Everything you need to know about writing the perfect cover letter


It is mandatory to send in a cover letter with most of your job applications. Sometimes, it feels like such a chore to have to create a resume and a cover letter anew for each job application. But believe us when we tell you, you’ll always benefit from sending a well-written cover letter with your job applications.

Your cover letter is the document that will introduce you as a candidate and as a person to a potential employer. It highlights your very best qualifications and skills while mentioning all the things about you that make you the perfect fit for their company.

A cover letter allows you to talk about what you bring to the employer. For instance, you can mention how your skills will help the employer grow their business. You can also show potential employers examples of your past achievements and remind them that you can do the same for them.

What is a cover letter?

Simply put, a cover letter is a one-page professional document. Your cover letter usually accompanies your resume, KSAs document, portfolio, and any other professional document that the employer requests you submit with your job application. Consider it a formal introduction where you showcase your talents and accomplishments to a potential employer.

The first thing you must keep in mind about the cover letter is that it is not a repetition of your resume. While you may choose to elaborate on a few achievements you have mentioned on your resume in the cover letter, you must take care not to repeat everything.

How to write a cover letter to impress a hiring manager

First, research the company and position

Just like when writing a resume for a new job, the first thing you must do before you start typing away at your cover letter is to find out all you can about the company and the role. You can refer to the company’s website, the employer’s social media channels, and online job boards to get an idea about the organization. Want to go a step further and get insight into the company culture? Try something like Glassdoor, where you can read how previous employees have reviewed the business.

Address the letter to the hiring manager

Don’t just use a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” Try to find out the name of the hiring manager for your address. You can use the company’s LinkedIn page to find the hiring manager. Or you can give a call to the HR department and ask them for the hiring manager’s name. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager at all, you can address your cover letter to the HR department.

Introduce yourself at the beginning

The first paragraph of your cover letter must describe who you are. Introduce yourself by mentioning the position that you are applying for and where you saw the job posting. Did you know that mentioning a referral in your cover letter will increase your chances of getting hired? Be sure to include the name of the person who recommended you and your connection to them.

Highlight your skills and experience

Next comes the body of your cover letter. This is where you must highlight your skills and experience. Just like on your resume, it is important to quantify your accomplishments on your cover letter as well. Want to make your achievements pop out? Use bullet points to bring the reader’s attention to a few of your best professional achievements.

Explain why you're a good fit for the company

Employers don’t just want to hire someone who is good at their job. They want to recruit employees who will be great fits for their company culture. Emphasize how the company’s vision and mission align with your passions. If you have any past experience that relates to the mission of the new employer, highlight those as well.

By Resume Mansion



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