How to Write a Cover Letter: A Step by Step Guide

2 minutes read

How to Write a Cover Letter: A Step by Step Guide

Cover letters can be a make-or-break part of the job application process. They’re your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’d be great for the job, and they can help your resume stand out from the crowd. 

 

A well-written cover letter to go with your resume can help you stand out to employers and have a big impact on whether or not a hiring manager calls you in for an interview.

 

Points to Remember While Writing Cover Letter
Introduce yourself to people in charge of hiring
Show what kind of person you are
Give an overview of what you can do
Tell the company why you want to work there
Explain things like changing jobs or not having a job for a while

 

But writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be daunting.  It can be an opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm.

 

 

What Is Cover Letter and Why Is It important?

 

A cover letter is a short note (no more than one page) that you send to a hiring manager or recruiter along with your resume and other materials. 

 

It is an important document that accompanies your resume and provides additional information about your skills and experience. 

 

It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job. 

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When writing a cover letter, be sure to focus on the specific qualifications listed in the job posting and highlight how you can contribute to the organization.

 

When done right, a cover letter lets you talk directly about how your skills and experience fit with the job you're applying for. It also gives you a chance to show the reviewer that you're friendly, creative, and likely to be a good addition to the team.

 

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired. It is a good opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. 

 

A cover letter should be concise, well-written, and error-free. 

 

The cover letter should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for, and it should highlight your skills and experience. 

 

And, if you take the time to personalize it for each job you apply for, it can also demonstrate that you’ve done your research about the company and the position.

 

The best way to structure cover letter is to start by introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in the position.

 

Example:
Hello! I am writing in regards to the open position for which I believe I am a perfect fit. I would like to introduce myself and share with you my qualifications for the job. I have several years of experience in the field, and I have a proven track record of success. My skills perfectly align with what you are looking for, and I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team.

 

Next, highlight your skills and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Make sure you cover both hard and soft skills. 

 

Hard skills are those that can be quantified and measured, such as typing speed or knowledge of a specific software. 

 

Soft skills are more difficult to quantify but still important, such as communication or problem-solving abilities. 

 

Also Read: Resume Without Experience

                    Internship Resumes for freshers

 

Some of your hard skills might include: - Typing speed of 80 WPM - Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite - 3  years’ experience - Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word Organizational Skills - Highly organized with excellent time management skills - Proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work under pressure Communication Skills - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Strong written and oral communication skills. 

 

Writing Skills In Cover Letter: An Example
I have the skills and experience that make me a good fit for this job. I have strong analytical skills and I am able to think critically. I also have experience working in a team environment, which I know will be beneficial in this role. I have excellent problem-solving skills and I am able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. My attention to detail ensures that all projects are completed accurately and on time.

 

 

Finally, explain how you can contribute to the company and what you hope to gain from the experience.

 

 

Make Impact with Strong Statements: An Example
I am confident that I can contribute to the company in a meaningful way and hope to gain valuable experience and knowledge while working here. I am eager to learn as much as possible and grow professionally. Additionally, I am committed to doing my best and contributing positively to the team.

 

 

Impressive First Paragraph of Cover Letter

 

The way you start your cover letter sets the tone for the whole thing. So, you want it to be memorable, friendly, easy to talk about, and very related to the job you want.

 

Don't start with your name because the hiring manager can already see it. But it's important to mention the job you're applying for.

 

The hiring manager may be looking at applications for half a dozen different jobs at once. You could say something simple like, "I'm excited to apply for [job] with [Company]." 

 

But you might want to introduce yourself with a snappy first paragraph that shows how excited you are about the company you're applying to, how much you love what you do, or how successful you've been in the past.

 

This is a great place to explain "why" you want to apply. Make it clear why you want to work for this company and in this job. Have you been using their products for a long time? 

 

Do you know how to solve a problem like the one they're working on? Do you like how they talk about their brand or how they make products? 

 

For example, let's say you're applying for a marketing job at a company known for its delicious pies and baked goods. 

 

You could say in your opening that you love pie so much that when you were in the fourth grade, you won the blue ribbon at the National Cherry Festival pie-eating contest.

 

 

Show Yourself a good choice for this job

 

One common mistake in a cover letter is to talk only about how great the job would be for you. The truth is that hiring managers already know that. What they really want to know is what you can bring to the job and company.

 

So, once you know what the opening is, you should pull out a few key ideas that will be the backbone of your cover letter.

 

They should show that you know what the organisation wants and explain how your experience fits with the job. Look for clues in the job description. 

 

What problems does the company want to fix by hiring this person? Which skills or experiences are high up or mentioned more than once? Most likely, these will be the most important requirements.

 

Choose the three to five most important traits that you think best describe you. For example, you might be looking for a job as a client manager and come across a posting that interests you. You could find these things that fit you well:

 

Several times in the job description, meeting and beating quotas is mentioned.

 

The company solves problems by getting people from different departments to work together.

 

The sales department needs someone who can learn quickly so that the account executive can learn about leads quickly and make pitches that fit their needs.

 

 

How to Add Contact Info In Cover Letter?

 

You should put your basic information at the top of your cover letter. If you want, you can even use the same heading from your resume. 

 

 

Contact information you could include:
Your name
Show what kind of person you are
Your pronouns (optional)
Your location (optional)
Your email address
Your phone number (optional)
Your LinkedIn portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

 

 

If the job posting says to send your cover letter in the body of an email, you can put your contact information at the end, after your name. You don't need to include your email address here, since they already have it.

 

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Conclusion
Customize cover letter for each job and company
Highlight relevant skills and experiences
Keep cover letter concise and professional
Proofread and edit for errors

 

 

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Author
Prabhat Kumar
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