How to Write a Cover Letter That’ll Actually Get You Hired

Writing a cover letter is a daunting, but important, step in the job application process. A cover letter is a chance to introduce yourself to the employer and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. It should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Follow these tips to write a strong cover letter that will get you noticed by potential employers.

Research the company and the position

It’s essential to research the company and the position you are applying for before you start writing your cover letter. This will help you tailor your letter to the specific needs of the company and show that you are a good fit for the role. Look for information about the company’s culture, mission, and values on their website or through online research. This will give you a sense of what the company values and what they are looking for in a candidate.

You should also review the job posting and make a list of the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of the position. For example, if the job posting mentions that the company is looking for a candidate with strong communication skills, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your cover letter.

Use a professional tone and structure

Your cover letter should be written in a professional tone and have a clear structure. Start with a greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Follow this with a brief introduction that states the position you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity.

In the body of your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the position and why you are qualified for the job. Use specific examples from your past experiences and skills to demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the position. Emphasize your achievements and accomplishments that are relevant to the role you are applying for.

End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes your qualifications and expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Thank the employer for considering your application and include your contact information, including your phone number and email address.

Explain why you are qualified for the job

In the body of your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the position and why you are qualified for the job. Use specific examples from your past experiences and skills to demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the position. Emphasize your achievements and accomplishments that are relevant to the role you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a customer service position, you might mention your experience working in a similar role and the skills you have developed, such as strong communication and problem-solving skills. If you are applying for a marketing position, you might mention your experience creating successful marketing campaigns or your ability to analyze market trends.

Use keywords from the job posting

Incorporating keywords from the job posting into your cover letter can help your application stand out. Review the job posting carefully and look for specific skills and qualifications that the employer is seeking. Use these keywords in your cover letter to show that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.

For example, if the job posting mentions that the company is looking for a candidate with strong communication skills, make sure to mention your communication skills in your cover letter. If the job posting mentions that the company values teamwork, you might mention your experience working on a team in a previous role.

Keep it concise

Your cover letter should be concise and to the point. Aim for around three paragraphs and keep the total length to one page. Avoid repeating information from your resume and focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.

Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make your cover letter easy to read and scan. Be sure to use clear and concise language and avoid using jargon or technical terms that the employer may not be familiar with.

Use a professional font and layout

In addition to the content of your cover letter, the font and layout are also important. Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using decorative or fancy fonts (no Comic Sans!), as they can be difficult to read and may not come across as professional.

Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your cover letter and make it easy for the employer to scan. You might consider using bullet points to highlight your achievements and skills, as this can make your cover letter more visually appealing.

Address any gaps in your work history

If you have gaps in your work history, it’s important to address them in your cover letter. Don’t try to hide these gaps or leave them unexplained – it’s better to be honest and upfront about them.

If you took time off to care for a family member, you might mention this in your cover letter and explain how this experience has helped you develop skills like organization and time management. If you were laid off or fired from a previous job, you might mention this briefly and explain what you learned from the experience.

Personalize your cover letter

One of the keys to writing a strong cover letter is to personalize it. Don’t just use a generic template – take the time to tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are interested in the specific role and have taken the time to customize your application.

You might consider mentioning something specific about the company or the position that caught your eye. For example, you might mention a company value or mission statement that resonates with you, or a specific project or initiative that you are excited about. This will show the employer that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in working for their company.

Customize your cover letter for each job

While it’s important to have a strong cover letter template that you can use as a starting point, it’s also equally as  important to customize your cover letter for each job you apply for. Don’t just use the same cover letter for every job – make sure to tailor it to the specific position and company.

To customize your cover letter, review the job posting carefully and highlight the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Then, make sure to incorporate these skills and qualifications into your cover letter. For example, if the job posting mentions that the company values teamwork, you might mention your experience working on a team in a previous role.

Customizing your cover letter for each job will show the employer that you are genuinely interested in the specific role and have taken the time to tailor your application.

Keep it professional

Avoid using slang or informal language, and make sure to use a professional tone throughout. You should also try not to include too much personal information in your cover letter. While it’s okay to mention your interests or hobbies if they are relevant to the job, avoid discussing personal details like your age, religion, or political beliefs.

End with a strong closing

End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes your qualifications and expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Thank the employer for considering your application and include your contact information, including your phone number and email address. This is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and make it clear that you are the best candidate for the job.

You might consider ending your cover letter with a statement like:

“I am confident that my skills and experiences make me an excellent fit for this position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team and make a positive impact at [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this opportunity further.”

Proofread and edit

Before you submit your cover letter, be sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors and make sure that your cover letter is easy to read. Consider having a friend or colleague review your cover letter for feedback and suggestions.

It’s also a good idea to customize your cover letter for each job you apply for. Don’t just use the same cover letter for every job you apply for – make sure to tailor it to the specific position and company. This will show the employer that you are interested in the specific role and have taken the time to customize your application.