Writing an influencing cover letter is only possible if you learn some of the basic essentials. particularly in terms of content and style. Therefore, I have listed 32 top tips below that will begin to help you with writing your cover letter.
Also, you should describe your interest towards the prospective job so that the employer knows about your ambitious nature, as it tells your employer about your educational and professional achievements. However, I always suggest undertaking your own research too.
1. Do not send a cover letter to an address without specifying the name of the recipient.
For sure, you do not want your cover letter to be turned down due to being unnoticed, therefore, do not send it to a general name such as a “personnel manager” or “relevant staff”. Just spend some minutes on finding out that the employer is so that the cover letter will be delivered to the right person.
2. Determine what your uniqueness is
It is very necessary for you to make a list to show off what things make you different from the others. In this way, your cover letter not only can help the readers recognize your own values, but it also makes you become more competitive compared with other candidates.
3. Spare your thoughts with specifics
Employers often claim that generally, during recruitment process, many job seekers forget to focus on required criteria. Therefore, pay attention to make your cover letter focused.
4. Number of reference
In case, the job that you’ve applied requires a number of references, do not forget to include it in your cover letter.
5. The language used in a cover letter
It is wise to use enriched and concise language. Even in case you write the cover letter in the first person, using language in the right way is of great usefulness.
6. Be ready to sell point
Now it is time for you to start show off your main selling points. For example, you can write: “As can be seen from my CV, my current working position at ABC Limited is Senior Project Manager. The assigned tasks that I have to take responsibility for are to make plans and manage contracts…”
7. How should your cover letter be printed
Your cover letter should be always printed in such quality paper. Just in case of being requested by the employer, you should write it by hand.
8. Flaunt your achievements
It is proved that potential employers pay much attention to what you have achieved so far. However it will be wise of you to mention just some of your successes that best advertise your relevant experience or related skills that needed for the vacancy. You are advised to make a list of your biggest achievements that meet the requirements of the job and show off your capacity most.
9. Your cover letter should be sent to a certain person rather than to a department
Do not hesitate to make a direct phone call to determine who the suitable addressee is. When sending your cover letter, remember to use your formal language (Mr., Ms., Dr.,), and never just use their first name – even in case you know them so well in private.
10. The length of a cover letter
A cover letter should be included in one A4 sheet of paper only.
11. The title of a cover letter
It is advised that the name of the person handling with the application documents should be correctly written, along with his correct title and current position. In addition, do not shorten his first name.
12. Make your cover letter private
Why is doing this is of great importance? For starting your cover letter by addressing a certain name of an individual will be of a help in creating a faster connection with the reader rather than you only add such a general salutation to your cover letter.
13. Put the layout under consideration
Following the content, the layout is considered to be the second important part of writing a good cover letter. Many related issues need to be considered and it is vital for you to use such bullet-point so that the cover letter will become much easier for the employer to read. In addition, it is also of great importance that you have to include the whole cover letter in one page of A4 sheet only.
14. Don’t feel afraid to follow up your cover letter
When your application package had been submitted on time and the deadline for handing in the job application was over one week ago and so far you have not got any reply. In this case, do not hesitate to ask whether the employer has got your cover letter and the resume or not, and by the way, gently restate how suitable you are for the vacancy advertised. Thanks to doing this, your chance of being granted an interview is bound to increase.
15. Make sure that your cover letter brief enough
Your cover letter should not be included in over one page. If possible, remember to break your letter down to short paragraphs and use bullet points properly. Do not use too many lengthy words while fewer ones have the same values.
16. Be assertive and proactive.
Clearly state the outstanding skills and qualities that you can apply to the job. In the meanwhile, do not say about such things that the job will bring to you. Avoid using such non-sense clichés, for example, “I am a self-starter” or “I am a popular and qualified”. Active expressions of words and phrases are advised to be used, while “are” and “is” is suggested to avoid using.
17. Make necessary change in the cover letter to suit the specific company best.
Do not give general and typical praise to the company. It is very important that you can give such detailed information and present your deep knowledge about the company. Besides, make sure that all the sources of news on recent events of the company that you refer in your letter are rightly mentioned.
