A cover letter should be submitted with your resume. This letter should demonstrate your interest in the job and the company or organization, as well as how your skills, education, and experience fulfill their requirements. Never send a CV to a potential employer without a polished cover letter customized for the position.
The format and substance of your cover letter are both quite important. Well-written, organized, and personalized cover letters may catch the attention of a potential employer. A cover letter should elaborate on why you are the best candidate for the job rather than just restating what is on your CV.
Formatting
Your cover letter’s header should be the same as the ones on your resume and references.
Times New Roman should be used in 11–12 points.
The document is left justified throughout.
In keeping with the standard business format, include the date, employer name and title, firm information, corporate address, and a formal welcome.
Use the appropriate space, please!
Your cover letter should be no more than one page.
Margins lower than 0.5′′ may result in some of your cover letter being omitted when printed.
Guidelines for Writing Cover Letters
Include a cover letter even if you are emailing an employer your resume.
Always include a precise address for the recipient of the letter. Call HR and request the name of a member of the hiring committee if you are unable to find one online. If you can’t find a name, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Committee Chair,” or “Dear Selection Committee,” etc. The salutation “To Whom it May Concern” should never be used since it sounds impersonal.
It is best to draft the cover letter while looking at the job posting so that you may adjust it to the requirements of the company as stated in the posting.
Do some research on the business before writing the letter. Tell them you want to work for them.
Being positive and self-assured will help you promote yourself, but be careful not to sound arrogant.
Give examples of the skills and experiences you have that make you a good fit for the job.
Instead of saying, “I think I am qualified for this role,” use the words “I believe I am” or “I know I am.”
How to Write a Cover Letter
Your CV should concisely and briefly highlight the experiences that the employer will find most valuable. As you write your cover letter, follow the recommended paragraph structure.
First Paragraph
In the first paragraph, just explain the position you are applying for and how you learned about the opening. Whether you know someone in the firm or if someone suggested you, make sure to mention it in your first paragraph to catch the reader’s attention. You could also discuss your motivations for applying for the position or your interest in the company (to show that you have researched the company.)
Second Paragraph
It is a little difficult, but fundamentally you want to justify to the company why they should hire you. Think about what you can do for the firm rather than what it can do for you. Give examples of your accomplishments, previous employment, and career-specific talents. (This paragraph can be one or two sentences.) Exercise judgment. The information on your resume is complete, thus there is no need to restate it. It’s a good idea to carefully read the qualifications listed in the position announcement and make sure you meet each one.
When making your case for an interview, list at least three accomplishments that directly connect to the requirements of the organization. Think about what you can do for the firm rather than what it can do for you.
The Last Paragraph
The letter’s final paragraph completes four objectives. 1) Requests a meeting or interview at the employer’s convenience; 2) Gives a future contact date; 3) Asks the employer to call or email if they have any questions, and 4) Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
Saying that you’ll be in the area for a set period of time and will contact the company once you’re in the city is a possibility. You may be assertive by stating that you will contact the employers as a follow-up within a particular week. For example, “I will contact you the week of April 12 to set up an interview.” Give the employer enough time (one to two weeks) to review the resume before you follow up. Always have a handwritten signature on your cover letter.
Conclusion
Your chances of getting employed can significantly rise if you know how to create a CV. Get started with CareerBum right away!