Tips for Writing an Excellent Cover Letter to Get a Job
Choose the Right Type of Cover Letter
There are many types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. For example, there are traditional cover letters (also known as application letters) that are written to apply for specific job openings. If you know someone who can refer you to a job, you will want to write a referral-based cover letter.
There are also letters of interest (also known as inquiry letters), where you ask about potential job opportunities at a particular company. Cover letters are written to reach out to companies that have not advertised job openings.
Make sure to choose the type of cover letter that reflects what you bring and the reason you are writing and what you are asking for.
Go Beyond Your Resume
Your cover letter should not just be another copy of your resume. Instead, it should provide specific evidence of what you will bring to the company.
Choose two skills or abilities you want to focus on in your letter. Then provide examples of times you demonstrated those qualities.
For example, if you want to focus on your experience and skill in teaching children, provide an example of how you successfully taught a student. You can include a specific teaching moment as a personal success.
These examples are what will make your cover letter different from your resume.
Whenever possible, provide numbers to illustrate how you added value to the companies you have worked for in the past. In the above example, you can provide data on how you improved previous students’ grades while working with them.
If you are a recent graduate or do not have much work experience, you can focus on transferable skills in your resume. Provide evidence from projects, lessons, volunteer work, and so on that demonstrate that you possess these skills.
Write a Customized Cover Letter for Each Job
A hiring manager can quickly tell whether you have written a generic cover letter that you use for every job. This is a quick way to get your application rejected. Instead, take the time to customize your cover letter so that it reflects your interest in the specific position and the company you are applying to.
Target each letter to fit the specific job. The best way to do this is to match your qualifications to the job: First, carefully read the job listing. Second, identify two skills or abilities or experiences that the job requires and that you know you possess. In your letter, provide examples of times you demonstrated each of those skills.
Also, incorporate keywords from the job listing into your cover letter. For example, if the job listing says the ideal candidate has experience in “data-driven decision-making,” you can include an example of a time when you used data to make a decision or solve a problem.
Take the time to show your personality and explain how you will be a great fit for the position and the company.
Do Not Mention What You Lack
Generally, do not apologize for anything in your cover letter. There are certain things that you do not need to mention in your cover letter. If you lack a required skill or certification, do not mention it. That will only emphasize what you do not have. Instead, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences you possess and explain how they make you a great fit for the job.
However, when you have recent gaps in your work history (within the past year or so), whether due to being laid off and not working, spending time with family, traveling, returning to school, or any other reason, your cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain the employment gap.
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you can utilize templates as a starting point to create a more personalized cover letter.
Remember to Proofread
After you’ve finished writing your cover letter, take the time to proofread it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure the content flows smoothly. It’s a good idea to read your letter aloud to catch any awkward phrases or typos.
If possible, have someone else review your cover letter as well. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you may have overlooked and provide constructive feedback.
Ensure that your final version is polished and professional before submitting it.
Make sure to customize any message template to align with your skills and abilities, as well as the position you are applying for.
Review and Edit Your Letter
Since hiring managers review hundreds of applicants, a slight or typographical error can make a difference in your chances of getting an interview. Therefore, be sure to carefully review your cover letter (and all your other application materials, such as your resume).
Read your letter, looking for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that you have the correct company name, hiring manager’s name, date, etc., in the top heading of the letter.
Reading your letter aloud is a helpful way to check for mistakes.
Take the opportunity to ask a friend or family member to read your letter as well. Ask them to check for errors, but you can also request more general feedback. Ask if your friend is convinced that you are a great fit for the job after reading your letter.
Follow the Instructions in the Job Posting
The most important part of submitting a cover letter is to follow the employer’s instructions. If the job posting says to include the cover letter and resume as an email attachment, please
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-cover-letter-writing-tips-2060304
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