Some job seekers find writing a cover letter a dreary task. This is due to most of them unsure of what and what not to include in their cover letter. On the other hand, some job applicants go overboard. As you prepare your job search, our team of career experts has prepared a handy guide in writing cover letters. In this article, we’ll discuss six additional tips to apply in writing your own copy, and we’ll also show one of our cover letter examples.
True, there are some job offers that don’t require cover letters. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that cover letters are useless, or that you need not prepare one anymore. In fact, it might tip the scales on your favor and even land you that job. Why? First, cover letters act as the first meeting between you and the hiring manager. You can introduce yourself in a more welcoming and less rigid manner. Second, they can reflect your personality and communication skills, which your resume might not show. This way, you can impress the recruiters with a unique character in your letter.
The Best Cover Letter Examples are Result of These 6 Job Search Tips
Have you ever wondered why there are many cover letter examples online? It’s because aside from free resume builders and resume samples, job seekers actually look for cover letter samples to increase their hiring chances. That said; a handful of those samples played an integral role in the applicants landing their target job. If you’re looking for the X-factors with their cover letters, we’ve listed below 6 job search tips that you need to apply in your cover letter. Read on.
1. Research, research, research.
This is easier said than done. Yes, you might have read that job description over and over. But that piece of ad does not include company information that you need. You may read the ‘About Us’ on the company’s social media or website, and learn about their mission and core values. Browse online for related news that might inform you about their recent achievements and goals. These pieces of information will help you a long way in writing your letter. Finally, include some of them in your letter. Doing so gives your cover letter a personal touch.
2. Address the hiring manager by name.
When you address a person by name, you intend to grab their attention. And when the hiring manager sees their name, it means that you are writing this letter for them and not to any other person. This helps spark casualness, which could urge them to continue reading on.
Remember that your cover letter introduces you to the hiring manager in a personal way. Therefore, you want to call them with their actual name. Opening salutations like ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or ‘Sir/Madam’ gives off an impression that your copy is an insincere and readymade letter. Don’t know who to address? Go back to tip #1. Do a little research on the company website and look for the name of the hiring manager. If you can’t find a name, it’s better to go with ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ instead.
3. Paint a picture.
Unlike the resume that uses jargon specific to the industry, a cover letter can stress your experiences and qualifications in an interesting manner. The cover letter is not a wordy version of your resume; instead, it should be a complement to your resume.
Whether narrating a related experience in your past job or expressing your enthusiasm to join your target company, try to paint a picture in your reader’s mind. You can be as qualified as any other candidate who has the same set of skills. With a cover letter, you can show the company that you are their best choice with that convincing story in your cover letter.
4. Look for keywords in the job description.
You might know by now that resumes run through the applicant tracking systems (ATS). While cover letters need not undergo such screening, you may consider including keywords on your copy too. Mirror the job description wording in your cover letter by using the actual keywords or semantically related keywords. But as a caution, do not spam your letter with many keywords. Do not simply copy and paste words from the job description. In keeping with tip #2, spread the keywords throughout the letter, but maintain the creativity for your readers.
5. Keep it short and direct.
Good cover letter examples usually go for three to four paragraphs only. Hiring managers don’t have the luxury of time, so they won’t waste it reading through your lengthy letter. Hence, don’t waste time and effort yourself in narrating every job and experience. Make it easy for the hiring manager and yourself, too.
6. Proofread, proofread, proofread.
Sloppy spelling mistakes can be the simplest error, yet they can easily ruin your chances. According to Forbes, 70% of hiring managers rejects a cover letter once they encounter spelling and grammar errors. It is a waste of time and effort to write a letter only to find out that one careless typo did you in. Sending out a letter with errors is as reckless as not sending a letter at all.
Reread it and let a fresh set of eyes look at your work. Double-check the spelling, especially the critical details such as name of the company and the hiring manager. Also, it’s very important to write down your contact information correctly. You don’t want to miss a call or email just because of a simple mistake.
Job-Winning Cover Letter Example
Let’s put this cover letter sample into paper. Say that you encounter a sales representative job position like this one posted in LinkedIn, the job descriptions of which are listed below:
Responsibilities
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- Maintain working relationships with existing clients to ensure exceptional service and identification of potential new sales opportunities
- Identify appropriate prospects, set appointments, make effective qualifying sales calls, and manage sales cycle to close new business in all service categories offered
- Possess in-depth product knowledge and be able to conduct demos and relay objection handling
- Prepare professional, complete, concise and accurate reports, proposals, booking packages, and other documentation as required for executive-level presentations
- Achieve sales goals by assessing current client needs and following defined selling process with potential buyers, often utilizing product demos and presentations
- Coordinate with other sales reps to ensure company quotas and standards are being met, performing market research and regular competitor monitoring
Skills and Qualifications
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- 3-5 years in sales within a [CompanyX industry] setting
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, and organizational skills
- Bachelor’s degree
- Proven success rate at levels above quotas
- Ability to balance persuasion with professionalism
- Strong organizational skills
Here is how you can write your cover letter, following the 6 reminders we’ve listed above:
Cover Letter Sample
January 10, 2024
Josh Williams
Hiring Manager
ABC Company
5 South Parkway, Long Island, NY 11551Dear Mr. Williams,
Your recent job posting for sales representative has captured my serious interest. I am confident that my experiences as a retail salesperson provide me with the capabilities to meet your job requirements. In various roles in the retail sales sector, I have developed strong sales skills that have enabled me to build a record of sustained sales increases. I thrive on challenge and change, and I look forward to new opportunities to build positive customer relationships every day.
As a sales representative for ABC Company, I believe that my energy, analytic skills, organizational abilities, and creativity in tackling problems will make a positive contribution. While I am comfortable working independently to meet company goals, I could also work as part of a team. I have always been able to establish and maintain excellent relationships with clients and coworkers at all levels. My professional skills include:
- Identifying client needs and recommending appropriate products or services.
- Selling solutions to customers and then backing up those sales with first-rate service.
- Developing processes and strategies to increase potential sales opportunities and revenue.
- Accurately completing data research and analysis with little to no supervision.
If needed, I welcome the chance to provide you with additional information to explain in more detail what appears in my resume. I know you have a handful of other applications to review, so please let me know if you wish to further discuss your requirements and my ability to meet them. My contact details are indicated above, and I am available for a personal interview at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Have Resume Experts Help You Perfect Your Cover Letter
We hope that the cover letter sample above helps you get an idea on how to create your own letter for your job search. But even with that, are you still not sure how to write your perfect cover letter? We’ve got your back! Our writers can provide you best resume writing services for all your job search needs. Contact us today to learn more!
