Excellent Cover Letters – The Key to Finding a Good Job

While we all know resumes are extremely important when applying for job, it is not necessarily the most imperative document you need to secure an interview. A strategically designed and targeted cover letter is an essential weapon for securing a job. In fact, where the resume is of limited value to employers (as they don’t know what kind of work you want to do), a cover letter tells the prospective recruiter exactly which position you are seeking.

Therefore, a cover letter proves incredibly useful in explaining things that a resume can’t. These can include changing the focus of your career, reentering the job market, and if you have large gaps in your employment history. A cover letter can explain these issues/problems in a positive way, hence making it easier for prospective employers to make their decision. So, how do you create an excellent cover letter? Read on to find out:

How to Write an Excellent Cover Letter

Below is an outline of how you can write an excellent cover letter. If followed correctly, the prospective recruiter will be convinced to call you in for an interview:

Start of the Cover Letter

1. At the top right corner of the page, writer the date and your contact details

2. Provide contact details of prospective recruiter

3. Start by saying “Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss”

Opening Paragraph

The opening of a cover letter should bring yourself to the attention of the reader. So, state exactly which position you are applying for and how you found the job listing. You can start with any of the following:

1. The job title

2. The vacancy for the job

3. Request a job opening

Secondary Paragraph

Provide information about yourself:

1. Education History

2. Work Experience

3. Ability to work with others and/or alone

4. Interests in your field

5. Interest in the company

6. Responsibilities in previous positions

Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph has to convince your prospective recruiter to take action. Take the initiative to thank the reader for his/her time and then close with:

1. Sincerely,

2. Enclosed (this will be your resume)

Tips for Creating an Excellent Cover Letter

Many recruiters often read the cover letter before assessing the CV. So, if the recruiter is not satisfied with the content provided, they won’t even consider reading your resume. To prevent this, you must:

• Perform significant research about the recruiter and the job before writing the letter.

• Write the cover letter in an engaging style and use relevant keywords appropriate to the job.

• Show that you made an effort to learn about the company and gained knowledge about the position.

Therefore, the cover letter has to be written specifically to suit the key requirements of the position. The letter cannot just say “take a look at my resume”. So, here are a few ways to convey the key message:

• I really want to work for a firm with your values

• You are my employer of choice and I would love to work for you

• I have received your website and understand what your business is looking for

• I believe my personality is a perfect fit for your organizational culture

Quick Tips to Keep in Mind

• Address your cover letter to an individual where possible.

• Write an appealing first paragraph to grab the reader’s attention.

• Highlight key experiences/skills/accomplishments.

• Relate yourself to the firm, wherever possible.

• Keep a positive tone (be cheerful and professional).

• Mention that you will follow up your letter.

So, now that you are familiar with the tips mentioned above, writing an excellent cove letter won’t be a problem.

Author Bio

Jhon Wellni is a professional blogger and recruiting expert. He is a consultant and content writer at writingcoverletters.net. He is always ready to help with filling social profiles for career purposes. He always stays ahead of career and recruitment trends.