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How To Write a Cover Letter in 2024

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24th Apr, 2024
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    How To Write a Cover Letter in 2024

    Do you want to demonstrate to your prospective employers that you are highly interested in their organization? Then, the best thing you can do is to learn how to write a cover letter! While every job applicant will send a resume, only those genuinely excited about the positions will take the time to write a cover letter.

    Approximately 77% of recruiters prefer to hire candidates who submit cover letters, even when it is mentioned as optional. As an HR executive in a reputable company, I consider cover letters to be valuable sources for assessing candidates.

    When I was searching for a job in my early days, I enrolled in KnowledgeHut online training courses to boost my skills and knowledge. Then, I considered cover letters redundant additions to a grueling job hunt. I have already shown my skills and experience gained with my certification. Do I need to reiterate them? Surprisingly, the answer is a BIG YES!

    A cover letter is a competitive advantage for your job application, as it explains career gaps, provides prospective ideas, and establishes a connection with the recruiters. Now, are you wondering how to write a cover letter? In this guide, I will walk you through the approach of writing a cover letter that will get you noticed more by employers, inching your way closer to your dream job.

    What is a Cover Letter?

    Are you seeking a job in this competitive era? The job application process can be long and exhilarating. You find yourself repeatedly attaching your resume and copying the information it contains into the form on the website. Nevertheless, you cannot skip the part of adding a cover letter to your applications.

    Now, what exactly is a cover letter? A cover letter is a one-page document that serves as an introduction of yourself to the recruiter. The document comprises a summary of your achievements, qualifications, skills, and personal qualities. It gives you the chance to stay top of mind with the recruiters and prioritize your candidacy for the role.

    A template sample cover letter for a job application
    Pinterest

    If you learn how to write a cover letter to accompany your resume, you can demonstrate your passion for the position to the employer, which will help you stand out from the candidates whose applications didn’t have one.

    While learning how to write a cover letter, I wondered to myself – Does my recruiter even read these pieces? Yes!

    A recent study from ResumeLab shows that 64% of job vacancies require sample cover letters for job applications. The bottom line is that a cover letter is a valuable tool for your job search collateral. Learn to nail your cover letter, and you could get hired for your dream role.

    Why is a Cover Letter Important?

    Are cover letters necessary? I hear this question a lot during workshops and on social media platforms. There is much debate on whether cover letters are still relevant. Before you learn how to write a cover letter, let me tell you the fact—cover letters are as important as your resume/CV. Why? Fishbowl by Glassdoor finds that 42% of participants might consider a cover letter a necessary toolkit in a job application.

    Here, I have revealed the importance of a cover letter and some benefits.

    Impress Employers

    Learning how to write a cover letter is the primary benefit. It will allow you to make a fine first impression on employees. A well-crafted cover letter will demonstrate your role-specific strengths and spark recruiters' interest in reading your resume.

    Provides Context to your CV

    Including a cover letter with your job application adds context to your CV and will help you address employment gaps in your career. Whether you took time to further your education or due to personal responsibilities, a cover letter is the perfect space to mention the reason.

    Showcases your Personality

    Your CV/resume is a document filled with facts. However, when you learn how to write a cover letter, you can bring your personality and skills to life. You can use the space to demonstrate your positive personal qualities, such as leadership and self-motivation, and other traits that might add value to the organization.

    Build a Strong Relationship with the Employer

    A compelling cover letter is a powerful tool for building strong relationships with employers. It allows you to demonstrate how your career goals align with the organization's interests. The employer will appreciate your unique blend of experience, skills, and personality, giving a glimpse into how you will make the position and company a better place.

    How To Write a Cover Letter

    You sit down to write a cover letter, open a document, browse good cover letter examples, and finally search on Google – how to write a cover letter, which possibly brings you here. When I was an active job seeker, I used to break into a cold sweat whenever I sat down and pondered how to write a cover letter. To ensure your letter is in its best format, I've got easy-to-follow steps plus examples below. Let’s dive in!

    Step 1 – Extensive Research

    Before you begin with how to write a cover letter, thoroughly read the job description, the requirements of the job, and about the organization. According to a survey, 49% of HR managers consider your cover letter to be one of the best ways to draw attention to your CV. I always advise aspirants to check out the job description and consider the following while writing their cover letter:

    • What are the priorities of the company?
    • What are the goals for the role?
    • What accomplishments from your previous roles match the objectives of the current role?
    • What are the company's key phrases?

    This will help you customize your cover letter, provide a better narrative to impress the hiring manager and demonstrate that you are a better fit for the role.

    Step 2 – Clear Header

    In the cover letter, you need to include a clear header with information about yourself. The details should include

    • Your first and last name
    • Phone number
    • Email address
    • Date
    • Name of the hiring manager, tile, city, and state of the company you're applying for.

    In addition, you can also add professional social media accounts like LinkedIn or a link to your portfolio of professional websites.

    Step 3 – Address with Proper Salutation or Greetings

    While writing your cover letter, make sure to address a real person by their name. It will make the letter personal and show the recruiters that you took time and effort in your research. You can simply make a greeting with ‘Hello (name)’. In certain cases, if you cannot find their name, you can use the following:

    • Dear Hiring Manager,
    • Dear team

    Step 4 – Engaging Introduction

    Now, it's time to write an intro paragraph that should captivate the attention of your reader. In this stanza, you will state who you are, what role you are applying for, and why you have chosen the company.

