As many are aware, your cover letter plays a pivotal role in landing your ideal job position. You might be wondering what’s most essential to include on your letter. What should your cover letter consist of? What’s the most important information to include? What makes a cover letter most attractive and appealing? Check out the list I’ve created including cover letter must-haves that are sure to spark hiring manager’s interest.
1. Make sure your cover letter is reader-friendly and consistent with your resume.
Irregardless of how well you write or how compelling or extensive your experience is, an unprofessional or shabby looking cover letter will be disregarded. Here’s how to make sure yours is readable and attractive.
- Font: Stick with a conservative font. Here are some of the more popular ones: Times New Roman, Garamond, Georgia, Calibri and Ariel. Don’t set the font size below 12 points. Remember, your cover letter look conservative and professional.
- Margins: Set your cover letter’s margins to 1” or 1.5”. Depending on how long or short your cover letter is, you should play with the margins. Make sure your cover letter looks filled out, but also not overly stuffed with words.
Your font style, sizes, and colors should match the ones you select for your resume, or your application is at risk of looking unprofessional. Here are some free resume and cover letter tools and templates you might find helpful.
2. Keep it to a single page.
Hiring managers are pressed for time. They prefer not to read multi-paged cover letters. The length often signals rambling or imprecision.
Human Resource specialist strongly recommend keeping your letter to one page, which is typically about 300–500 words).
3. Write a cover letter for each individual company you are applying for.
Every company has unique goals they are trying to achieve through hiring. So, it will be important to vary your cover letter to reflect each companies specific needs. Tailor your cover letters to individually address each company’s goals or needs.
Do your best to demonstrate your awareness of the company’s goals by specifically noting how you can help them achieve goals in your letter. Your cover letter will come through more compelling and will present as a thoughtful and attentive candidate.
When composing your letter, avoid general salutations “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Hiring Manager” as to avoid blending in with other job seekers.
If possible, find out the hiring manager’s name, and address your letter to them. If it’s not specified in the job posting, you might want to check the company’s website or contact the company’s human resources department to request the appropriate name if necessary.
4. Whatever you do, don’t write “I’m writing to apply for [Position Name]”
Avoid introducing your cover letter with this overused opening. Although it’s direct, it can also be viewed as boring. Opting for it can deprive you of an opportunity to captivate the hiring manager’s attention — and potentially lane land a job interview.
Here’s are some preferred intro options:
“I’m elated to be applying for the open Math teacher role at Hartford Academy. I recently read an article in the Math Herald about your accomplishments and exemplary training for underperforming students. I’d be honored to become part of an educational institution that has a distinct and overarching mission.”
This type of introduction takes a letter up a notch and will help you stand out with hiring managers—ultimately landing an interview.
Additionally, try providing elaboration on your past experience in your cover letter with the following tips :
- Go into more detail about your past or present employment achievements.
- Explain how your experience pertains to solving the company’s challenges or achieving their goals.
- Reference current trends and issues in your niche/industry in order to demonstrate expertise.
4. Avoid using clichés.
“Self-motivated” “go-getter”, “I think outside the box” and “I’m a team player”.
These are common clichés that sabotage cover letters, depleting them of authenticity and context. Rather, try describing your work experience in concise terms, and provide relevant evidence of your accomplishments.
5. Remember it’s okay to reach out to the hiring manager.
Don’t be reluctant about requesting follow-up or an interview from hiring manager. In the closing of your cover letter, make sure to provide the hiring manager with your contact information, and indicate that you look forward to meeting in-person.
6. Finish with a traditional sign-off.
It won’t be necessary too fancy when concluding your letter. Concludyour cover letter with any of the following:
-
- Sincerely
- Best
- Regards
- Thank you
- Respectfully
- Kind regards
- Best regards
Make sure to leave enough space below your sign-off and your typed full name to add a handwritten signature.
3 Essentials for Submitting a Cover Letter
Don’t waste your hard effort by sending a cover letter with errors. Do the following:
1. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Don’t even attempt to submit your cover letter without giving it a thorough review. Run a spell check, read it over at least few times as well as out loud.
Review and be clear on the job listing’s submission requirements.
Read all the requirements in the job description in its entirety. Make sure to follow the instructions concisely. Do your best to avoid overlooking any details and risk looking haphazard, which could result in having your application rejected. Keep an close eye out for instructions regarding:
- Subject lines: Is there a required format for the email subject line? e.g., [Name — Position]
- Required attachments: Have you included all necessary attachments, such as your resume, cover letter, and portfolio? Don’t ignore the spelling of “resume”. If the instructions call it a “résumé,” you should use accents as well.
- Attachment naming conventions: It might be helpful to include your name in the filenames for all attachments? e.g., “Linda Wells — Cover Letter.pdf” as to make it more convenient for hiring team to identify and locate.
- Additional: Did you adhere to all other instructions? Take special attention. Some companies may include unexpected instructions that you must follow to see if you’re paying attention — like requesting specific details or uncommon information on cover letter.
