If you want to write a good cover letter, there are five key components you should include in the basic cover letter format along with your full name, phone number and links to professional social media like your LinkedIn profile.
They are:
1. Address the hiring manager directly Your salutation is one of the first things a recruiter or hiring manager will see, so it’s important to get it right. Address the hiring manager by name if you can.
Using the hiring manager’s name is a simple way to grab their attention, whereas a general address like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” can feel too vague and generic.
2. Fill the gaps in your resume If you have any noticeable gaps in your work experience, address them in your cover letter. Likewise, if you lack formal qualifications for certain required skills but have used the skills in a professional environment, you should mention this in your cover letter. The best cover letter is one that supplements your resume rather than repeating its points.
3. Choose the right font and margins Even a generic cover letter can be elevated by the right formatting. As such, you should take care to choose the right font and margin sizes. A simple, readable, professional-looking font like Arial or Calibri will make your cover letter look good and increase readability. The margins of your cover letter should generally be one inch all around but no less than a half-inch.
4. Include the right keywords Just as your resume should mirror the language of the job posting, your cover letter should do the same. The presence of important keywords (skills and experiences that match the job description) will help your resume scan well for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. The right keywords will go a long way toward convincing a potential employer that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
5. Give examples When you give examples of your skills and certifications in action, you should be as specific as possible and use the
STAR method (which is commonly used for job interview behavioral questions) to format the answer in a concise and complete way. On top of these things, you should also make sure to put the company name and job title you are applying for in your opening paragraph.
Likewise, try to sum up the points you have made in your closing paragraph while providing a call to action to the hiring manager or recruiter reading your cover letter. If you want to write the perfect cover letter, you can check these
cover letter examples for inspiration.
