Confused on how to write a cover letter? We have a solution for you. These tips will help you write cover letters that will get you noticed and hopefully get an interview invitation.
BEFORE YOU WRITE
Think about yourself and your experiences.
Then think about how you would like to relate your experience to the organization you’re writing to. Which of your talents, skills, personality traits and accomplishments should this particular organization know about? Brainstorm a list for yourself.
How did you hear about this opportunity?
If it was through a personal contact, write down the name. If through an advertisement, write down where and when you saw it, and list the specific points the ad wants you to include.
What do you know about the organization you’re writing to?
What attracted you to it in the first place? Maybe it’s personal (a friend worked there), or maybe you are impressed with what the organization does or admire their unique work philosophy. Do some research about the company online or through trade magazines, etc.
Whom are you writing to?
It’s always best to write to a real, live person (with a title) if you can, so if you’re not responding to an ad that includes a specific contact, try to look up the name of someone in particular to write to. Be sure to spell both name and title perfectly.
If you cannot find a specific person to write to, try “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources.” Avoid gender-specific salutations such as “Sir” and “Ma’am.”
You can also get to know
THE RIGHT FORMAT
If it was through a personal contact, write down the name. If through an advertisement, write down where and when you saw it, and list the specific points the ad wants you to include.
What do you know about the organization you’re writing to?
What attracted you to it in the first place? Maybe it’s personal (a friend worked there), or maybe you are impressed with what the organization does or admire their unique work philosophy. Do some research about the company online or through trade magazines, etc.
Whom are you writing to?
It’s always best to write to a real, live person (with a title) if you can, so if you’re not responding to an ad that includes a specific contact, try to look up the name of someone in particular to write to. Be sure to spell both name and title perfectly.
If you cannot find a specific person to write to, try “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources.” Avoid gender-specific salutations such as “Sir” and “Ma’am.”
You can also get to know
THE RIGHT FORMAT
Busy people don’t want to read long letters from people they don’t know.
The cover letter should be one page long, and in standard business letter format.
This means that you may indent your paragraphs or not – but not indenting gives a bit more room. Leave wide margins (minimum 1 inch) and use a clean, simple font like Arial or Times New Roman.
Don’t be tempted to use a tiny font just to fit everything on one page; 10- or 12-point type is best. Write clearly and avoid hyphenated words at the end of a line.
COMPOSE THE LETTER
Paragraph One:
The first paragraph is the most important. Because it will be the first thing your potential employer reads, it has to make a great impression.
Start out by telling how you heard about the job – friend, employee, newsletter, advertisement, etc. This is especially important if you’ve been referred by a mutual acquaintance.
For example, if a friend recommended that you write someone he knows at a company, don’t start with “My friend, John Kamau, told me you have a job opening so I thought I would write.” That will not “wow” anyone.
Paragraph Two:
Here you should describe your qualifications for the job – skills, talents, accomplishments and personality traits. But don’t go overboard. Only pick the top three talents or characteristics that would make you stand out as a candidate.
Your résumé is there to fill in the details. When writing this, think about how you can contribute to this company and why your specific skills, talents and accomplishments would be best for the company.
Paragraph Three:
Paragraph Four:
Mention the enclosed résumé, give them a reason to read it in-depth (e.g., For my complete employment history and applicable computer skills, please see the included résumé) and ask for an interview.
Suggest a time and a way for you to follow up. Make sure you give the reader ways to easily contact you.
MAKE YOUR COVER LETTER STAND OUT
No#1 — Be yourself.
A “formula” approach is fine, but each letter should reflect your personality and your enthusiasm. Let it shine through. Take pride in who you are and what you’ve done. The reader is looking for a human being, a person who knows what he or she can offer and can express it well.
No#2 — Clearer expression.
Most people come close to expressing what they really want to say but usually miss the target. Take the time to craft your words and sentences to mean exactly what you intend and you’ll be in great shape. Ask others to review your letter/résumé to ensure that you’re communicating what you want to say.
No#3 — Write in the active tense.
Active verbs are the key when writing cover letters and résumés. Instead of saying, “...my best attributes include team play and motivating people,” say “I’m a dedicated team player who can motivate people…” The latter promises a go-getter employee – someone who can take action instead of waiting to be led by the hand.
COMMON MISTAKES
Writing to a department or title.
Using “Dear Sir.”
Many cover letter readers are women. If you cannot get the name and title of someone to write to, it’s safer to use either a job title or generic title like “Dear Human Resources Manager,” or “Dear Sir/Ma’am.”
Overusing “I.”Exaggerating your experience.
Forgetting to give the employer a way to contact you.
Forgetting to attach your résumé.
All the best
