A cover letter is a short narrative document which explains your intention for applying for a job and which shows how you are a suitable fit for a job.
A well written cover letter gives you an edge over other applicants in the competitive job market.
Through it, a potential employer has the chance to know you without actually meeting you. It highlights one’s qualification.
Unlike a resume, it focuses on qualifications which are relevant to the job role. The whole point of a cover letter is not your job history. Your resume can handle that. It is a means of letting an employer know that you are well suited for the job.
According to a new report, eighty-nine percent of recruiters now expect applicants to submit a cover letter. To write a cover letter that stands out, you should do the following:
Table of Contents
Research
Find out all you can about the company and the job role. You can do this by going to the company’s website and social media.
In order to be knowledgeable about the job role, you should read the job description repeatedly, taking note of the soft and hard skills the company is looking for in its potential employee.
Be concise
A cover letter longer than a page is far too long. Remember that hundreds of applicants may be applying for the same job and hiring managers cannot spend all their time reading a lengthy cover letter.
As concise as it should be, it can still pass the idea that you are a choice fit for the job role if it is compelling. The maximum number of words to be used is 400.
Get over the temptation to use AI
A large number of hiring managers can detect the use of Artificial Intelligence. Worse still, it can cause one to be disqualified because the cover letter will be considered insincere.
Customise your letter
Add bits and pieces of information that highlight your personality and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Do not use the same cover letter when applying for every job because while some jobs may require employees to have proficient communication skills, others may require someone who is detail-oriented.
Highlight your experiences
A cover letter is a great chance to show off one’s experience. Sharing experiences which emphasises your relevant skills in an authentic, not exaggerated way, can grab the attention of any potential employer.
Leveraging your experience can assure the company that you are applying to, that you are an expert and this is a sure way to spark interest from a potential employer.
Even when one is without professional experience, one can still emphasize ones skills and experience from university or college.
Focus on your personal value
Impressive achievements can be written about in a cover letter. If you introduced an effective idea to your previous organisation, especially one that saved them a lot of money, it should be mentioned. It will rouse the interest of the hiring manager because they will see that if hired, you will be a valuable asset to the company and not a liability.
Preview your letter
Proofreading your cover letter for minor typos or mistakes can help prevent one’s cover letter from being overlooked. Grammatical errors give a bad impression to recruiters. Also, give relatives and friends that can sincerely critique your cover letter a chance to read it and ask for feedback.
Final thoughts
Don’t leave your chances of being hired to serendipity. Infuse these great tips when writing your cover letter and be sure that your letter will grant you a scheduled interview with the hiring manager. See you at the top!!!
Read also: Letter Writing: Effective Guide To Writing A Formal Letter
