Your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager. Here’s how to make sure your cover letter gets you that job interview.
If you’re looking into applying for a job, you probably know that you need two things: a resume and a cover letter. Both of these things can be complicated and daunting to approach if you don’t know how to write them. However, with the right approach, you can write a cover letter that puts you in position to get you the job.
Whether you know nothing about cover letters or just want to refine your cover letter-writing skills, here’s what you need to know.
A cover letter is submitted alongside your resume, is written in a much more conversational tone than your resume, and is usually your passport to asking for an interview. With a cover letter, you get a chance to present yourself fully to the company you’re interested in working with, and they get a chance to understand you a little bit more.
The basics of cover letters are fairly simple. Most commonly, a cover letter is one page, and typically it’s a few paragraphs long. This cover letter should be easy to read, and you can use bullet points to make it easier for a recruiter or hiring manager to scan through it.
Even if the job listing doesn’t actively indicate that you need a cover letter, you should be prepared to submit one. Not only will most hiring managers expect a cover letter, but it also helps your chances tremendously.
Think of your resume as an overview of your career, including your education, work history and skills. On the other hand, you can use a cover letter as a more detailed introduction to your best qualities, and a chance to make a case for the company to consider hiring you. Sure, your work history and skills are important, but getting into more depth about how you’ve benefited your previous companies and how you can contribute to your next job will allow a hiring manager to understand those qualifications.
Yes, you do really need a cover letter. Even if the job listing doesn’t state that you need to include a cover letter, you still need one. In today’s job market, unless you’re applying for an entry-level job or the employer specifically states you don’t need a cover letter, plan on writing them.
A cover letter gives hiring managers an idea of what you can do for the company. Remember, as a potential employee, you’re trying to present yourself as the candidate the company is looking for. The hiring manager is also trying to select the best option out of a pool of applicants. You want to rise to the top of the pool by differentiating yourself, and a cover letter is one means of doing so.
You also need to make sure that the cover letter you submit with every job application is unique. Although it can feel time-consuming to write a brand-new cover letter with every job application, this will make sure that you’re presenting yourself to your best advantage to every potential employer. Plus, it’s important to tailor your letter to the specifics of a job description.
In fact, if you’re applying for similar jobs or jobs in the same field, you don’t have to rewrite the cover letter from scratch every time. Use your first cover letter as a template, adjusting and changing anything you need to match job opportunities at other locations. This way, you get a unique cover letter for every job application while also saving time on the letter-writing process.
A cover letter template can make a huge difference when it comes to writing your cover letter. Not only can the template help you avoid creating from scratch, but it’s also a great way to see the best option when it comes to different industries and different jobs. A cover letter template is a great tool to have in your pocket for this exact reason.
Remember that you should look for cover letter templates specific to the industry and even the job you’re applying for. Your cover letter is going to look much different if you’re a cosmetologist versus if you’re an IT professional. Look at our wide selection of cover letter templates to find a design that works for the job you’re applying for.
An effective cover letter is one that compels a potential employer to call you in for an interview. In general, your cover letter will be more effective if it’s highly professional, effectively showcases your skills, and it gives hiring managers a good idea of your personality and how you will approach work. This can be the difference in getting favored over other job seekers.
Cover letters will vary depending on the job and your particular skills, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be more likely to get a callback from the jobs you apply to, making your job search more fruitful. To go the extra mile, use ResumeHelp’s cover letter builder and examples to create a cover letter that looks amazing and is professional.
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