First impressions can make a humongous impact on your career. What goes on a cover letter is your introduction to a potential employer and it will help sell your story.
According to Ladders, 48% of large tech businesses require a cover letter. Cultivated Culture says that one of their surveys revealed that 53% of employers prefer a cover letter from a candidate with their resume.
Statistically speaking, it is better to include a good cover letter while applying for a job. If you want to know what you should put in your cover letter, we will tell you right now.
How to Write a Cover Letter
First, let’s go over a few tips before we discuss formatting it. What you want to avoid is reciting your resume. The cover letter is an opportunity to pitch why you are the best candidate outside of what you include on your resume.
You want to tell the employer a story about you. Tell the employer why you want the job opportunity they have and why you are the best person to do the job. Aim to make a personal connection.
Another excellent piece of advice is that a good cover letter is relevant. You tailor it to the job, specifying that you have the required skill set and qualifications. Do not be generic in your words.
It is good to write a cover letter, wait for a little, and come back to proofread it. You want paragraphs and sentences to be short. Format it in a way that is easy to read, not cramped.
Lastly, send it in a PDF format, just like you should with your resume. Have you tried this free online resume builder? It’s simple to use and effective.
Key Elements of a Cover Letter
Now that you know have an overview of how to write a cover letter, let’s talk about the specifics of formatting it. Here are the key elements of what you need to include:
- Information about you
- Today’s date
- Contact person’s name and their job title
- Employer company name
- Employer physical address
- Salutation
- Opening paragraph
- Middle paragraph
- Second middle paragraph
- Your contact information
- Closing
The most challenging parts of the cover letter are the paragraphs. However, don’t let this intimidate you. This is where you get creative and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
In the first paragraph, you want to tell the employer how you heard about the position. Employers like to understand where you found them or if it was a person who referred them to you.
Next, the second paragraph talks about your experience and critical skills. This paragraph clearly states why you are qualified for their job opening. In the third paragraph, you can discuss your soft skills.
In your closing, it is good to thank the person for their time and consideration. You should also suggest that you are expecting a response from them, that way you are clear about your level of interest.
The University of Virginia has some great cover letter examples to help you get started on drafting your cover letter.
Now You Know What Goes on a Cover Letter
We hope that enjoyed learning about what goes on a cover letter. This is the first step to you finding your dream job.
We wish you the best in your job search; we know you will nail it in the interview! For more brilliant advice on business, health, and travel, visit us again soon.