inkdeskWhen it comes to job hunting, your cover letter can make or break your chances of getting hired. It’s the first impression that a potential employer has of you, and it needs to be compelling enough to convince them to take a closer look at your resume.
But how do you create a cover letter that stands out from the rest? Stay on this page to find insightful samples and tips to follow.
Definition of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a document that usually accompanies a job application. It typically gives an overview of the experience and qualification of the applicant, and is typically addressed to the hiring manager or recruiter.
The purpose of this letter is to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position, highlight your qualifications and relevant experience, and convince the employer to consider you for the job.
In this light, note that only a well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Here is a sample cover letter to look at:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager role at ABC Corporation. As a highly motivated and results-driven Marketing Professional, I am confident that I possess the skills, expertise, and qualifications necessary to excel in this position and drive revenue growth.
In my current role at XYZ Inc., I have generated over $1M in revenue through successful digital marketing campaigns, including SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing. I have increased website traffic by 50% and achieved a 30% increase in lead generation through the implementation of targeted campaigns.
My strong analytical skills have enabled me to conduct market research, analyze data, and develop effective marketing strategies that have resulted in increased sales and revenue for my current employer. I am highly proficient in marketing tools and software such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, and Hootsuite.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my results-driven mindset and marketing expertise to ABC Corporation and contribute to its continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to speaking with you further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Do you really find this inspiring? Let’s check how to structure a cover letter in the next section. You can also speak with us if you need writing a cover letter.
Structuring Your Cover Letter
Here are important aspects to consider when structuring a cover letter:
1. Heading and Contact Information
The heading of your letter should include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure this information is accurate and up-to-date.
The header should be at the top of the letter, centered or aligned to the left.
2. Salutation and Introduction
Address the recipient of your letter by name and title. This shows that you didn’t only do your research, but also took your time to personalize your application.
However, if you’re not sure who to address it to, it’s okay to use a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
The introduction of your letter should be brief and to the point. State the position you are applying for and how you heard about it.
3. Body Paragraphs: Highlighting Qualifications and Experiences
The body of your letter should consist of two to three paragraphs highlighting your qualifications and experiences.
Be sure to mention relevant skills and experience that align with the job description. Also, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. You might want to check the step-by-step guides on the use of power words to writing an effective CV.
For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you might talk about how you successfully ran a social media campaign that increased engagement by 20%.
Here’s a sample cover letter using this structure:
[Your Name] [Address] [City, State Zip Code] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer Name] [Employer Address] [City, State Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I learned about this opportunity on [source]. As an experienced [Your Job Title], I believe I possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role.
In my current role at [Current Company], I have developed strong skills in [Skill or Qualification 1] and [Skill or Qualification 2], which I believe would be highly valuable in the [Position] role. For example, I recently led a project that [Example of Accomplishment]. Additionally, my expertise in [Skill or Qualification 3] has allowed me to [Example of Accomplishment].
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name] and contribute to its continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak with you further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A well-structured cover letter that highlights your qualifications and experiences can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Remember to tailor your letter to the specific job and company, and use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.
Make sure you also check out our post on the secrets of writing an effective resume here.
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