18. Tailor your cover letter for each application.
Different jobs require different aspects from your background. That is the reason why, for each applied job, different experiences and skills should be included in. For example, your excellent writing skill cannot make a good impression on such employers that are offering a research position.
19. In case you are writing about your non professional experiences, do not forget to make them have the style of “business speak”
Make good explanations on such class-related, social and volunteer activities that have helped you make good adaption for different kinds of tasks.
20. Follow up by saying a “thank you”
A “thank you”, Though short, can be a great help in showing your interest in the job and in addition, it also can help the employers keep you in mind for the position.
21. Do not make your cover letter be a diary about your previous job.
It is useful that you say to the potential employer about your jobs in the past. However, avoid stating too much on such responsibilities you had taken, instead, you should let them know more about your best achievements with impressive figures. For instance, you can say about your success in rising sales by 10 %, which gives a better impression on the employer than saying you used to be the best sales representative.
22. Pronouns are not advised to be used.
Because the cover letter is not like a typical letter, thus, such first pronouns as “i” or “mine” or “my” should not be included in your cover letter. Let them out of the cover letter as much as possible.
23. Personal and improper information should not be included in the cover letter.
For your cover letter is not very spaceful, that is why it will be a waste if you mention too much private or irrelevant information in the cover letter to the recruiter.
24. Passive voice should not be used
It is a must that your cover letter consists of strong and clear verbs; therefore, using such verbs to show off your achievements is very efficient. Your cover letter will be fulfilled with more interests if it includes some verbs like “coordinate”, “achieve”, “manage” or “implement”.
25. Do not sending a general content cover letter:
Although, in fact there is no change in such working experiences you have got, the content of your cover letter should be tailored to make it be more suitable and meet the requirements of the offered job. Take an example, if you are looking for a job as a salesperson, such information you should bring in the cover letter must be different from that once you are looking for a job as a manager. You cover letter should be written in accordance with the job you are applying for and this will be extremely useful because the employer can more easily address you as one potential candidate for the job.
26. Do not make mistakes on typing, spelling or grammar
Do not spend a couple of minutes on reviewing your cover letter carefully for such mistakes of typing, spelling and grammar before you decide to mail it. Facts have shown that a lot of applicants have been turned down due to such careless mistakes in their cover letters.
27. Appearances are of much important.
High quality white paper should be used since this kind of paper is thicker than the paper in typewriters or printers. Do not ever use complex or colorful stationery. A clean final copy of your cover letter should be printed to be sent, not a photocopy.
28. Let the employer judge your skills himself
Your task is to present your skills and qualifications but avoid telling the employer that you are the most suitable candidate for the vacancy. Otherwise, the employer may think you are over confident and too self-centered. Instead, make your potential employer impressed with your real skills and let him assess you to be the best one for the job he is offering.
29. Read and review your cover letter
Typing errors may make your cover letter be a useless piece of paper. Thus, remember to check grammar, spelling and most importantly, pay special attention to the spellings of names. In addition, it is advised to get others to proofread your cover letter – they can be the ones who find out some missing things in your letter. By the time you decide to send your cover letter, make certain that your resume and any other required items should be attached with the letter to make a full application package.
30. Avoid repeating words.
Despite the importance of using verbs, keep in mind to use many alternative verbs. Do not just use some very regular verbs again and again during your cover letter. Instead, it will be a lot greater if you can find some replacements for a verb; of course, they must have same meaning and can be used in different ways for the same situation.
31. Do not make too many errors or use boastful presentation.
As we all know, the content is considered the most vital part in a cover letter, however, the way it is presented also plays a quite important place. It is advised that you had better use uniform formats: similar font, size of word or heading. It is not necessary to use so stylish or creative fonts rather than the conventional or colorful ones if the job does not require the creativity. General speaking, the cover letter should be presented in a clear, simple and professional way.
32. Dot not send a cover letter without a cover letter:
It is a pity that many people send a very attractive cover letter but forget to attach a cover letter. Your cover letter and cover letter are integral parts. Thanks to the cover letter, you have a real proper tool to show the employer about such skills and experiences you have gained and prepared for the jobs.
NoTe: Cover letters play an important role in presenting your professional personality. Make it attractive and impressive for the employers and follow the above great tips for effective writing.
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