How To Write A Cover Letter Guide For 2022
Cover letters are essential tool recruiters, and employers use to find the perfect candidate for the job. In fact, some employers pay much more attention to a supporting letter than to a resume. Why is this the case? Firstly, it is incredible how much can be said with such a small piece of writing. Secondly, future employers will pay close attention to your text and use this to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
Finally, a letter of motivation will also influence the attitude of a recruiter. So, it is wise to ensure everything is correct and stand out from the crowd when writing a letter of motivation. Here we have collected essential pieces of advice and brought them together into our how-to write a cover letter guide for 2022. Let’s start with the basics.
What Exactly Is A Cover Letter?
You can find many examples of cover letters on the Internet and instructions on how to write one. Here is an informative description of cover letters if you are still unsure of what they are. The purpose of a supporting letter is to describe specific characteristics, while the definition of a CV is to tell the facts of your professional history. It is often not sufficient to submit only a resume for a reviewer to meet you in person. It is precisely this letter that forms the first impression of an employer.
The content of the letter should not be underestimated. Essentially, this is the beginning of a conversation with the potential employer. Generally, every good cover letter has to contain three main points. Firstly, you must state your motivation behind applying for the job and choosing the company. Second, you must communicate your goals and outline what you want to achieve. Finally, it would help if you highlighted the most significant achievements in your professional career to impress any future employer.
If you’re unsure about how long your letter of motivation should be, or if it isn’t specified in the job posting, it’s best to stick to just one page of information. You may have a lot that you want to say in your cover letter; however, it’s essential to keep it short and sweet. Not only is this a valuable skill that will impress a future employer, but for any potential hiring manager, it will save them a lot of time while reviewing your application. In addition, when compared to a long and bloated motivational letter, a shorter cover letter will not only leave a good first impression. Still, it will help to emphasize the relevant experience that makes you the perfect candidate for the role.
What You Should Mention In A Cover Letter.
You might wonder what you should emphasize in your text if you have many things to say. The lesson here is to refrain from telling about everything in a text, even if your professional experience is extensive. You don’t want to overwhelm a potential recruiter. You need to be selective.
The following are the most essential aspects you must address:
What previous experience would you be able to bring to this position?
Be sure to read the description of the vacancy posting, as well as the profile of this company. Having field-specific experience can make this the perfect opportunity to share it. Identify the most valuable matters a company is seeking and address them effectively.
What skills do you possess that make you a good candidate for this position?
Companies usually list the competencies and skills they are looking for in future employees. Therefore, it is important to read such lists carefully and identify the most valuable candidates for this vacancy in particular and for the company as a whole. Then, highlight your most appreciated skills in a short text and illustrate them with examples.
Why do you want to work for the organization?
Take into account the factors that are motivating you to apply for this job opening and make yourself aware of the philosophy of the company you are considering joining.
If you share this philosophy, it is important to highlight this in your cover letter and use it to illustrate your motivation for applying. One important thing to consider while speaking about your motivation is that you should be not only enthusiastic but also pragmatic. For instance, you should avoid cliches sentences and instead identify certain goals you have in mind and how this specific employer aligns with them.
You should also include in your cover letter any points that can make your candidacy more appealing to your prospective employer. For example, what can you bring to the company you are applying to? What areas of the workplace can you improve? Essentially you want to describe to the hiring manager how you will make the company better by working there. Be creative and specific to the job you are applying for.
The Abc Of What A Good Cover Letter Should Look Like.
- In the introduction to your cover letter, you must catch the reader’s attention from the first sentence in an engaging and polite manner that will encourage them to keep reading. To catch the reader’s attention, it’s best to start by focusing on the specific characteristics the company is searching for in a prospective employee and matching them with your experience and skills. For example, if you are writing a cover letter for the position of operations manager, you can start by describing how you overcame various operational challenges in your previous role. Plus, in the introductory paragraph, you can briefly describe your goals and how you intend to achieve them.
- The main body of any cover letter has to focus on your skills and experience and how they align with the requirements indicated in the job description. It can be helpful to devote separate paragraphs to each specific example, and if you have achieved anything significant in your work, you should indicate this.
- In the final paragraph of your cover letter, it’s essential to summarize everything that has been said before and end your piece of writing with a catchy sign-off that will inspire and potential hiring manager to reach out to you.
Cover Letter Dos And Don’ts
To assist you in creating the best possible good cover letter, we’ve created a list of the most important dos and don’ts when it comes to writing a letter of motivation.
Do choose the best style of writing for your cover letter.
Before you write your cover letter, it’s essential to analyze the text of the vacancy you are applying for. What tone and style is it written in? If you have the same writing style, stick to it. If not, try to adjust how you speak to the job vacancy.
Don’t contradict your CV with the content of your cover letter.
The content of a CV and a cover letter should not contradict each other. Likewise, it would help if you didn’t mention a spectacular achievement in one and did not mention it in the other. You must write your letter of motivation in a way that aligns, strengthens, and expands a CV.
Do be truthful.
Perhaps you already know this, but don’t lie and deceive a potential employer with your cover letter. Any dishonesty will eventually be found out, so it’s best to stick to the facts. If you aren’t qualified for the job you are applying for, it’s better to think about any experience you possess that is relevant than to invent and fabricate your work history.
Do stick to the facts.
While writing a cover letter, it is essential to mention any and all relevant work experience and skills that can help you stand out. In doing so, it is important to avoid any distracting statements that are not relevant to the job application. Multiple diversions from the main purpose of the cover letter and any tangents can easily demotivate a hiring manager from finishing the letter and can lower your chances of being selected.
Don’t rely on a template.
Countless cover letter templates can be found online, with varying degrees of quality. However, if you end up using a template, it’s important to avoid relying on one too much and copying what somebody else has written. Your personal cover letter is a piece of your own personal story, and it should stand out from the crowd. In addition, avoid any overused statements that a hiring manager has heard hundreds of times before.
Do make it stand out.
Try to make your cover letter stand out from the crowd, not just in its content but in the way it looks too. Use an appropriate font, bold text, and highlights to emphasize and points you want the hiring manager to focus on. It may seem like a simple step, but it will greatly increase your chances of success.
Ending a Cover Letter.
So, you’ve done the hard work and written an outstanding cover letter with a compelling introduction and an exceptional display of work experience. But how do you bring it to an end? Start off by summarizing yourself and your profile briefly. Then, imagine if you had to give an elevator pitch to a hiring manager on why you are best suited for the job.
If possible, the end of your cover letter should include a sign-off statement encouraging a next step from the hiring manager or employer. For instance, you can invite them to a meeting, arrange an interview date in advance, or present a list of relevant assignments you can begin. This may sound like a lot of extra work, but it’s a great display of initiative.
