Getting a shot at an interview is what majority of the people applying for job vacancies hope for because they believe that they can sell & market themselves and their skills very well in person. But, what a job applicant needs to realize is that an interview is not the 1st step; it comes 2nd in the chain. It is your cover letter that qualifies as the 1st step and the key to unlocking the gate to an interview and for that one needs to be well versed with how to write a cover letter.
Table of Contents
Some Basic Tips to Get Started
Avoid Typical Cover Letter Templates; Go for a Custom Template
Before I get in to the specifics of how to write a resume cover letter, beware of one thing, using a pre made cover letter template is a big NO if you wish to have your application read & considered without ticking off the person you have submitted your application to.
This is so because, firstly, it shows your lack of creativity for creating an original document and, secondly, the interviewer will (more than likely) be sick to the gut after seeing the same template being used with a different name day after day. Now, let’s talk about the specifics and components of the marvelous cover letter – also referred to as a letter of interest – which you will be creating.
Keep the Length of the Cover Letter to a Single Page
Ideally and highly recommended, the letter should only be a single page in length with decent amount of white space left so that it doesn’t come across as a strain for the reader to read.
Format of Cover Letter
Your complete address will be appearing on the top right hand corner and will be followed by the recipient’s full name and designation (title); it’ll be smart at your end to call the firm and find out the latter bit and it definitely sounds better than simply writing “Sir” or “Madam”.
YOUR ADDRESS (Do not put your name here)
TODAY’S DATE
Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER’S NAME (If you don’t have one, get one!)
TITLE
COMPANY’S NAME
ADDRESS
DEAR Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER:
Break Down of a Cover Letter Body
Subsequent will be the main body of your text and you want to split it up in to 3 paragraphs.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph will be your introduction where you will clearly and fully state the vacancy you’re applying for, the source where you got to know about the vacancy and a reference code (if it was stated on the advertisement).
Second Paragraph
The next section will be comprised of 2 things; what you aim to gain from the position and how & what you will be giving back to the firm should it choose to hire you. You definitely want to talk about your strengths, your skills and your past employment experiences over here. Don’t get too detailed or carried away but don’t forget to nail the point either.
Third and Final Paragraph
The last section will carry your complete contact details; also state your preference i.e. whether you wish to be contacted via email or on your cell phone first. Lastly, proof read the cover letter twice or thrice with great attention so that it reaches the prospective employer’s desk free of any & all errors because remember, your cover letter is a reflection of you as a professional and a prospect; make yourself worth it!
Sincerely,
YOUR SIGNATURE
YOUR NAME
ENCLOSURE(S)
