A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. Its primary purpose is to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain why you are interested in the position, and highlight how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the role. Here are the key components of a cover letter:
- Contact Information: Your name, address, phone number, and email address, typically placed at the top of the letter. The employer’s contact information (name, company, address) then follows, if known.
- Salutation: A greeting to the hiring manager. If possible, address the letter to a specific person using "Dear [Name]". If the name is not known, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager".
- Introduction: A brief introduction that includes the position you are applying for and how you found out about the job.
- Body: One or two paragraphs where you match your qualifications to the job description. Highlight your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Explain why you are particularly interested in the role and the company.
- Conclusion: A closing paragraph that reiterates your interest in the job. You can also thank the employer for considering your application and express your desire for an interview.
- Closing: A polite sign-off, such as "Sincerely", followed by your name.
Apexlistings is a freelance site that can help you write the perfect cover letter, or point out mistakes from your existing letter. While every job would require a custom letter, you should have a standard template that you can easily customize to suit the needs of the post you are applying for. We have able freelancers who will help you write a sharp cover letter but here are the tips you can consider if you are writing on your own;
Tailor each letter: Customize your cover letter for each job application. Highlight specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Mention the company’s name and the job title to show that you have personalized the letter.
Research the company: Learn about the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements. Mentioning this information can show that you are genuinely interested in the company and understand its goals.
Address the hiring manager: Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person rather than using a generic greeting like "To Whom It May Concern". This shows you’ve done your homework and adds a personal touch.
Grab attention in the first paragraph: Your opening should be engaging and attention-grabbing. Mention the position you are applying for, how you found out about it, and a brief overview of why you are a strong candidate.
Highlight achievements: Use the body of your letter to showcase your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements with metrics when possible.
Show enthusiasm: Convey your excitement about the job and the company. Employers want to hire candidates who are passionate and enthusiastic about the role and their organization.
Keep it concise: Aim for one page in length. Be clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary information and repetition of what’s on your resume.
Use a professional tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone. Avoid slang and overly casual language.
Proofread: Ensure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. A typo can leave a negative impression. Consider having someone else review it as well. You can hire a freelancer to proofread your cover letter for any budget that you have!
Include a call to action: End your letter with a call to action, expressing your desire for an interview and providing your contact information. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Format properly: Use a standard business letter format with clear headings, paragraphs, and white space. Choose a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. If you are unsure of your formatting, turn to Apexlistings.
Showcase your personality: While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through. A cover letter is an opportunity to differentiate you from other candidates and make a memorable impression.
At Apexlistings, you can get all the help you need and it's very affordable and quick. Register here then read our guide so that you do not miss a step. Get yourself a flawless cover letter fast!
Written by Tevin, an independent contributor on Apexlistings.
