When it comes to a cover letter for a job application, the difference between a good one and a bad one can be the difference between an interview and no interview. That’s because a well-written cover letter will make you stand out from the crowd, while a poorly written one will just blend in with the rest. So what are some tips and dos and don’ts to help you write the perfect cover letter?
In this article, we’ve covered some of the most important cover letter dos and don’ts to help you stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.
What is a Cover Letter For a Job?
Simply, a Cover Letter is essentially an elevator pitch that summarizes the qualities you have that are relevant to the job opening you are trying to apply for. It will give the hiring manager a summary of who you are and why you are the best candidate for the job. The goal of a cover letter is to impress the hiring manager and get you an interview!
A cover letter is typically a one-page document that accompanies your resume and serves as an introduction to you and your qualifications. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you a strong fit for the position.
The cover letter should also showcase your communication skills and demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the company and the job. It should be well-written and free of errors, as it serves as a sample of your writing abilities.
Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts
It seems that we all know what a cover letter should be, but few of us really know what we’re doing when we write one. So, in order to avoid wasting time, stress, and your own precious energy, I’m going to share with you the top 10 dos and don’ts of cover letter to keep in mind as you write.
Cover Letter Dos:
- Do your research: Researching the company, and the job description can help you craft a cover letter that speaks to the employer’s needs. For example, if you are applying for a position in a company, research about it’s products or services, and the specific role you are applying for. Look for information about the company’s mission, values, and culture, and try to align your cover letter with those aspects.
- Highlight your relevant skills: Focusing on the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the job can help the hiring manager see how you can contribute to the organization. For instance, if you are applying for a marketing position, you might highlight your experience in developing successful marketing campaigns.
- Be enthusiastic: Showing your enthusiasm for the job and the company can demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact. For example, you can express your excitement about the opportunity to work for the organization and contribute to its mission.
- Use a positive tone: Using positive language throughout your cover letter can help you come across as confident and optimistic. For example, instead of saying “I don’t have much experience in this area,” you might say “While I’m relatively new to this field, I am eager to learn and excited about the opportunity to grow my skills.”
- Personalize the letter: Addressing the hiring manager by name and customizing your cover letter to the specific job and company can demonstrate your attention to detail and enthusiasm for the position. For instance, “Dear Ms. Smith, I am thrilled to apply for the Social Media Coordinator position at XYZ Company.”
- Keep it concise: Keeping your cover letter to one page and avoiding redundancy can help you make a robust and focused case for why you’re the best candidate for the job. Make sure you include bullet points to highlight your key accomplishments and achievements.
- Proofread: Proofreading your cover letter is essential to ensure that it is free from errors and presents you as a professional candidate. It’s important to check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.
- Showcase your accomplishments: Highlighting your achievements in previous roles can help the hiring manager see how you can bring value to the organization. For example, “In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully completed a project that resulted in a 25% increase in revenue for the company.”
- Ask for an interview: Expressing your interest and providing your contact information can help you move the hiring process forward. For example, “I would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [insert phone number and email address].”
- Do follow up: Following up with a polite email or phone call after a week or two can demonstrate your interest in the position and help you stand out from other candidates. For instance, you might say, “I wanted to follow up on my application and express my continued interest in the position.”
Cover Letter Don’ts:
- Don’t use a generic salutation: Using a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” can demonstrate a lack of effort and attention to detail. This mistake could potentially harm your chances of being considered for the job.
- Don’t use informal language: Your cover letter should maintain a professional tone and avoid casual language or slang. Informal language can come across as unprofessional and may make the hiring manager question your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting.
- Don’t make it too long: Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, typically no longer than one page. A lengthy cover letter can be overwhelming and may cause the hiring manager to lose interest. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job.
- Don’t repeat your resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences that make you the best candidate for the job.
- Don’t be negative: Avoid speaking negatively about your past employers or colleagues. Doing so can reflect poorly on your character and create doubts about your professionalism and ability to work well with others.
- Don’t exaggerate your qualifications: Be truthful and honest about your qualifications and experiences. Overinflating your achievements or credentials can be perceived as dishonest and could harm your chances of being considered for the job.
- Don’t forget to customize: Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to. Failing to customize your cover letter shows a lack of effort and interest in the position.
- Don’t ignore the job requirements: Make sure to address the specific job requirements and qualifications in your cover letter. Failing to do so can make it appear that you did not read or understand the job posting.
- Don’t include personal information: Avoid including personal information such as your age, race, religion, or marital status in your cover letter. Such information is irrelevant to your qualifications for the job and could potentially be used to discriminate against you.
- Don’t use a generic template: Avoid using a generic cover letter template that does not allow you to customize the content to the specific job and company. Hiring managers can easily spot a generic template and may assume that you are not genuinely interested in the position.
FAQs on Cover Letter
Here, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions and their answers to help you better understand what it takes to write a winning cover letter.
Q1: How long should a cover letter be?
Answer: A cover letter should typically be one page long. It should be concise and to the point, highlighting your skills and qualifications that match the job description. And it should not be more than 400 words.
Q2: Do I need a cover letter for every job application?
Answer: It’s recommended to submit a cover letter with every job application, as it shows your interest in the job and can set you apart from other candidates. However, some job postings may specifically state that a cover letter is optional or not required.
Q3: Is it okay to use a template for my cover letter?
Answer: Using a template for your cover letter can be helpful, but make sure to customize it to fit the job you’re applying for. Avoid using a generic template that doesn’t speak specifically to the position and company you’re interested in.
Q4: Should I include my salary expectations in my cover letter?
Answer: It’s not recommended to include your salary expectations in your cover letter, especially if the job posting doesn’t mention a salary range. If you need to include your salary expectations, mentioning a broad range rather than a specific number is better.
However, if the employer specifically asks for your salary expectations, then it’s best to be honest and give a realistic range based on industry standards and your experience.
Q5: Can I submit a cover letter via email?
Answer: Yes, you can email a cover letter to an employer or recruiter. In fact, many job applications require a cover letter to be submitted via email. If you choose to email your cover letter, make sure it is well-formatted as a PDF.
Q5: What should I do if I don’t get a call back?
Answer: If you don’t get a call back after submitting a cover letter, don’t be discouraged. There could be many reasons why you didn’t hear back, such as a high volume of applicants or a change in the hiring process.
Send a polite email or make a phone call to inquire if the position has been filled or if there are any updates. This shows your interest in the position and may also give you some feedback on how to improve your application in the future. However, it’s important to remember that sometimes employers may not respond at all, so it’s best to keep applying to other positions as well.
Final Takeaway
In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in getting noticed by potential employers and getting hired. By following the Cover Letter dos and don’ts outlined in this article, you can create a compelling cover letter that highlights your strengths and qualifications and sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember to tailor your cover letter to each job application and use it as an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position.
If you are seeking professional help crafting a winning cover letter, JobScope offers Cover Letter services for job seekers. Our team of experts can help you create a custom cover letter that highlights your unique skills and experience and showcases your strengths to potential employers. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get the job you deserve!
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