Looking for ways to write a cover letter? We’ve got you covered! We will help show you how to write a cover letter for yourself with no bobby mistake.
Uncertain about what to include in your cover letter or how to create one that complements your resume?
These aspects are thoroughly explained in our cover letter writing guide, which also demonstrates how to create a strong cover letter that will get you an interview.
Let’s start by defining a cover letter
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter, also known as a cover letter or application letter, is a one-page document that introduces a job seeker’s work history, professional skills, and personal interest in applying for a job.
Although it might seem old-fashioned , cover letters are still necessary.
The point of your cover letter is to expand upon the achievements in your resume, showcase your personality, and explain why you’d be a good fit for the company.
Overall, your cover letter (paired with your resume) helps managers and recruiters screen your job application.
Why You Need a Creative Cover Letter
So, why do you need a creative cover letter? Hiring managers get dozens of applications daily. Most candidates stick to the safe format of a brief one-page cover letter that talks about their motivation for wanting the job.
While this approach works, it ends up creating repetitive content. Think of having to read the same phrases over and over again daily.
You definitely wouldn’t enjoy it, and it won’t help you distinguish between candidates. This is how Hiring Managers feel.
The best way to cut through the noise and beat the competition is to be different. Avoid clichés like:
‣ “This is the exact job I’m looking for”
‣ “I believe I’m perfectly qualified for the position”
‣ “I’m willing to work hard”
‣ “I think outside the box”
‣ “As listed on my resume”
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How to Write a Cover Letter
Use these steps to write the perfect cover letter:
‣ Use a specific greeting.
‣ Hook the reader.
‣ Provide metrics.
‣ Have a call to action.
‣ Format appropriately.
1. Include Contact Information
Begin by listing your contact information clearly and obviously.
Often, applicants do this at the top of the document, but you should mirror the placement of your contact information on your resume for consistency and professionalism.
Include, at a minimum, your full name, phone number, email address, and date. You may also choose to include your street address and links to your professional website or professional social media pages.
2. Use a Specific Greeting
Include the name of the person to whom you are writing as well as the company name and address just above the salutation.
In the salutation, greet the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know the name of the person, consider greeting the hiring department or the department with which you would work if hired.
3. Hook the Reader
The first line of your introductory paragraph should entice the hiring manager to continue reading. Use a professional anecdote, a metric, or a standout skill to illustrate your qualifications for the role.
Keep the hook to one sentence if possible. Use the body paragraphs of your cover letter to give a deeper explanation if needed.
Include what you know about the company and a summary of why you are the best candidate in this first paragraph as well.
4. Provide Metrics
The body paragraph or paragraphs of your cover letter should address specific, measurable ways in which you meet the job description.
Include past projects you worked on that yielded success, or describe how you redesigned a process or procedure to save the company money.
Alternatively, you can explain how specific skills you developed in past positions will benefit the company. Use metrics as much as possible and explain the value you’ll bring to the company.
5. Have a Call to Action
Close your cover letter with a clear call to action. An example might ask the hiring manager to call you for more information or to view your professional website for examples of your work.
The hiring manager should know what you expect from them when they finish reading your cover letter.
6. Format Appropriately
Finally, format your cover letter to be professional in style and to match your resume. Use the same fonts and margins in both documents.
Make sure the text is easy to read with clean design elements that keep the eye focused on the cover letter’s content.
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Use this template to help you write your own ideal cover letter:
[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[The date][Hiring manager’s name and title]
[Company name]
[Company address]Dear [hiring manager],
My [years of experience] in [industry] plus my [skill or quality] make me an ideal fit for [position] at [company]. I admire [company’s] [mission or goals], and I would love to be part of the team and use my [skill or qualification] to move [department or company] forward.
I recently completed [project] that , in total, [saved or made] [previous company] [money, customers, etc.]. I specifically used my [skills] to deliver [product or result] in only [time frame]. I believe my work on [project] sets me apart from other applicants and demonstrates that I am the ideal candidate for the job.
Additionally, my [skills or education] will increase the value of the [department] and [company] as a whole. I am committed to using my knowledge and [character trait] to help [company] reach its goals.
I have included a copy of my resume and references for your review. I truly believe I would be a fantastic addition to the team at [company]. I would love to speak with you in person about the job. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone ([your phone number]) or email ([your email]). In the meantime, please review my [portfolio, biography, etc.] at [website]. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Perfect Cover Letter: An Example
Here is a cover letter example using the provided template as a foundation:
Ryan Jones
555-555-5555
[email protected]
August 3, 2020Alex Martin, Principal
Kent High School
123 Main Street
Kent, ID 67890Dear Mr. Martin,
My five years of teaching experience in public education plus my excellent communication skills make me an ideal fit for the 11th Grade Chemistry Teacher position at Kent High School.
I admire Kent’s commitment to educating every student regardless of background and am an advocate of their one-to-one laptop program. I would love to be part of the team and use my technical skills to move the science department forward.
I recently completed the implementation of classroom tablets at Hobart High School that, in total, provided internet access and computer practice to over 500 students.
I specifically used my fundraising and project management skills to deliver a 58% growth in computer access to students in only one semester. I believe my work on the Hobart tablet project sets me apart from other applicants and demonstrates that I am the ideal candidate for the job.
Additionally, my education at Duke University and student teaching experience in the Durham public schools will increase the value of the science department and Kent High School as a whole. I am committed to using my knowledge and persistence to help Kent High School reach its goals.
I have included a copy of my resume and references for your review. I truly believe I would be a fantastic addition to the team at Kent High School. I would love to speak with you in person about the job.
Please feel free to reach out to me by phone (555-555-5555) or email ([email protected]). In the meantime, please review my teaching portfolio at ryanjonesteaches.co. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Ryan Jones
After you’re done proofreading your cover letter, have someone else double-check it. They can provide essential feedback about whether your letter is clear and well-argued. They’ll also notice small grammar and spelling errors you’ve missed.
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StudentsandScholarship Team.
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