How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter and Get the Job
A great cover letter can make all the difference between landing that dream job and not. You get to introduce yourself, explain how you are a good fit for the position in question, and express your enthusiasm. But how do you go about making your cover letter stand out among hundreds of others reaching the desk of the hiring manager? One assurance for success is through the use of cover letter templates, where there is a clear structure and format to follow, with allowance for personalization.
Why a Cover Letter is Important
The cover letter serves as your introduction to the employer. While the resume describes your qualifications, in the letter you get to tell your story through an explanation of who you are and why you are the best match for this particular position. The well-written cover letter will set you apart from other candidates. It may also contextualize your resume and highlight experiences most relevant to the job.
Personalize It –
Perhaps the biggest mistake applicants make is sending out a generic cover letter to all the companies they apply for. Instead, take the time to tailor your cover letter to match each job you apply for. First, research the company and its values. Think about how your skills and experiences could align with the needs of the organization, and state this in one of the opening paragraphs. Personalization of the content proves that you are truly interested in the position.
Follow a Clear Structure: While it’s important to be personal, following a clear structure helps make your cover letter as easy and professional to read as possible. That’s where employing templates for a cover letter becomes really useful, as you would write out your introduction, body, and closing in the provided space. You could save your time using them without losing professionalism in your writing.
Introduction: A short introduction of oneself is made here, mentioning the post applied for. Explain how you came to know about the posting and your interest in the position.
Body: Emphasize the key skills and experiences one has. Choose one or two specific accomplishments you believe to demonstrate your qualifications, emphasizing how they relate to the position.
Closing: Reiterate your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for their time, stating you look forward to discussing your application further.
Keep It Concise
Most employers do not have the time to read long, wordy cover letters. Keep your cover letter to a page at most, and focus on only the most relevant qualifications. Do not repeat information from the resume; use this space to elaborate, explain how your experiences align with company needs, etc.
Proofread Before Sending
A cover letter full of mistakes will only militate against your getting an interview. Take time to reread to rid your cover letter of typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. Even better, ask a friend or colleague to have a fresh set of eyes have a look.
It may be intimidating to write a great cover letter, but it most certainly gets easier with some cover letter templates and a personalized message. You will increase your chances by so much of giving a great first impression and landing an interview if you can construct a well-structured and tailored letter.