By Cover letters are one of the most crucial tools in any job hunt and are meant to distinguish you from other candidates. Hence, a cover letter is meant to convince hiring managers to give you a chance to an interview and later give you a job. Therefore, the following are essential techniques to adopt to increase your chances of getting to an interview.
Knowing how to write a good cover or motivation letter, and what parts it should contain, is essential to make a good impression on the HR staff who are responsible for the selection process in most companies. The more likely you are to be called in for an interview , the better your cover letter is, and the better you tailor it for the company or job.
To write a good cover letter , the first thing to do is to identify its constituent parts and their content. As a rule, the letter is divided into three parts, the content of which varies depending on the purpose and type of job you are applying for. Most HR professionals are used to this type of structure, so they quickly read through the information to find what makes each candidate different.
Review examples of cover letters
Before you start crafting your letter, take some time to have a look at the best sample letters on the internet and the ones available in your office. As a result, you will have an idea of how to innovatively structure your own and get to know the specific information to include in your letter. Also, check out available cover letter templates and tailor them to fit your abilities and the job you are applying for.
Customize your cover letter
Creatively personalize your cover letter to meet the specific job you are applying for. To achieve this, carefully study the job listing then identify two to three skills and abilities that the job requires then match your qualifications to the job. Show your prospective employer how you will benefit the company.
Blend in keywords
Take your time to highlight the keywords in the job posting then match them with amazing examples of your achievements and experiences. Use relevant keyword phrases found in the job listing since your cover letter may be scanned using an automated tracking system to look for specific keywords present in your letter, mainly if it is submitted digitally.
Choose the right type of cover letter
Be sure to select a suitable cover letter that suits what you are applying for. Remember that there are different types of cover letters, and you need to take your time to identify what is best for you. Consequently, there are two commonly known cover letters; the traditional cover letters and prospecting letters. Traditional letters are typically written when applying for specific jobs, whereas prospecting letters are written to inquire about possible jobs available in an individual company.
Format your cover letter professionally
Ensure that your letter not only has the right information but also appropriately formatted. Use a business letter format if you are required to send a physical letter and ensure that your contact information and those of the employer are included on the top of the letter. However, if you are sending your letter through email, ensure that the subject line has your name and the job title you are applying for.
A cover letter is the best way to introduce yourself to a company along with your resume , but unlike the latter, a cover letter can provide a much more personal touch to your candidacy for a job . The letter usually accompanies the resume and specifically states your skills, motivation, and reasons why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Keep your letter brief
Your cover letter should not exceed a page, and it should consist of at least three to four paragraphs. Most hiring managers find it annoying to read long cover letters, and it is advisable to be brief and to the point since majority of them have many piles of covering letters to look at.
Address the hiring manager
Take your time to be personal in your letter and ensure that you address your cover letter to the specific employer who will be reading it. Find out more about the hiring manager and the company by checking it out on the company’s website or simply check out the job posting if it has a contact to inquire from. Alternatively, if you happen to have any contact person in the company who might have referred you, mention their name in the first paragraph of your letter to attract the employer’s interest.
Avoid duplicating your resume
Your cover letter ought to complement your resume, not a duplicate of what is in your CV. Use your letter to highlight your top skills and achievements over the years and use a personal tone to build a good rapport with the hiring manager. Showcase your goals and convince the recruiter that you are an appropriate candidate to be considered for the job.
Use a basic font
Choose a font that is easy to read and leave adequate white space to increase the legibility of your cover letter. Use either Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri to give the hiring manager an easy time when reading your letter. Besides, include spaces between salutation, paragraphs, and your signature to show your reader that you are organized and to make your cover letter easy to skim.
Proofread your cover letter
Before you send your letter, be sure to look up for spelling and grammatical errors. You should read your letter aloud to check out for possible mistakes made and ask a friend to help you check for errors.
Note that a slight typo may reduce your chances of getting to an interview, and it is, therefore, crucial that you thoroughly proofread your letter.
