A cover letter acts as a personal introduction for your CV, giving you an additional opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. It should provide context for your CV, without simply repeating the same information.
However, it can be difficult to know what to write in order to give yourself the best possible chance at scoring an interview. So, here are five easy steps for how to write a cover letter.
1. Format Your Cover Letter Properly
Use the same format, font, and colour scheme as you used for your CV in order to present a cohesive personal brand. In general, you’ll want to include four main sections in your cover letter.
Begin with your opening statement, which should outline which position you are applying for, where you discovered the job opening, and when you are available to begin working.
In the next section, lay out your relevant experience, skills, education, accomplishments, and strengths that will allow you to perform well in the position.
For the third section, explain why you are the best candidate for the job, why you are interested in or attracted to the position, and what you have to offer to this company in particular. Do some research ahead of time about the organisation so you can appeal to the specific mission or goals of the business.
Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a solid closing statement. Reiterate your interest in the position and your confidence in your abilities, and make it clear that you’re available for a personal interview. Finish by signing off professionally.
2. Tailor Your Cover Letter
While it might seem like a convenient time-saver to simply write one generic cover letter and use it for all of your job applications, this practice is unlikely to be effective – it will be immediately obvious to a hiring manager that you’ve used a generic cover letter.
Instead, tailor your cover letter to each specific job opening. Be sure to mention the company and position that you are applying for by name and adjust the skills and experience that you highlight to meet the company’s desired characteristics.
3. Highlight Your Unique Selling Points
Your cover letter is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants by calling attention to your unique selling points. Highlight your individual skills and experience and explain how they make you the best possible candidate. Be sure to mention your relevant soft skills, as employers are placing increasing importance on these qualities.
4. Quantify Your Accomplishments
Whenever possible, back up your skills and experience by providing specific examples of your achievements. Use numbers and data to quantify your successes. For example, rather than writing that you are “skilled in sales,” show potential employers how skilled you are by writing that you “increased sales by 75% in 6 months.”
5. Keep It Short
Finally, keep your cover letter short and to the point. Aim for about half of a single A4 sheet, and definitely keep it less than a full page. However, don’t go too short either – your cover letter should be at least four paragraphs to address each of the sections listed above.
