How to write a cover letter

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When recruiters provide an opening for a post, they happen to already have several resumes lying on their desk. Do they go through all of them? Do you think they read each and everything which candidate wrote? What should be done to catch their attention?

The utmost solution is to add a cover letter to your resume. Whatever point you are at, a cover letter attests to be a boon for your career. It assists to describe the job position you are applying for and your experiences. You should provide requisite time and effort to write your cover letter.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document used to familiarize oneself to employers pleasantly and appealingly without being overbearing. The letter is used to describe why you are a perfect candidate for a particular job profile. You should provide comprehensive information on that. Don’t simply re-write whatever is written in your resume, instead try to be innovative in your approach and narratively include all your experiences.

Why are cover letters important?

According to a recent study, cover letters are perceived to be as significant as Curriculum vitae (CV) by almost 50 per cent recruiters. If you are not writing one or giving the least amount of time to it then you are handing disfavor to yourself. When recruiters have too many CVs to read, they depend entirely on cover letter to make the call. It sets the tone of the application and makes you stand out in the crowd.

If you are shifting careers then you can clarify why you are making a switch. Cover letters will add temperament to the resume. Job hunting might be a nightmare but adding a cover letter increases your chance by two-fold. Using a cover letter is one of the few ways to answer “how to get a job”.

How to write a cover letter

Ways to make your cover letter stand out

1. Address the cover letter to the right person

Your first step is to hook the attention of the reader and gain his interest. Get the title of the person involved in the recruitment process and address him in the same manner. Don’t always go with Dear Sir/Madam as is done by other people. Addressing the specific person creates a better impression i.e. Ms Gupta /Mr Singh.

2. Using an appealing opening line

Your opening line decides your future of being selected or not. It influences the people to read your letter with a positive opinion.

3. Emphasize your skills and experience

Explain to them how your skills, experience and problem-solving techniques makes you stand out. Don’t just list them, instead focus on the individual problem and explain how you cracked it using the skills.

4. Make your letter comprehensive

You need to make your letter readable. It should be crisp, clear and brief. You must make it friendly and easy to understand. Don’t be unrespectable in your letter. Use a font size of 11-12 to make it an easy read.

5. End with a good closing line

Ending the letter abruptly can cause a negative impact on your part hence be courteous while ending. You can add “Thank you for your consideration” at the end of your letter.

Guidelines to write a cover letter

1. Letterheads

Start your cover letter by his letterhead. You should mention your contact details like name, address, phone number, email address. Write it all in different lines.

Format: Name / Address / Phone number / Email

2. Date

Write the date in full after the address. Don’t abbreviate it.

Eg- 25 November 2019

3. Salutation

Write the salutation as Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Last Name. Do not use their first name in any circumstances.

Eg- Dear Ms. Kapoor

4. Body

First of all, add an introductory line showing for which position you are applying for the job. Then write the main content like explaining what made you interested in the job and being an ideal candidate for the same.

5. Closing

For signing off the letter use different methods for different Salutation

Eg a)-

Dear Sir/Madam

{

body

}

Yours faithfully,

Eg b)-

Dear Mr Desai,

{

body

}

Yours sincerely,

If you are using a name, then add “your sincerely” but if you are using sir/madam then use “yours faithfully”.

6. Signature

At last, end the cover letter with your signature preferably handwritten. Don’t use your official signature in these letters because if it fell on the wrong hands it could be very dangerous.

7. Enclosure

Mention other documents enclosed with the cover letter like CV/resume. Declare it at the bottom of the cover letter. Learn how to build your professional resume with KnockingJob.

Eg- enc.:Resume

Submit your cover letter as soon as possible because the more you wait, the more mistakes you are prone to make and your job search might be hindered. Always proofread your letter and take the help of a professional as required before submitting. Make sure the cover letter offers the best impression before the recruiter.