How to write a cover letter

How to write a cover letter. A one-page letter that you include in your job application is a cover letter. Unless the job posting specifically states not to, you should always provide a cover letter with your application.

The purpose of a cover letter

Writing a cover letter calls for the following:

• Identify yourself
• Specify the position (or type of position) you’re applying for (or looking for)
• substantiate that your background and experience are in line with what is required
  perform the task
• the reader to read your CV
• Lastly, make a call to action (for example, asking for an interview or a meeting).

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep it brief. Don’t write more than one page because a cover letter should be a one-page overview of your resume.

Matching your cover letter to the job

When applying for jobs, write a different cover letter for each one. Your cover letter should demonstrate that you are aware of the requirements for the position and the hiring manager’s preferences.

Describe your abilities and attributes in detail to do this. You must also demonstrate how they meet the requirements of the position or the company.

Here are three quick strategies to be as specific as you can in your cover letter:

1. Determine the recipient.

Aim to avoid using “To whom it may concern” in your salutation. Identify the individual who will read your application by asking for their name. It could require some work, but it will be worthwhile.

If the job was advertised, it will likely specify who to send your application to. If not, give the employer or advertiser a call and find out to whom to send the application. The best way to contact them is by phone, but email is also acceptable.

Don’t use the person’s first name if you learn their name. Instead, use their last name and either “Mr.” or “Ms.”

2. Learn more about the position.

You might also try to get in touch with the person you should address your application to so you can get more information and ask questions. You can use this to better match the position with your cover letter and resume.

You may inquire:

Does the job need collaboration with a team?
Whom would I be answering to if I was hired?
Could you elaborate on the type of individual you’re seeking?
Can I look at a position description? (Only inquire about this if a role description is not mentioned in the job posting.)
Take note of the responses to these inquiries since you can utilize them in your cover letter.

3. Research the business more.

Learn more about the business so you can modify your cover letter to fit the position. Here are a few advices:

Look for information online if you know the company’s name.
Visit the website of the business, paying particular attention to the “About Us” section.
Call the employment agency or advertiser and find out who the employer is if the company name isn’t listed in the advertisement.

What to include in your cover letter

Name and contact information

Your cover letter should start with your name and contact information. Your email address and phone number must be provided, but your postal address is not required.

Your email address ought to convey a sense of professionalism. Use something other than [email protected] as your email address.

You can create a professional email account with a free email provider if you don’t already have one. Make it straightforward; a name that combines your first and surname names is an excellent choice.

Their name and phone number

Include the following information below your name and contact information:

the recipient’s name, their title, the name of their business, and their contact information.
If you have problems locating it, you can contact the business and ask who you should send your application to.

To whom it may concern is another option, although it’s best to save it at the very last moment.

The title of the position you’re pursuing

You must identify the position for which you are applying at the beginning of your cover letter.

This can be stated on a separate line, such as “Regarding: Application for Stock Controller post.”

As in “I am writing to apply for the recently announced Stock Controller vacancy,” you can also do this in the introductory sentence.

A list of your pertinent expertise

Include a succinct explanation of how your qualifications match those listed in the job description. Short bulleted lists work well.

If you’re responding to a job posting, there may be a position description that outlines necessary training and expertise. It might also include a list of “desirable” qualifications. You must address each thing on the “important” list in your cover letter. Additionally, you ought to reply to as many of the items on the “preferred” list as you can.

Keep in mind that if you claim to have a talent or experience, you must be able to demonstrate how you acquired it or how you used it (for instance, if you claim to have child-minding skills, list the jobs where you have applied them).

A statement of your qualifications for the position

You should explain why your qualifications for the position are supported by your skills and experience after listing them (for instance, “My ability to get along with anyone and my experience in managing customer problems in a retail context make me well qualified for this job”).

Converse in their language

Using the same terminology as those who perform a specific job demonstrates your familiarity with the sector or field the company works in.

Find out the employer’s activities and the way they present themselves. Put words like these in your cover letter.

For instance, if the position demands knowledge of machining tools or cash handling, you should highlight that in your cover letter (but be sure to mention it appropriately!).

To learn more ways to investigate a potential employer, see the what to research before a job interview page.

Requesting a contact from them

Asking the employer to see your resume should be the last sentence of your cover letter. They should be asked to get in touch with you for an interview.

Try using a short sentence like, “I have enclosed a copy of my résumé.” Regarding this employment, I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

What you shouldn’t include in your cover letter

Some things should never be included in your cover letter. Observe the following warnings.

Typos or errors

Ensure that your cover letter is error-free. Even better is to have someone else read it and point out any errors or unclear passages.

You might ask friends, family members, your careers teacher, or a jobs counselor at your institution or TAFE to view your cover letter.

Verify everything in your cover letter a second time. Make sure to spell a company’s name correctly if you mention it. Make careful to spell the names of any locations you’ve worked before correctly if you mention them.

A cover letter that contains your entire resume

Avoid pasting your resume directly into your cover letter. Instead of simply repeating the content in your resume, try rephrasing it. Shorten your cover letter and let your CV do the talking.

using ‘I’ excessively

Avoid using the words “I believe,” “have,” and “am” excessively. Please keep in mind that the employer is the focus of the conversation, not you.

After you’ve finished writing, go back and try to eliminate or rework as many phrases that begin with “I” as you can.

Don’t disclose that you have applied for other jobs.

You’re most likely submitting applications for multiple jobs at once. It’s preferable to leave out references to other applications, though. Your letter should attempt to persuade the employer that you are serious about the position.

You don’t need to disclose that, even though most employers will assume you’re looking for multiple positions.