What should be in a cover letter?

Writing a cover letter is an important part of almost all job applications. Not only do you need to make sure you sell your skills and abilities to recruiters, but you also need to do it clearly and concisely, which will ultimately convince the reader that they want to meet you.
A cover letter is the document you send with your resume (traditionally as a cover). However, it differs from a CV in that it is written specifically for the job you are applying for, rather than a written review of your skills and experience. allowing you to highlight some of the areas that you think might suit the role you need.
Yes, it's much faster and easier to get the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the company name, and submit it. But most employers want to see that you're really excited about the specific position and company, which means creating a personalized cover letter for each position you apply for.
While it's fine to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don't think about sending a 100% generic letter. If the company suspects that you are looking for a big job, your application will be trashed.
What should be in a cover letter?
Even though cover letters are much stricter than CVs, you still need to try to include some things. Here are some important things you should try to write in your cover letter:
Your personal information
The name of the company and the person you are contacting
Where did you find the vacancy?
Why are you interested in this job?
Why do you think you are a good fit for the job?
What you can do for the company
Closing statements (appreciate the time they give you)
How to write a cover letter
There are no hard and fast rules for writing a cover letter, in fact, it's important that it reflects your personality and what you do at work. To impress the recruiters, you need to make sure that the letter is good. Here are some examples to help you create and write the perfect cover.
The beginning of the letter
In this section, you will need to write why you are contacting the company. What is your goal? This paragraph should be short and to the point, explaining why you are contacting. You can tell them where you got the job offer and that it was from someone who referred you.
Example: I would like to apply for the position of journalist currently advertised in your company. I am attaching my CV for your review.
The second paragraph
In the second paragraph, you should talk about why you are the right person for the job. You will need to briefly outline what your professional academic qualifications are so that they know why they are suitable for the role. You should make sure you address every skill listed in the job description.
Example: As you can see in my attached biography, I have more than four years of experience in this field and I am confident that my knowledge and experience can bring great benefits to the job. The skills I have accumulated during this time make me the best candidate for this position.
The third paragraph
In this section you will need to talk about what you do and what you will contribute to the company. This is your chance to highlight what you can contribute. Summarize your career goals and expand on your resume's strongest points. Back up all your skills so they can see that you are fully qualified for the job.
Example: When I worked as a journalist at X company, I was responsible for increasing the client portfolio and increasing the company's income due to my work. (And give a brief description of what your work has been and, if necessary, include the names of former bosses or managers who can speak well of you if you need any references to convey truth and credibility to what you are conveying possible. ).
Four letters
In the fourth paragraph, you should reiterate your interest in the role and why you are the best person for the job (when repeating information, make sure the words are compelling to the reader). The interview is also a good time to let the company know that you want to meet the employer.
Example: I believe that I can receive a positive response to my application and thereby have a formal interview with the employer of the company. With my previous experience and knowledge, I am confident that I can start actively contributing to your business as soon as possible and have a good working relationship. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application.
Cover letter closing
At the end of the cover letter, sign "Sincerely" and your name. This way, you will sign the letter with authority and determination.
Remember that you should not write the same letter to all companies. The company needs to feel that you are well-informed about the job you are applying for, and above all, that you know the company well. Everything you say is true, and if they have any doubts, they can contact a reference to talk about your skills with someone who knows you well.
This way, the company will have more confidence in your application than any other application submitted to them, and they will be more likely to consider you. Your cover letter gives your resume a strong boost, so it's important to pay attention to detail. A) Yes, you will have the opportunity to enter a job that you are very interested in and make it your own.
Finding a job can take a lot of time - preparing quality documents to send to a potential employer is not an easy task. However, if everyone knows that a resume is mandatory for such a procedure, then the situation with the cover letter is not completely clear. Often you don't know what to write in it and whether it will be interesting for the recruiter or not. You probably want to send the bio itself, but is that a good idea?
What features of a cover letter can make it effective? What to pay attention to.
Do you always meet the demands of employers?
Sometimes you feel that it is unnecessary to write a cover letter for many reasons - it is problematic to prepare such a document, you think that you cannot write beautifully, or you are sure that no one will read it. Even when you are asked to send a resume and a cover letter, you ignore the latter.
However, do not forget that it is very important to meet the requirements of employers who have vacancies. It seems that the cover letter does not change anything, but its absence can deprive you of the opportunity to get the next job.
Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who receives many emails from job candidates in response to an ad. He has to reject some in order to invite the most qualified people to the next round of recruitment. If the ad clearly states "Please send your resume and cover letter" and only sees a resume attached to an email, there is a high chance that the application will be rejected. Requirements not met.
A cover letter does not require you to have writing skills. It's about providing the most important information about yourself that a recruiter can learn more about you than a resume. Attention should be paid to the appropriate form of this document. The right features of a cover letter can increase its effectiveness.
What does a cover letter look like?
Before we get into the content, it's worth mentioning what a cover letter should look like. This document is usually in the form of an application. Thus, the place and date are in the upper right corner, a little lower left - your information (name and surname, phone number, e-mail address), and then in the lower right - company or employer information, if if you know name.
You start the letter: "Dear ... / dear ..." and end with "Sincerely ...". Sign it manually if possible, but not required.
It is also useful to maintain the form of "introduction - body - conclusion" in the body. In the first section, you introduce the recruiter with your professional biography, then write about your achievements, what distinguishes you and makes you a good candidate for this position, and finally you should express your desire to meet during the interview.
Characteristics of a cover letter
What characteristics of a cover letter can affect its effectiveness? What to keep in mind when writing? What should the letter be?
Characteristics
To get more information, you can submit it in a general way called "vodichka". However, it is important to know that the details are the most important in the cover letter. It's not about showing off your writing skills, presenting fancy proposals, but about why you should be invited to the next round of recruitment. The recruiter cannot remember anything off-topic that does not interest him and does not attract him from the first offers.
Tailored to the recipient
If you write a cover letter according to the recipient, it is more likely that the recruiter will notice your interest in the position. You have prepared to look for a job, and if so, then you are not indifferent not only to work, but also to work in this company. For a potential employer, commitment is important from the first moment, because it is clear that he is looking for an employee who will become a member of the team and who will be motivated to act. Therefore, carefully read the information about vacancies and take it into account when preparing a cover letter.
Resume attachment
A good cover letter doesn't repeat what a recruiter finds on a resume. Therefore, this document should be an addition to the summary, not a repetition. You have the option to add things that don't apply to your resume. You can explain a change in industry or a big break in employment.
What other features of a cover letter can increase a candidate's chances of success?
Aesthetic
Of course, it is also necessary to make sure that the document looks aesthetically pleasing. However, it doesn't have to be completely minimalist, black and white, and too many colors aren't a good idea either. Use no more than two fonts, keep the margins, and bold the most important information.
Originality
You can find many examples of cover letters online. Ironically, you may be tempted to copy them and simply enter the data. But it is important to remember that other candidates can do the same. Therefore, the recruiter will receive several similar letters. Does it help you stand out from the crowd? Vice versa. Lack of originality can cost you in the later stages of recruitment.
A cover letter will help you get a job. However, its incorrect form reduces the chances of a candidate for a job, so you should definitely pay attention to the cover letter.
3 Cover Letter Examples
Example 1:
Teresa Cardenas.
Municipality of Libertador, km13.
1 / 01 / 2022.
Department of Public Health.
Military hospital.
I am a registered nurse at the Central University of Venezuela. I saw your job application on the page and I would like to apply for the advertised position of Nursing Supervisor. I studied and majored at UCV, and also worked three years of my professional career in social work.
However, during this time when I was not practicing nursing, I expanded my knowledge in Caracas. Thus, I completed a master's degree in public health at Andrés Bello Catholic University and practiced in different centers around the country.
I believe that my experience in Venezuela and my passion for the profession I studied can be useful for your company. Therefore, I remain at your disposal for the position pending a personal interview where I can talk about my skills in more detail.
(Phone number and email address).
Thank you for your time. I congratulate you,
Teresa Cardenas.
Signature
Example 2:
Edwin Duke. State of Miranda. 01 / 01 / 2022. Fire department.
I am a certified firefighter at the Miranda station, I worked for ten years first as a paramedic and then as a firefighter. I was a truck driver for a few months.
However, I would like to join the Caracas firefighter group because I noticed your request for another professional firefighter. This can be of great help to your reputable fire station. I took the courses, and after two years at Miranda, I got an opportunity to work as a highway crash rescuer, which was a day job.
I sincerely believe that my training and efforts in what I love can be of great benefit to your station. I would be happy to meet with you for a full presentation.
(Phone number and email address).
I am grateful for the time they gave me. hello bye
Edwin Duke.
Signature
Example 3:
Mark Vasquez. Caracas State.01 / 01 / 2022.
National Library. Bread House Publishing House.
