The Ultimate Cover Letter Guide That Will Get You Hired

When applying for a job, you need something that gives you the best introduction even before your resume. The role of a cover letter is to provide a memorable introduction to the hiring manager so that they are interested in learning more. 

Before we understand how to write the best cover letter, let’s first look at why you need one. The cover letter is the ultimate elevator pitch to your potential employer. It highlights your motivation and why you are the best suited for that position. It is imperative, therefore, that you plan, so the content in the cover letter emulates the opening you target.

So what makes the cover letter different from the resume? While your resume provides essential facts about your career journey, the cover letter gives them personality. It is the first chance hiring managers get to understand the kind of person you are. When writing a cover letter, make sure it is unique, irrespective of how many job openings you are responding to. Customize your cover letter for each opportunity because each position requires a different kind of approach.

The basic outline for your cover letter should feature the following:

● An incredible introduction that stays in the reader’s memory.

● A detailed explanation of your competencies and expertise.

● A call to action as part of a brief but concise conclusion.

Cover Letter Content

One of the common challenges many applicants have is deciding what content to include in the cover letter. Since you are free to write anything, choose carefully the experiences you add from your career. Remember that the goal is to show the audience why you are essential to their company, and more importantly, the kind of person you are. Based on this information, your cover letter should tell the audience why you feel you are the right person to join their organization. It should respond to why you want to work for the company.

Secondly, the cover letter should address how your skills acquired and mastered over the years are suitable for the requirements of the job. Indeed, you were one of the top trainers in your recent employment, but how does that help the company hiring you? What are you bringing to the table? Along this angle, you should be thinking about how your job experience makes you the best candidate considering the job demands.

Adding Personality

Your cover letter expands on the resume. It should have a personal touch that makes the reader understand who you are. For this reason, you must identify the right tone and voice to use. It should be suitable for the company and position you are applying to and comfortably sell you as the best candidate. For example, the tone you use when applying to an engineering firm is not the same as what you use when applying to an art gallery.

Many people sound the same in their cover letters. It happens because they read and use samples without giving it a second thought. Try to write a unique cover letter. For those who use examples, remember that hiring managers come across so many of them regularly, so it will be impossible to fool them.

Value Addition

Companies are always hiring to add value to their organization, this being the crucial thing for them. You have to show the company why you are an essential asset they cannot afford to ignore. Use this opportunity to show them the benefits of bringing you onboard.

While you might be looking to sell yourself as an ideal candidate, you must also remember to keep the cover letter short enough to convey only the necessary information. Most people describe themselves in cover letters as creative, while in the real sense, they are not. Creative is more of a cliche to hiring managers. Why not use something different, like imaginative instead of creative, or tenacious in place of determination. Show the hiring managers that you are more than the average.

Compelling Letter

There are many tools you have at your disposal today that will help you boost your cover letter. Say you already have an active and engaging profile on LinkedIn and other online platforms. A hiring manager who reads your cover letter should see the same person in both. Your cover letter should be compelling. Consider writing an original message that shows them the story of your career, why you are where you are, how and why you are the best candidate for the job.

Why is the hiring company your best option? What makes you so unique that they should consider hiring you? Some of the things you can add that make your letter compelling include the workplace culture. You’ve researched the company and understand their business ethics, philosophy, and probably been party to their CSR efforts from time to time.

Irrelevant Information on Your Cover Letter

It would be fruitless telling you what to do about your cover letter without reminding you of some of the common mistakes applicants make. When writing a cover letter, try and avoid using irrelevant phrases and cliches. 

“I believe I have the right skills for this job.”

“Thank you for looking at my resume.”

“Contact me at your earliest convenience.”

These are some phrases that have been overused. Avoid words like thinking outside the box, forward thinker, and please feel free. Such words only irk hiring managers. Take your time and think about the letter. Go through it several times before you submit it. And most important of all, make it sound like you.

If you have more questions about writing the best cover letter, get in touch with us. We’ll guide and train you to write that job-winning cover letter.