How to Make a Good Cover Letter for Jobs
How to Make a Good Cover Letter for Jobs
A cover letter gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to your potential employer through the hiring manager, it provides room to showcase your qualifications and achievements and then showcase your motivation towards joining the company.
Your cover letter should support the information supplied in your resume, providing more details about your skills and achievements and also featuring your prominent accomplishments.
Purpose of a Cover Letter
The reasons why hiring managers demand for cover letters from applicants are numerous. Mainly, it offers more information than a resume and application letter and a room to include more personal information.
Other Reasons for a Cover Letter
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- As a proof that the applicant understands the needs of the establishment
- Shows how the applicant’s skills can help the company
- Proves how you know the company
- Makes applicant unique
- Shows applicant’s interest for the position
To get a cover letter that shows all the above attributes it takes time, patience and thorough research about the company you are applying for in order to get everything right.
How to Write a Cover letter
Below you will learn the simple steps and strategies for creating a great and unique cover letter that will stand you out from other applicants. A good cover letter should include these items.
Header
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- Applicant Name
- Applicant Phone Number
- Applicant Email
- Date
- Hiring Manager’s Name and Title
- Company’s Name
- Company’s Address
You can also include any of the following details based on the nature and requirements of the job. Your title, personal website, home address, city of residence, social media accounts. Above all keep it organized and professional.
Greetings
While researching as mentioned above, as much as possible find out the name of the hiring manager. You should then address your cover letter to him/her with a professional greeting like “Dear” followed by the name if you are unsure of the person’s gender
Body
Your opening paragraph should mention the job title you are applying for and also indicate where you saw the vacancy. Describe your interest in the role and summarize your experience and qualifications as it relates to the position applied for. This will give the reader an impression that you have research genuinely on the company and that you are ready to work with them.
Ensure you also include your core skills, specialties, achievements and your background overview as it relates to the position.
Closing Paragraph
Your cover letter should end with a summary of the key reasons you are the best fit for the job. Keep it simple and straight to the point. Ensure you add a statement that you are looking forward to hearing back from the reviewer or the company. Then end the letter with your signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say I in a Cover Letter?
Your main goal is meeting the employer’s needs, don’t be self-centered while creating this document. Avoid overusing the word “I” especially when starting sentences.
What do Employers Look for in a Cover Letter?
Employers oftentimes want your cover letter to highlight how your skills and achievements relate to the roles of the position applied for.
Conclusion
You have learnt the basics in creating a killer cover letter for that new position you want to apply for, the next steps will be putting what you have learnt to writing. Always proofread your cover letter and look out for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.