Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

Many job seekers think that writing a cover letter is a daunting and anxiety-inducing task, but more than half of employers prefer candidates with cover letters. It helps them to know the candidate in a nutshell.

Missing a cover letter means missing a lot of interviews. Not having a cover letter attached to your candidature means…almost the same.

If you don’t know how to write a cover letter, do not worry. We’ve got you a beginner’s guide on how to write cover letters.

Understanding the purpose of a cover letter

The cover letter is a document you attach with your resume to furnish detailed information about your work. It confirms all information about your work done in the past and gives the hiring manager relevant details about your experiences and how your skill set aligns with the role. It also intimates to them about what you bring to the table and what has brought you to this position. Cover letters also allow the recruiter and hiring manager to develop a better understanding of your suitability for a position.

Points to be considered-

Your cover letter impacts the employer and makes a first impression on them. In addition to this, employers tend to favor CVs that are accompanied by a cover letter. So, before they make a special request, make sure you have your CV and cover letter ready as a mandate.

Cover letters that stand out are well-written documents that are attractive enough to a potential employer or hiring manager. It should be unique or interesting in a way that makes it different from the letters that other candidates submit.

Researching the company and position

Emphasize your personal value and thoroughly research the company while writing a cover letter for the new job. Hiring managers look for candidates who can help them solve problems faced by the company. On the basis of your research for creating a cover letter, showcase how the company had faced challenges earlier and how people have dealt with them. The problem area doesn’t need to be specific but you need to be clear. For example, you might write, “Millions of healthcare companies are overwhelmed with the need to provide high-quality care while protecting the health and safety of their staff.” Then you may talk about your experience and how you are equipped to meet those needs. Or maybe, you can explain how you solved a similar problem in the past or share a relevant accomplishment that has benefitted your company in the longer run. While explaining this in your cover letter, you might be expected by the employer to furnish evidence. Do not forget to provide reference links or numbers for the same.

Structuring your cover letter

Offer a possible structure for a cover letter, such as:

Opening paragraph: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position.

While addressing your cover letter, ensure that the correct person is mentioned. Mostly, it should be addressed to the hiring manager. Make it clear which role you are applying for and write it on the top. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, simply ask the recruiter who has called you or simply write ‘To whom it may concern’.

Second paragraph: Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience

Edit your information correctly and not slavishly just to match the job description. Doing so is a bad practice, and a recruiter may get to know if you have deliberately stuffed keywords or skill sets to match the requirement. Where your skills and experience genuinely fit the criteria, do not hesitate to mention it upfront. Mention the crossover between them, but don’t use every word or listed skill set to describe yourself in your cover letter.

Third paragraph: Explain how your skills and experience align with the company’s mission and values

Use the cover letter to demonstrate all the skills you possess that are requisite for the job. Narrate how the role will impact your greater career goals, and how you can bring value to the table and use your skills to grow within the organization. Talk about the work culture the company provides and articulate why you want to work for the company that will further refine your career goals. Highlight your past accomplishments and any other additional skills or certifications you may have that would benefit the organization if you were selected to fill the position.

Closing paragraph: Thank the employer for considering your application and express your interest in further discussing the position

Moving towards closure, always put words of thanks to the employer or recruiter who has called you for the position.

Conclusion

A cover letter can be a make-or-break factor in a job application. But when it is often challenging to know how and where to start, NLB Services has tips for you that are helpful and by following the above tips in this article, you’re sure to create a cover letter that will bring your CV to life.

NLB Services