How to Write a Successful Cover Letter

How do you write the perfect cover letter? But first, do you even know what cover letters are and how they can affect the decision of the hiring managers for you to land your desired job? 

First off, your resume is intended to layout the facts while your cover letter conveys more personality. It is the first introduction to the hiring managers and your goal is to make it as memorable as possible, but in a good way.

This means no templates and no pre-written nonsense. But make sure that your format matches the company and the industry you’re applying to. Do a little research about them and make sure to incorporate interesting facts that can add to your advantage.

There is no official format on how you should be writing your cover letter or what information you should be including. You just have to make sure that it is visually organized. A successful cover letter proves that you are qualified for the job, so make sure you tell stories that demonstrate your exceptional skills and experience.

Your cover letter should be a carefully curated selection of stories from your career that gives the hiring manager a clear idea of who you are and how you can add value to their company. We’ll share with you some tips on how to write a successful cover letter that can help you land your desired job. Are you ready?

Let’s start with the Basics.

The header of every cover letter for a job application should include the following:

  • Your Name
  • Your Number 
  • Your Email Address
  • The Date
  • The name of the hiring manager and their professional title
  • The name and address of the company to which you’re applying
  • Use an email address from a respected provider—that means either Gmail or your personal domain (if you have one.)
  • Your email address should only include your first and last name—[email protected] or [email protected] will be deal-breakers.
  • Don’t use your current work email. It’s impolite to both your current and potential future employer.

Make sure your contact information is consistent across your resume, cover letter, and social media profiles.

Tip: Writing a cover letter with no info of the hiring manager’s name? In the addressee section, only include the name of the department: for example, “ABC Finance Department.”

Who do you address a cover letter to?

The greeting of your cover letter might be the first thing that the hiring manager sees, so make sure to be personal about it if you have his or her name. Adding her name in the greeting can catch her attention, for example, “Dear Alexa,”.

When the hiring manager sees her name in the greeting of your cover letter, she’s going to feel like she’s found something tailored specifically for her. It will feel personal, she’ll know whatever comes next might just be the exact information she’s been looking for.

Tip: Wondering whether you should use the hiring manager’s first or last name? That depends on the company culture. If you’re applying for a position with a relaxed, casual company, use the first name. For corporate cover letters, it’s safer to go with the addressee’s last name.

How to get it right?

  • Write a Catchy Opening Paragraph – These first sentences in your cover letter determines whether the person reading it will read on. You need to make sure that your introduction attracts and holds the hiring manager’s interest.
  • Explain Why You’re The Perfect Candidate – You need to give exactly what the hiring manager is looking for. You have to make sure that you explain properly how you’re going to satisfy the company’s specific needs. If you’re an expert in your field, include it but make sure not to brag so much. The remaining part should be about your experiences.
  • Why you want to work at that organization – Show the hiring manager why you want that job and not just any job. The easiest thing to do is mention an upcoming project that they will have. Then say why you find it interesting and reiterate that your experience and knowledge will help them succeed with that project.

Tip: How long should a cover letter be? Three paragraph tops. Relevant and short cover letters are the best and make sure that your go-to word count shouldn’t exceed 300 words.

How to make the best ending?

Simple, provide value. Simply tell the hiring manager that you are looking forward to meeting in person and discussing how your experience and knowledge can help you fulfill their goals.

Two worst things that you can make in the final paragraph are:

  • Coming off needy – Show them on what you have to offer and not focus on how much you want the job
  • Repeating the cliched phrase, “Thank you for your consideration and your time.” – Avoid using this phrase on your last paragraph

Now that you’re all done with your body, you just need a formal ending. Simply write “Sincerely,” followed by your full name. Other examples of cover letter sign-offs are, “Thank you,”, “Best regards,”, “Kind regards,”, “Sincerely,” or “With best regards,”

Tip: It’s a good idea to repeat your basic contact information like your LinkedIn profile, email address and telephone number below your sign-off.

A Cover Letter Hack Nobody Uses:  Postscript

Adding a Postscript to your cover letter tells the hiring manager something impressive about your career, even if it’s not strictly related to the job you are applying for.  Then add something like you’d be happy to provide them with additional details if they find it interesting.

And lastly, just a piece of advice, keep it short and informative. Make sure that you’ll be able to convince them that you’re the perfect candidate in just a maximum of 3 paragraphs. Make them feel that you are passionate and perfect for the job. Be fearless, Express yourself in the best way you can,

One thought on “How to Write a Successful Cover Letter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.