How To Write A Cover Letter?

While cover letters are not always required, many hiring managers still rely on them to evaluate the skills, experience, and experience of an applicant with respect to a job. Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to a hiring manager, give context for your accomplishments and qualifications, and explain your reasons for joining the company. Depending upon the hiring manager reading your application, including a cover letter can change your candidacy to be considered for the position. 

If you cannot find a particular hiring manager’s name, try to direct your cover letter to the departmental lead for the position for which you are applying. Tell the hiring manager how you would bring these skills and passions that you have already mentioned to the table, helping move that particular company forward. In the cover letter, explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

Once you capture the attention of the person you are approaching, it is time to present your case as to why you are a great fit for the role. When looking for the right story to tell, always go through the requirements of the position on a job description. If you are responding to a job advertisement, the job description might have the required skills and experience listed.

For instance, if the job requires tools or software, or skills such as machining tools, or clerical skills, mention them in your cover letter (but be sure to say them properly!). You can give a potential employer a few concrete examples of how you demonstrated particular key skills, or how you fulfilled the more critical qualifications listed on the job advertisement. Such a letter would introduce yourself, explain the reason you are writing, highlight a number of your experiences or skills, and ask about the possibility of meeting the potential employer in person.

If you are writing a cover letter directly in your online job application, there is no need to include your address or other contact information, since you may already be typing this in the other areas of your application.

If you wanted to get really formal, you can also include the person’s name that you are sending it to, the name and address of this particular company, and the date of your application. While most employers will assume that you are applying for more than one job, there is no need to mention that. The key to writing the perfect 3rd paragraph of your cover letter is showing the hiring manager why you want the job, and not just any job.

For instance, the tone of your cover letter for a law consulting firm is probably going to differ from one for a technology start-up. Researching their firm will help determine what tone you want to use, and it will probably vary greatly depending on the position you are applying to. You will want to have several people who (if at all possible) have had experience applying for jobs or hiring for jobs in your field to critique your letter drafts and make suggestions on changes.

Example of a cover letter: 

<Date>

<Name of Company>

<Hiring Department Name>

<Address 1>

<Address 2>

RE: <Title of Position You are applying for>

Dear <Contact Name>,

I am writing to apply for the position of <Insert the position> published in <Insert Where it>.  My skills and over <insert number> years of experience in management <or insert correct experience> would allow me to excel in this role, and my professional goals align with those of the <insert company name>. As a professional with a history of directing teams in <industry or field> toward excellence in achieving challenging organizational goals, my comprehensive hands-on experience will make me an excellent addition to your organization. Throughout my entire career, I have been successful in solving problems, resolving conflict, and contributing to shared objectives. 

In my current <or previous> position at <insert your current or past company>, I <insert something you feel the reader would like to know about what you do, or did at your current or previous company> Below are some notable contributions, examples, and highlights from my experience and credentials that demonstrate some of my accomplishments and abilities:

• Highlight or accomplishment 1
• Highlight or accomplishment 2
• Highlight or accomplishment 3
• Highlight or accomplishment 4

Currently, I hold the position of <insert your title> at <Insert your company name>. Apart from implementing, coordinating, and organizing schedules, information flow, and contact, I provide guidance and leadership to 10 local directors for internal personnel operation, among others. <Substitute your own experience>

My resume will provide additional details regarding my background and qualifications. I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview so that we could discuss your organization’s top priority needs and the performance you can expect from me in addressing those needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at <555-555-5555>, or email at <anytownusa.com> if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Your Name

If you are struggling with creating a cover letter, check out our Customized Cover Letter or contact us today for a customized approach.