asset to your team."
"With a passion for [industry or skill], I am excited to apply for the [job title] position at [company name], where I can use my [relevant experience or skill] to contribute to your mission."
These opening statements demonstrate enthusiasm, qualifications, and a strong interest in the job and the company. By customizing your opening statement to the job and the company, you'll show that you're a thoughtful and serious candidate.
Showcase Your Accomplishments:
One of the most effective ways to make your cover letter stand out is to highlight your accomplishments and achievements. By doing so, you'll provide evidence of your skills and experience and demonstrate your potential value to the company. Here are some tips to help you showcase your accomplishments:
- Choose two or three of your most impressive accomplishments that align with the job requirements
- Use specific examples and metrics to quantify your achievements (e.g., "increased sales by 30%," "reduced costs by $50,000")
- Explain how your accomplishments demonstrate your skills and experience and make you a strong candidate for the job
It's important to use data and statistics to back up your claims and make your accomplishments more compelling.
For example, if you're applying for a sales position, you might highlight your ability to exceed sales targets consistently and increase revenue for your previous employer.
By showcasing your accomplishments in your cover letter, you'll demonstrate your potential value to the company and increase your chances of landing the job.
Explain Why You Want the Job
In addition to highlighting your qualifications and achievements, it's important to explain why you want the job and why you're a good fit for the company. This shows the hiring manager that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
Here are some tips for explaining why you want the job:
- Research the company's mission, values, and culture, and align your goals with them
- Explain how the job fits into your long-term career goals and how it will help you grow professionally
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and the industry by sharing specific examples of what excites you about the job
By explaining why you want the job, you'll show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're truly interested in working for the company and contributing to its mission. Aligning your goals with the company's mission and values also demonstrates that you're a good fit for the company culture and can be a valuable team member.
Tips for aligning your goals with the company's mission and values
Here are some tips for aligning your goals with the company's mission and values:
- Research the company: Start by researching the company's mission, values, and culture. This information can often be found on the company's website, social media pages, and in news articles or press releases.
- Understand the job: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job requirements and responsibilities, as well as how the job fits into the larger goals of the company.
- Identify your strengths: Think about your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, and how they align with the company's mission and values.
- Connect the dots: Use your research and self-reflection to explain how your goals align with the company's mission and values, and how the job will help you achieve those goals.
- Be genuine: Don't try to force a connection between your goals and the company's mission and values if there isn't one. Instead, focus on finding common ground and being genuine in your explanation.
By aligning your goals with the company's mission and values, you'll demonstrate that you're a good fit for the company culture and that you're genuinely interested in contributing to its mission. This can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job.
Close with a Strong Call to Action
Your closing paragraph is your last chance to make a strong impression and leave a lasting impression with the hiring manager. It's important to end your cover letter with a strong call to action that expresses your enthusiasm and provides your contact information.
Here are some tips for expressing enthusiasm and providing contact information in your closing paragraph:
Be enthusiastic: Show your enthusiasm for the job and the company by using positive language and expressing your excitement for the opportunity to interview. You can say something like, "I'm very excited about this opportunity and look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview."
Reiterate your interest: Emphasize your interest in the job and the company by summarizing why you're a good fit for the position and how you can contribute to the company's goals.
Provide your contact information: Make it easy for the hiring manager to get in touch with you by providing your contact information, including your phone number and email address. Double-check that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date.
Express gratitude: Show appreciation for the hiring manager's time and consideration by thanking them for the opportunity to apply for the job and for considering your application.
By following these tips, you'll be able to close your cover letter with enthusiasm and professionalism, while also providing the hiring manager with the information they need to get in touch with you.
Conclusion
Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but by following the tips outlined in this post, you'll be well on your way to crafting a compelling and effective cover letter that can help you land your dream job. To recap, here are the key points covered in this post:
- Start with a strong opening statement that grabs the hiring manager's attention
- Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the job
- Showcase your accomplishments and use data and statistics to quantify them
- Explain why you want the job and how your goals align with the company's mission and values
- Close with a strong call to action that expresses your enthusiasm and provides your contact information
By using these tips, you can increase your chances of standing out among other applicants and getting noticed by hiring managers. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you're applying to, and to proofread your cover letter for any errors or typos.
We hope that these tips have been helpful in guiding you through the process of writing a strong cover letter. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can create a cover letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.
So, what are you waiting for? Start writing your cover letter today and take the first step towards landing your dream job!