A cover letter serves as a formal introduction and is typically attached to a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
The reason it is called a cover letter is that, in the past, when you had to submit physical applications on paper, the cover letter served as the front of your application.
Although they can be required for all kinds of application processes, cover letters are a type of corporate communication that is typically linked with job applications. This can involve submitting work to literary magazines, applying for a mortgage, or applying for graduate school.
Our creative cover letter will generally include:
- A header
- A salutation
- An opening paragraph that introduces you and your career
- One to two paragraphs that directly address the job listing
- A closing paragraph that notes future correspondence for an interview
- A proper closing or sign-off
How To Write a Cover Letter for a Job
Get your research done before you start writing.
The first thing to keep in mind is how crucial it is to customize your cover letter to the position you’re applying for. Never (and we mean never!) use the same cover letter for multiple jobs. Here’s where doing your homework well will pay off…
Learn about the business
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you demonstrate that you have done your research. Several methods exist for doing this:
Read a company’s mission statement on its website. Browse through their social media pages to learn more about their clientele and their work.
Make a mental note of the qualities they possess that you admire, and start formulating a cover letter that will convey this to them.
Recognize what they’re seeking
The job description should be thoroughly reviewed and analyzed as another crucial factor. Think about the following:
- What abilities are needed?
- What credentials are necessary?
- What do duties fall under the job’s purview?
Write out instances where you’ve used those talents or have had a prior experience that is applicable.
What should you actually write in the cover letter?
It’s a good idea to have a strong framework in place before you start tapping, such as:
a salutation addressed to the hiring manager or recruiter
An introduction that explains why and what about the job intrigues you.
The middle paragraph(s) should showcase your pertinent qualifications and experiences.
A final sentence that wraps everything up
Salutation
It can be simple to think that in a cover letter, you must appear “professional,” but keep in mind that this isn’t an academic essay. Write genuinely and, at all costs, omit the salutations “Dear Sir/Madam” and “To whom this may concern.”
If you don’t know who to address your application to and a corporation hasn’t specified who would review it, you may use something like:
Your first sentence
Start with a brief introduction.
Then you introduce yourself. The following should be mentioned:
- What about the job appealed to you?
- What motivated you to apply
- Why are you interested in the business
Your middle paragraph(s)
Use the middle paragraphs to show why you’re the perfect person for the position. Here you can demonstrate:
Why you’re a great fit for the role
The proven experience and skills you bring
How the role lines up with your ambitions and career direction
If you’re just starting out and don’t yet have loads of experience, don’t sweat it.
4. Final sentence and signature
Your conclusion summarizes everything. It should just be one to three sentences long and be concise. This is an opportunity to reiterate your suitability for the position, thank them for their time, and convey your want to meet.
And when saying goodbye, keep your voice casual and kind. Try “All the best” or “Best wishes” instead of the standard “Yours sincerely.”
