When you're applying for a job, your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression on the hiring manager. It's your opportunity to show them why you're the best person for the job and why they should hire you over the other candidates.
But writing a cover letter can be daunting, especially if you're not sure what to include or how to format it. That's why we've put together this guide on how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about writing a cover letter that highlights your skills and experience and makes you stand out from the crowd.
how to write a cover letter
Make it personal.
- Research the company.
- Address the hiring manager by name.
- Show your enthusiasm.
- Highlight your skills and experience.
- Use strong action verbs.
- Keep it concise and error-free.
- Proofread carefully.
- Send it in the right format.
By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will make a great impression and help you land the job you want.
Research the company.
Before you start writing your cover letter, it's important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the company you're applying to. This will help you tailor your letter to the specific position and company culture.
Here are some things you can do to research the company:
- Visit the company's website. This is a great place to learn about the company's mission, values, and products or services. You can also find information about the company's culture and open positions.
- Read the company's blog and social media pages. This is a good way to get a feel for the company's culture and values. You can also learn about the company's latest news and developments.
- Talk to people who work at the company. If you know anyone who works at the company, ask them about their experience. They can give you valuable insights into the company's culture and work environment.
- Use online resources. There are a number of online resources that can help you research companies. For example, you can use Glassdoor to read reviews of companies from current and former employees.
Once you've done your research, you'll have a better understanding of the company and its culture. This will help you write a cover letter that is tailored to the specific position and company.
By taking the time to research the company, you can show the hiring manager that you're genuinely interested in the position and that you've taken the time to learn about the company's culture and values.
Address the hiring manager by name.
Whenever possible, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. This shows that you've taken the time to research the company and that you're genuinely interested in the position.
To find the hiring manager's name, you can check the job posting or the company's website. You can also try searching for the hiring manager on LinkedIn.
Once you have the hiring manager's name, you can address them by their first and last name. For example:
Dear [Hiring Manager's First and Last Name],
If you're not able to find the hiring manager's name, you can address your cover letter to the department head or the general hiring manager.
Here are some examples of how to address your cover letter when you don't know the hiring manager's name:
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department Head],
- To whom it may concern,
By addressing the hiring manager by name, you can show that you're paying attention to detail and that you're serious about the position.
It's also a good idea to personalize your cover letter to the specific hiring manager. For example, you can mention something that you learned about the hiring manager's background or experience. This shows that you've done your research and that you're genuinely interested in working with the hiring manager.
Show your enthusiasm.
Your cover letter is your chance to show the hiring manager why you're excited about the position and the company. Use your cover letter to express your passion for the industry and your eagerness to learn and grow in the role.
Here are some ways to show your enthusiasm in your cover letter:
- Use strong action verbs. When describing your skills and experience, use strong action verbs that convey your enthusiasm and passion. For example, instead of saying "I managed a team of employees," you could say "I led a team of employees to achieve record-breaking sales."
- Be specific. When describing your accomplishments, be as specific as possible. This will help the hiring manager see the value that you can bring to the company.
- Use positive language. Use positive language throughout your cover letter. Avoid using negative words or phrases, such as "I can't" or "I'm not sure."
- Proofread carefully. Before you send your cover letter, proofread it carefully for errors. This shows the hiring manager that you're paying attention to detail and that you're serious about the position.
By showing your enthusiasm in your cover letter, you can make a great impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Here are some examples of how to show your enthusiasm in your cover letter:
- "I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the company's success."
- "I am eager to learn more about the position and the company, and I am confident that my skills and experience would make me a valuable asset to your team."
- "I am passionate about the industry and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to the company."
Highlight your skills and experience.
Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to highlight your skills and experience and show the hiring manager why you're the best person for the job.
When highlighting your skills and experience, focus on the following:
- Relevant skills. Make sure to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. You can find this information in the job posting.
- Specific accomplishments. Instead of simply listing your skills, use specific accomplishments to demonstrate how you've used your skills to achieve results.
- Quantifiable results. Whenever possible, use quantifiable results to show the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying "I managed a team of employees," you could say "I managed a team of 10 employees and increased sales by 15%."
- Transferable skills. If you don't have direct experience in the field you're applying for, focus on highlighting transferable skills that you can apply to the new role.
Here are some examples of how to highlight your skills and experience in your cover letter:
- "I have over 5 years of experience in customer service, and I am confident that I can use my skills to provide excellent customer service to your customers."
- "In my previous role, I managed a team of 10 employees and increased sales by 15%. I am confident that I can use my leadership and sales skills to make a significant contribution to your company."
- "Although I don't have direct experience in marketing, I have strong writing and communication skills. I am also a quick learner and I am confident that I can quickly learn the marketing skills necessary to be successful in this role."
By highlighting your skills and experience in your cover letter, you can show the hiring manager why you're the best person for the job.
Use strong action verbs.
When writing your cover letter, it's important to use strong action verbs to convey your skills and experience. Strong action verbs are verbs that are active, specific, and powerful. They help to create a vivid picture of your accomplishments and make your cover letter more engaging to read.
Here are some examples of strong action verbs that you can use in your cover letter:
- Achieved
- Collaborated
- Developed
- Exceeded
- Facilitated
- Generated
- Implemented
- Influenced
- Led
- Managed
- Motivated
- Negotiated
- Presented
- Problem-solved
- Produced
- Provided
- Researched
- Succeeded
- Supervised
- Trained
Here are some examples of how to use strong action verbs in your cover letter:
- "I achieved a 15% increase in sales in my previous role."
- "I collaborated with a team of engineers to develop a new product."
- "I developed a new marketing campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic."
- "I exceeded my sales goals by 20% in my previous role."
- "I facilitated a team of software engineers to develop a new software application."
By using strong action verbs in your cover letter, you can make your writing more engaging and show the hiring manager that you're a confident and capable candidate.