A Complete Guide to Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

Hold on! Don’t send off that job application yet!

Did you know that a matching cover letter can increase your chances in the job market? So, why send off just a resume when you can create a stronger application with a keyword-optimized cover letter?

If you are one of those candidates who feel that writing a cover letter comes too close to writing fan fiction about working for an employer, this guide is sure to help change your mind.

Today, we will walk you through the steps of creating a winning cover letter that gets you noticed by the employer of your dreams.

What is a cover letter?

The cover letter is one-half of most of your job applications. It is a professional document that you will submit for job applications along with your resume. Your cover letter should complement your resume.

The cover letter serves the purpose of introducing you to an employer while drawing their attention to the most important achievements and qualifications of your career.

If you have had a rocky career history or a large career gap that needs to be discussed, the cover letter creates a perfect opportunity for you to go into detail about it.

It’s important to keep in mind that your cover letter is not a repetition of your resume. It is a document built to complement your resume, not repeat it word for word.

What are the contents of a cover letter?

If you are new to cover letter writing, you cannot go wrong with our tried and true cover letter structure:

• Header?– Create a header that matches that of your resume. This header should prominently display your name. Mention your contact details within the header as well.
• Formal greeting?– Address the hiring manager formally at the beginning of the cover letter. You can go for a more casual greeting if you know them well or have met them before.
• Introduction?– The first paragraph of your cover letter should contain a strong introduction about yourself. Also, mention your interest in the role.
• Body?– This is the most important section of your cover letter. Show the employer how you are the best person for the job using your professional achievements.
• Conclusion?– Summarize the key points of your cover letter and wrap it up. Add a call to action. Also, don’t forget to close the cover letter formally.

When should you write a cover letter?

Some employers demand that you send in a cover letter with your job applications. Some employers prefer to receive one, but will not mention it on the job ad.

Our recommendation? You should always write a cover letter for your job applications. Not just that, you must also tailor your cover letter for each position for which you apply.

Some employers will take the lack of a cover letter as a red flag, especially if they have requested for you to send one in. For some employers, the fact that you took the time and effort to write a cover letter will indicate that you are willing to walk the extra mile.

In most cases, writing a cover letter will set you apart from the other candidates.

How to write a cover letter

Now that we have covered the basics of writing a cover letter, let’s get right down to business. We have described the process of writing a cover letter in six easy steps:

1.Create the winning template

You are trying to impress the hiring manager with your cover letter. To do this, you must have an impressive cover letter structure.

You can look for cover letter templates on the internet for inspiration. Be sure to check out ATS-friendly cover letter templates when you are looking for samples. This will help you create a cover letter that appeals to the bots as well as the humans.

You can match the formatting of your cover letter with that of your resume to put together a cohesive look for your job application.

2.Mention your contact info

Start filling in formation with the header of your cover letter. Create a matching header to go with your resume and put down your name first. Use a larger font size to draw attention to your first and last names. Be sure to mention the target job title as well.

Then, you can mention your contact information on the cover letter. These too should be displayed within the header that you create. Here’s what you should mention:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Location (City and State)
• Link to LinkedIn profile
• Additional links (Website, Portfolio, Social Media)

Then, you should mention the contact information of the hiring manager. This part should be listed on your cover letter, below the header. Here’s what to mention:

• The hiring manager’s name
• Their title
• Company name
• Location
• Date of writing the letter

3.Address them the right way

Now, you come to the actual task of writing your cover letter. The first thing you should do is to engage in some internet sleuthing to uncover the job title and name of the hiring manager. This information will help you create a personalized greeting.

If you can’t find their name, you can’t go wrong with a “Dear Sir or Madam” for your greeting. However, that sounds too impersonal and will rarely impress someone.

4.Write a compelling intro

First impressions matter a lot when it comes to your cover letter. This is why your introduction paragraph must pack a punch.

Hiring managers receive over a hundred cover letters during the hiring season. Make yours stand out with an introduction that they won’t forget.

We also recommend mentioning a referral in the introduction of your cover letter. Job seekers who have referrals tend to get hired easily.

Here’s a comparison of a weak introduction and a strong introduction for a cover letter:

5.Create a detailed body

Now, you can go into detail about your professional achievements and career. One thing to remember when writing your cover letter's body: don’t make it all about you.

Try to present your achievements in a way that shows the hiring manager what you can do for them. Use the body of the letter to show potential employers what you bring to the table.

You can highlight a few professional achievements through bullet points in the body of the letter. You should also use this space to go into detail about any career breaks or rocky patches you have had.

Keep the job ad at hand and use it as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure that you align yourself with the qualifications required in the job ad.

6.Wrap it up

Now, it is time for you to conclude your cover letter. Use a short paragraph to recap the key points of the cover letter.

Reiterate your interest in the position and finish your letter with a call to action. You can either ask for a phone call or a chance to meet them for an interview.

Once you are done with your cover letter, close it formally and add your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of a concise cover letter to help you:

By?Resume Mansion