Cover letters are documents sent with a resume or CV when applying for any job. The purpose of a cover letter is to provide the context for their application to the hiring manager. To get any job the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There is so much advice and guidelines on the internet on how to write cover letters, but it’s hard to know where to start. Mostly people consider that resume and cover letters are the same. But this is not true.
A cover letter is different from a resume because the resume is the summary of your professional history. People add their education, experiences, and skills. The purpose of a resume is to show your competence and qualifications for a job and convince an employer to interview you.
On the other hand, a cover letter highlights your passion for the role of any designation. Cover letters usually consist of 300 to 500 words. The long and structured paragraphs are written on it. From introduction to end or closing its design while summarizing your history and relevant skills. Cover letters complement your resume by providing more details about you.
What the Experts Say about Cover Letter
Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of Great on the Job. “It’s your best chance of getting the attention of the HR person or hiring manager and an important opportunity to distinguish yourself from everyone else.” And in a tight job market, setting yourself apart is critical, says John Lees.
Things that should follow to write a cover letter
Writing a cover letter is not too tough. You can write effective and impressive clever letters just by following some steps. Let’s see what are those tips and techniques.
1. Header
The header contains your personal information, such as your phone number, email, and name. Then, you can add the date and include the name of the hiring manager, the company’s name, and the company’s address.
2. Salutation
In salutation, you can address the issue by writing the name. You can use reverence phases like Dear if you know the name, and in case you are unaware of the name, you can write“Dear Hiring Manager,” which is acceptable.
3. Introduction
You can start with a clear statement about the positions you are applying for. You can briefly explain why you are the best choice for this designation.
4. Body
In the body of the cover letter, you can add your background information. You can write down your experiences and job requirements. You can highlight the basic skills that show your potential.
In the second paragraph, you can focus on specific examples that clearly show your qualifications. You can use metrics to show the impact of your struggles on any specific tasks you have mentioned.
In the last third paragraph, you can explain why you are applying for this job. You can show your search and tell them how your services or passion will benefit them.
5. Closing
After the end of your cover letter, you can show your interest in the specific position and show that you are the best candidate for it for a reason. Mention that you would love to discuss your application further in an interview. Write thank you to the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
6. Signature
End with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.