If you want to land a good job, make sure you know how to write a great cover letter. A good cover letter will capture the attention of a busy recruiter and get you the interview you need. Keep reading and learn how to compose an effective cover letter.
How To Write A Great Cover Letter
The most important goal when you write a motivation letter is to capture the attention of your reader (engage him) and spark interest to further look at your CV/Resume with attention.
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Find below the optimal cover letter structure.
Use Our Optimal Cover Letter Structure
Probably the most important advice in how to write a cover letter: Keep it simple, and make it short.
Probably the most important advice in how to write a cover letter: Keep it simple, and make it short.
Make sure you spark interest, and do not forget to use the spell-check.
1st Part: Salutation (One-Liners)
Salutation
- You should always try to address the cover letter to the recruiter/manager who will be reading it. Use LinkedIn and track the person who is more likely to be the hiring manager.
- If you don’t have that information, just go for a: “Dear Sir or Madam”, “Dear Hiring Committee”.
One sentence reference
- Refer to the application details, so that the cover letter can be linked to a hiring process.
- For example: “This is an application for the Junior Aluminium Trader position Ref. 1235”
2nd Part: Body (Short Paragraphs)
First Paragraph: Who Am I?
- Indicate your current job or major
- If applicable, indicate the name of the person who recommended you
- What are your best selling points or accomplishments?
- Use action words such as created, developed, introduced, increased, managed, mobilized, pioneered, raised, reduced (for costs and negative dimensions), reorganized, solved, and upgraded.
- Use solid adverbs such as collaboratively, consistently, decisively, positively, proactively, rapidly, and successfully.
- Avoid toxic words such as abandoned, failed, gave up, lost, stress, weak, and withdrew.
Second Paragraph: Why Did I Chose To Apply?
- Why did this company and position spark your interest?
- Create a connection with specific projects, values, or culture.
Third Paragraph: Why Should You Hire Me?
- What do you bring to the table?
- Support your claims with evidence and link it to information in your CV/Resume
- Remember that this is the fundamental question; why should they hire you?
3rd Part: Closing (Very Short Paragraph)
- State that you are looking forward to an introductory meeting or call.
- Provide your contact details here again (email and phone number).
- Indicate the best way to reach you.
- Say thanks
- Name and signature
Final tips
- Remember that recruiters read hundreds of cover letters per day. Try to make their life easier and write clearly and concisely.
- Use an easy-to-read font such as Open Sans, Roboto, or Arial in a generous size.
- Do not exceed the length of an A4 page. It shows the ability to focus on the important.
- Avoid starting sentences with “I”, as it sounds amateurish. Sound professional!
- Customize your cover letters to each of your applications and proofread each letter.
Now that you know how to write a great cover letter, it’s time to apply.
Did you find a good job posting? Make sure your CV is also ready and apply soonest! Next, remember to prepare your interview and crack it!
