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What is a Cover Letter and How to Write the One that Will Get You the Job?

Most high-powered job openings make it mandatory for candidates to submit a cover letter along with a resume. For this reason, we recommend utilizing a professional cover letter template to save yourself some time and succeed in the job search.
Always remember that for any coveted job position you might have to compete with hundreds of other candidates. Therefore, you need to prepare a cover letter that helps showcase your originality and creativity.
A great way to get started is to choose from the variety of cover letter templates available.
So, without further ado, let’s get down to brass tacks.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a concise document that is submitted along with a resume or CV. It must include your credentials such as your educational background and previous job description. If you have additional qualifications or a professional license, then it is a good idea to include this information as well in your letter.
While a resume is brief and to the point, a cover letter is more detailed. It allows you to paint a vivid picture of why you were inspired to apply for this particular job. A resume is more like a summary of your career trajectory but a cover letter gives you the chance to help hiring managers get to know you as a person.
A well-written cover letter conveys to the hiring panel your motivations and career goals and explains why you are the ideal candidate for the job. So, job seekers must put both time and effort into the process to create a great cover letter.

Is the cover letter becoming a thing of the past?

No, cover letters are by no means a thing of the past. Yet. It really depends on the organization that you are applying to. Since the recruitment process now happens online a lot of companies do not ask candidates to submit cover letters.
In fact, most organizations now have their own application form on their website. By filling in this form, you basically provide recruitment panels with the same information that you would add to your cover letter.
However, if you are submitting your CV by e-mail, it might be a good idea to go the extra mile and attach a cover letter. Chances are that the extra effort will pay off and get you noticed by a hiring manager. After all, employers usually want people who will be willing to put in the extra effort.
In case, a vacancy advert explicitly mentions that it requires cover letters from all applicants then you must submit them. So, make sure you pay close attention to the instructions in a job posting.

What are the benefits of using a Cover Letter Template?

• There are numerous benefits of using a cover letter template. To give you a quick overview, we have outlined the most salient information in bullet points down below:
• For starters, professional cover letter templates give your letter a polished look. These templates can often be found online for free. So, you do not have to worry about paying an additional cost to get that perfect cover letter.
• Secondly, the free templates are very cost-effective. Instead of making the whole letter from scratch, you can just use pre-made templates and add your personal information. It gets the job done in minutes.
• These templates are available in different formats. If you want to highlight your professionalism, use a modern one. For a job that requires originality and flair, use a creative cover letter template. Basically, you can match your template to the job title you are applying for.
• You can also turn to examples that can be found online to get a better idea of the kind of information that you need to include in your own letter.
• Finally, the best templates help you avoid common formatting mistakes. These can include using unprofessional fonts or inappropriate font sizes. However, these problems are taken care of when you use a professional cover letter template because the color scheme and font are pre-designed and you just need to input your information.
• Indeed, using a modern template can vastly improve your chances of getting an interview call.

What are the types of Cover Letters?

There are a couple of different types of cover letters. Below, we highlight the key differences between these types:

Application letter

This is the kind of cover letter that is submitted when an employer specifically asks for one. Please note, that application letters cannot be generic under any circumstances. Each application must be tailor-made for the specific role that you are applying for. You must impress upon recruiters that you are the go-to person for that job.

Inquiry letter

It is a type of cover letter that is usually written to an organization to request information regarding upcoming job vacancies. You can use a standard format for a letter of inquiry. To get the format right, use a cover letter template. As for content, the norm is to include information regarding your current job description and your own experience up to date. We also advise job seekers to mention why they think that they will be a good fit for that company. Always make sure to include your contact information on the off chance that the organization gets back to you. If you market yourself well, then there is a high chance that they will respond directly after receiving your application.
Now, that you are on the right track you need to keep this information in mind whenever you apply for any job because it is important that you submit the correct type of cover letter.

How to draw the recruiter’s attention with your Cover Letter?

Here are some expert tips for writing an attention-grabbing cover letter:

1. Keep it short and sweet

Most hiring managers do not have a lot of time on their hands. Often, they go through hundreds of applications in a day. So, it is unlikely that they will read beyond the first page. Your task is to condense the most relevant information into a single page. Using a cover letter template will give you a better idea of the number of sentences that you need to write.

2. Keep them interested

You need to grab their attention from the get-go. Do not open with standard or generic lines like how you came to know about the job opening. Just jump straight into the heart of the matter and give them something that will make them sit up and take notice. This could involve mentioning the number of years that you have invested in your job or telling them about an award you bagged for your contributions at the workplace. You need to set yourself apart from other candidates. Sometimes, all you need to catch the recruiter’s attention is a good-quality cover letter template. So take your time choosing the one that will suit you best.

3. Do your homework

It is essential that you understand the dynamics of the organization before you send in your cover letter. Read their job description and pay close attention to key details. You should also skim their official website to get a better idea of the work environment. Based on your research, you can adjust the tone and writing style of your letter.

4. Emphasize your skillset

The most important thing is to highlight your skills and capabilities. You need to show them what you can bring to the table. Make sure that you let them know if you have experience in a specific niche. The point is to portray yourself as a person of action rather than just someone who can use professional jargon.

What mistakes to avoid while writing a Great Cover Letter?

• If you want to set yourself apart, you need to sidestep some of the common mistakes people make when writing a cover letter.
• Bad grammar is a big No-No: The quickest way to kill your chances is to submit a document that is full of typos. If you are using Microsoft word to write your letter, make sure you use the spell checker to weed out any embarrassing errors. Google doc is a good alternative. Use it to create an initial draft and then proofread before finalizing the letter.
• Tone matters: It is important to use the right words in your cover letter. Try to use a tone that is not overly formal or informal. Always use professional and neutral phrases to express yourself. However, you can experiment with the writing if you are aiming for a creative or artistic role.
• Do not gush over the company: You can write about what inspires you, but you do yourself no favors by rhapsodizing over the company. An efficient employer is not looking for a person who will sing their praises.
• Never brag: On the opposite side of the spectrum are those people who only brag about their own accomplishments. The key is to balance your content. While you should mention career-specific milestones you should not come across as self-laudatory. If you have a career blog, only discuss it if it is relevant to the job.
• Only include relevant content: This is not the space for writing about your life journey. Keep things concise and only talk about the most relevant skills that you possess. We suggest that you use a cover letter template as it will give you a better idea regarding the kind of information that you need to include in your letter. In your job application, you can also mention any expertise in a certain area that you feel will help you perform well in the position you are applying for.

What is an ideal Cover Letter length?

The ideal length for a cover letter is one or two pages maximum. However, we recommend that you keep it down to one. As we mentioned earlier, most recruiters do not have the time to go through a wordy cover letter. Here on our website, you can choose from a wide selection of one-page cover letter templates that will definitely be job-winning. Remember the key is to strike when the iron is hot. So, do not waste time by using flowery sentences. Instead, keep the content focused by including three key items:

a) Motivation behind your application
b) How you can benefit the company in terms of skills
c) Previous work experience

We hope this guide has answered all your questions regarding the cover letter writing process and you now have a clear idea of how to write the perfect cover letter.

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