How to Write a Cover Letter that Gets you Hired

The modern era has increased the intensity of job competition between candidates. Therefore, using only old methods is insufficient to qualify for your desired job. In the past, a good resume was considered enough while applying for a job. However, a cover letter is now considered mandatory for a job application. Therefore, many candidates want to know how to write a cover letter to enhance their prospects of getting a job. 

A strong cover letter can make you stand out from competitors and assist in qualifying for a job interview. However, writing a cover letter is not an easy task. Writing an appropriate cover letter demands knowledge and utilization of major points related to your next job. 

This blog will highlight the significance of a cover letter and assists in writing the best cover letter that suits the job you are applying for. It can help you in your job search whether you are an experienced professional or just looking for your first job after completing your education. 

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter combines with a resume and introduces a job seeker to his potential employer. It enables you to present your skills, qualifications, and other features not covered by a resume. It follows the question how to write a cover letter? The following are the important features distinguishing a cover letter from a resume. 

• A cover letter provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager. It can leave a positive impression on your new employer. 
• A cover letter highlights your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications and enables you to convince your employer that you are a good fit for the job. 
• Another part of a cover letter is displaying your passion for the company and your expertise in the role you are applying for. 
• Career gaps in your resume make you unfit for many jobs. A cover letter compensates for this by providing details about an employment gap or a career change. 
• A cover letter offers an opportunity to address the needs of the company by showing how you can solve their problems or provide value to the job. 

These points clarify that a cover letter is not a repetition fofyour resume. Instead, it should cover the limitations of a CV by adding major points not included in the resume. 

Steps to Write cover letter to get noticed

Writing a convincing cover letter can enhance chances of getting hired for your dream job. Now, many companies demand the inclusion of cover letters alongside resumes, which showcases their significance in the modern era. However, you can know how to write a cover letter after completing several steps. You should follow these steps to ensure an attractive cover letter that covers your weaknesses in the resume. 

Make it Fit for the Job

Hiring managers are experienced professionals and they usually spot generic cover letters easily. They are well aware of the language and style of these cover letters that are submitted without making necessary adjustments according to the requirements of the job. Therefore, it is necessary to tailor your cover letter each time you apply for a job and do not use a single cover letter for each position and every company. You can take the following precautions to make sure your resume fits your new job. 

• The first step is to identify major skills and other requirements of the job by reading its description carefully. Now, highlight the responsibilities that match your skills and qualifications. 
• The next step is to read about the company, its culture, and the features it prioritizes in its employees. For this purpose, you should open their website and read relevant pages, such as their projects, recent news, and vision and mission. 
• You can understand the requirements of your position and the company you are applying for by taking the above steps. Now, connect your skills and experience with these requirements in the cover letter. 

A Unique Opening

A boring or pre-determined opening is the worst thing you can do to ruin your cover letter and prospects for a new job. The first sentence and the opening paragraph are the most significant parts of your cover letter. Therefore, a strong and unique opening is the only way you can grab the attention of the hiring manager and proceed with your chances of getting hired for a job. These tips can assist you in writing a compelling start for a cover letter.

• Using generic greetings to the hiring managers is not suitable while applying for jobs in 2024. The more appropriate thing is to address the hiring manager with his name. If you don’t know the name, you can research it on the company’s website or LinkedIn page. You can also call the company directly for this purpose. 
• Companies usually give preference to those job seekers who show interest in the company and are eager to join the position. Therefore, express your enthusiasm and excitement for the position at the beginning of the cover letter. 

Describe your Matching Skills and Experience

The most important part of the body of your cover letter deals with skills and achievements related to your desired job. It demonstrates that you are the most appropriate person for this job. It provides an answer to the question about how to write a cover letter perfectly?  

• Prove your relevant skills with demonstrable examples. For instance, you can provide a link to a website that shows your speaking skills instead of only writing about your communication expertise. 
• Providing numbers of your achievements can prove your skills more than only mentioning them in raw. For example, you should mention a 20% or 30% increase in annual sales instead of only writing about increasing sales of a company during your previous job. 

Highlight Your Interest in the Company

Presenting your relevant qualifications and skills is necessary, but it is equally important to show your interest in the company. You can highlight this feature by reading about the company and mentioning its strong points that inspire you. Otherwise, the hiring manager will consider that you are applying for every job without much research. 

A Strong Closing

You should conclude your cover letter with a strong closing and express your willingness for the company and the job position. It must end with a call to action where you express your desire for an interview. 

Conclusion

Cover letter is not an additional part of your resume but it has its significance that enhances your chances of getting hired for a new position. It is necessary to know how to write a cover letter that A cover letter should include those points not mentioned in the CV. You can make your cover letter stand out by making it unique and appropriate for your current job application.