    You can lead this pace by mentioning an impressive accomplishment or featuring a belief statement that matches the values and goals of the employer. In other terms, you can show your passion and enthusiasm to market yourself as a driven candidate.

    Step 5 – Explain your Skill Set

    Take advantage of this section and prove to the prospective employer how your background and experience make you the best fit for the role. This section is extremely important if you are switching careers. Highlight your relevant achievements in your cover letter and explain how you can help the company address challenges and accomplish goals.

    Step 6 – Closing Paragraph

    The conclusion section of your cover letter is a call to action for employers. Rather than making an uninspiring finish, paint a picture of what it will be like to work with you. In the middle section, you have already laid out persuasive arguments and undeniable, impressive facts. Use the conclusion section as your final opportunity to describe some of your characteristics.

    Step 7 – Closing Salutation

    Don’t forget to close the letter using a formal signature. You can use terms like "Sincerely," "Regards," or "Best" for a professional sign-off. You can use your first and last name as your signature.

    Step 8 – Proofreading

    Proofreading your letter is as important as learning how to write a cover letter. Make sure it's error-free before you send it to the prospective employer. If possible, ask peers to review it for you, which will help you catch any tangled issues.

    Step 9 – ATS Optimization

    Nowadays, most recruiters use ATS (Application Tracking System) to screen applications and shortlist suitable candidates. Through the ATS database, your hiring manager will search for specific skills or keywords. Hence, make sure to optimize your cover letter to match the search criteria and secure a position in the list of top candidates. To optimize your cover letter, you should:

    • Carefully read the job description.
    • Take note of relevant skills and keywords.
    • Incorporate the keywords into the cover letter.

    Examples of Cover Letter

    Whether you want a sample for a cover letter with no experience or for a skilled professional, you can find countless templates in the digital space. These will help you to learn how to highly hone your skills and express your passion for the job. To help you out, I have compiled some good examples of cover letters for your reference.

    Sample 1: Sample Cover letter

    Sample Cover Letter
    Myperfectresume

    Sample 2: Cover letter for Graduates

    Cover letter for graudates

    Sample 3: Cover letter with no experience

    Cover letter with no experience
    Pinterest

    Sample 4: Cover letter explaining the gap in your CV

    Cover letter explaining the gap in your CV
    Pinterest

    Sample 5: Cover letter for career transition

    Cover letter for career transition
    Pinterest

    Sample 6: Cover letter for internships

    Cover letter for internships
    Pinterest

    Pro Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

    I have read thousands of cover letters in my career. If you think that sounds like a boring one, you are right. What I can tell you is most aspirants are terrible in their cover letters, which squandered their opportunities. A cover letter should be written in the right way to increase your chances of getting an interview.

    So, let me give you some pro tips on how to write a cover letter in the right way!

    • Keep it brief – Your cover letter should not be more than one page and include only four paragraphs. Excess or little information will frustrate the employer, leaving a bad impression on your application.
    • Focus on format—Always use standard business letter format when writing cover letters. They should look professional. Don’t underline, italicize, or bold anything that is not consistent information.
    • Be confident—Avoid using phrases like ‘I believe’ or ‘I feel’. Instead, use phrases like ‘I am confident’ or ‘I am positive’ to show your confidence to the employer.
    • Count on customization- Your cover letter should be specific to the job requirements for which you are applying. If you are answering a job position, try to include the relevant keywords in your cover letter. Instead of using the general ‘to whom it may concern’, try to address the letter to the hiring authority.

    Conclusion

    So, you've found a job vacancy that fits your skills the best. You feel like you will excel in the role, and the company seems like a great platform for which to work. While you plan to customize your resume, don’t forget to learn how to write a cover letter!

    A cover letter is your first, maybe your only chance to impress the employer. However, don't let that fact intimidate you. I always consider a cover letter as an opportunity to shine. It gives a glimpse of your success, personality, experience, and enthusiasm, which all play a pivotal part in helping you land the dream job.

    When you learn how to write a cover letter, be honest, genuine, and professional.

    While you have learned about how to write a cover letter, have you thought of upskilling yourself for a better career path? I recommend every aspirant to enroll in Online Free Training Courses! The certificate program is designed to prepare you for professional examinations or assessments related to our field.

    Join the course today and stay ahead of the competition!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1Do I need a cover letter for my resume?

    Yes, you need to learn how to write a resume cover letter. Experts say cover letters play a vital role in hiring decisions. Most employers consider cover letters an important part of any aspirant’s toolkit. A cover letter is a robust medium where you convey your skills, commitment, and enthusiasm to the recruiter. It will make you stand out from applicants with the same background and experience.

    2What is the purpose of a cover letter?

    Learning how to create a cover letter is primary. The purpose is to convince the employer that you are a great candidate, encouraging them to read your resume and interview you. The cover letter complements your resume/CV by making it easy for employers to see how your interests and experience suit the position. It offers the prospective employer a glimpse of your passion and skills.

    3How long is a cover letter?

    Once you learn how to write a good cover letter, you might ponder its perfect length. Generally, a cover letter should be between half a page and a full page long. Make sure to aim for 250-400 words, encompassing three to six paragraphs. For instance, if you are an entry-level candidate, aiming for 200 words for a cover letter can be ideal. It allows the candidates to provide a concise explanation of their experience, skills, and what they can offer to the organization.

    Profile

    Abhresh Sugandhi

    Author

    Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

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