I am good at writing fiction, horror and romance novels. I grew up surrounded by spelling and grammar by my parents and uncles, who taught me to love letters from a young age.
Professional in writing, I studied letters at UCV (Central University of Venezuela). I also took writing courses to improve my subject. I participated in republican contests with stories and novels, I feel like a winner in two novels and one short story. So far, I've only self-published one mystery romance novel. Knowing the rules of the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy), I live in constant study of new orthographic laws.
It would be great for me if you consider my profile as part of your editorial as a proofreader. Because my passion for the art of writing increased and it did not stay there, on the contrary, it is increasing day by day. I am proud to be a part of your editorial team.
Focusing on the face-to-face conversation, he sincerely says goodbye, Mark Vasquez.
Signature
A cover letter is one of the necessary documents in an active job search. The same curriculum should be updated regularly, this text should be strengthened from now on. On Formation and Research I'll give you 5 tips to improve your cover letter.
1. Structure of the letter
Organize your thoughts based on a clear plan that reveals the topic in the opening section to continue in the next chapter and finally reject the letter. Every part of this application letter is important in the introduction of the message, the development of the content and the closing. By taking care of the details of this composition, your letter can be improved.
2. The purpose of the cover letter
The format of the letter is not specific to this professional context. Think of it as an example of other letters you've written before. Any card that has a will prompt you to write this message. Therefore, to improve your application letter, think about the purpose of this letter in advance.
Just as it's appropriate to personalize curriculum content with the job position in mind, it's helpful to detail this focus in a specific example cover letter. Pay attention to the context when writing the letter. Remember what your goal is, and also consider who the receiver of the message is. In this written communication, you address the interlocutor.
3. Show the best version of you through words
In your cover letter, you have the opportunity to plan content, make changes and corrections in the draft before reaching the final result. Show the best version of you in this letter by providing clear and concise information about your professional letter.
How can your training help the applying company? Reflect on this question to clarify the content of the letter. The concept of empowering the best version of you is not an ego-driven phrase, but rather the humility to appreciate your talents and potential.
4. Reread your cover letter
If you want another outside perspective on your post, you can ask for second opinions in your cover letter. You can also write your letter and save it for a few days before reading it again. The passage of days will help you to place yourself further away on paper, changes and changes.
Therefore, it is recommended that you take the time to write this message, knowing that it is important. Reread your cover letter several times. But if perfection convinces you that you're never perfect enough to ship, give yourself a specific deadline to complete the process.
5 Creativity
How to distinguish a cover letter from other messages that candidates send to the company? Uniqueness. That is, authenticity. And to show this question in the letter, it is very important that you develop your creativity. And this creativity can also be closely related to job search motivation.
In this final phase of the year, many professionals begin to visualize their goals for 2020 at the workplace level. And job hunting may be on the horizon for many workers who want to improve their situation, pursue new dreams, and continue to grow in such an important area of ​​life. These 5 tips for improving your cover letter will help you achieve your goal.
Business Letter Format and Length: Your cover letter should be no more than one page and ideally, 250 single-spaced with a space between each paragraph that is not indented. Address the hiring manager and if you don't know their name, write "Dear Hiring Manager:" or "To whom it may concern:".
State your interest in the position in the first paragraph. If someone has contacted you, write their name. Briefly describe your skills and strengths that make you an excellent candidate for this competition
In the second paragraph, highlight specific experiences and skills from your resume that relate to what the employer is looking for in the Do research on the organization, such as visiting the website and reading the company's history and mission. Read the job description carefully. Use the language of the workplace or organization to show that you are knowledgeable and that your skills relate well to the position.
In the final paragraph, state your interest in the interview to discuss your skills and the position, thanking the hiring manager for considering you as a candidate. You can close with "Sincerely," followed by your name, email, and phone number.
People who can help you write your resume can also help you write your cover letter (see How to Write an Effective Resume Tip Sheet).
Aim for specificity and use keywords from the job post or organization to link what leads to the position. Avoid using overly formal or complicated language. For example:
Useful —> useful
Leveraged -> try it
Later —> later
Use transition words and phrases like "in addition" and "as a result" to create clear connections between sentences and paragraphs.
If you don't have any formal work experience yet, don't worry! Focus on the positive and other experiences you can have to get the position.
Disclosure: Remember that you do not have to disclose your disability on your application.
Share your cover letter: Every job Follow the instructions on how to send your cover letter. You can send your cover letter as the body of an email, as an email attachment (with your resume attached), or as a document uploaded to a website.