HOW TO WRITE A WINNING COVER LETTER

 

 

 

You've already prepared your resume and are ready to apply for a job. And so you choose to forward it to a friend so they could review it.

Following a review, your friend alerted you to something strange, and you're unsure of the precise issue.

But you convinced your pal it was fine, so you chose to submit it because you were careless. It may take a few rejection letters for you to comprehend the impact of this. This boils down to the cover letter.

Some people believe that a cover letter is not required, especially if it isn't specified in the application. For others, nevertheless, it holds equal significance to your resume while applying for a job.

By the end of this article, you should understand which side to support.

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter is a 2-5 paragraph document that supplements a CV for a job application and gives essential information about the abilities and expertise required for the specific career you are pursuing. 

It is a brief statement of interest demonstrating why you are the ideal candidate for a given role.

Even before the hiring manager reviews your resume, the cover letter presents you to them. Highlighting your talents, skills, and expertise in a cover letter will help you stand out and boost your chances of getting recruited.

 

WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO WRITE A COVER LETTER?
Always include a cover letter with your job applications since it sets you apart from other candidates. Make sure you adapt it to each position you're applying for.

Basic Fact: While not all job applications require a cover letter, it is still necessary to include one with your  CV  even when not asked, attaching a cover letter demonstrates your dedication and hard work. Of course, every hiring manager appreciates candidates who put up extra effort in their job applications.

Common Mistakes Jobseekers Make on Their CV and How to Avoid Them

 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MOTIVATIONAL LETTER AND A COVER LETTER
Motivational letters and cover letters are two distinct documents with distinct uses. It's critical to distinguish the two for appropriate use.

COVER LETTER:

It is an official document that offers a succinct summary of the abilities, background, and credentials of a candidate. It highlights an individual's accomplishments to demonstrate why they are a good fit for the role.
It highlights a person's professional past and is primarily used for job applications.

MOTIVATIONAL LETTER:

It is a less formal document describing an applicant's personality, motivation, talents, and experience. It emphasizes on a person's enthusiasm for their career and readiness to learn.

It can be used for school applications, group memberships, internships, fundraising, and job applications to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion to the hiring manager.

While both are utilized in job applications, they differ from one another. Remember to read the applications carefully to see which is appropriate.

 

STRUCTURE OF A GOOD COVER LETTER

To create an effective cover letter, it's essential to structure it properly. A well-structured cover letter gives you a competitive edge over others, making your application appear polished and enhancing readability.

To achieve this well-structured cover letter, several key features must be included. These are following elements that contribute to the structure of a professional cover letter.

1.      HEADER

This includes all of the information at the top of the cover letter. It is the initial section of the cover letter and includes your address, phone number, and an accurate email address. Ensure that your email address is professional.

For instance:

Wrong: bignerd@gmail.com

Correct: joybamidele@gmail.com

You can also include your social media profile link, preferably LinkedIn.

Include the recruiting manager's address next, which includes their name, organization, address, and email. Then add the date and location.

Practical examples

Adaeze Peter

Virtual Assistant

28, Wuse, Abuja

+234 91 388 543 98 

adaezepeter@gmail.com

Linked.com/ in/adaeze.peter

TO:

Joseph King

Human Resources Manager

Bay&May Consultant

2 Onike, Yaba

Lagos

20 May, 2024.

Note: Adding a relevant job title below your name is beneficial, as it provides important keywords for the job and helps applicant tracking system scan and identify them.

2.      SALUTATION

This is very significant in a cover letter. It's still common to hear people speak clichés like "Dear Sir" or "Dear Ma," when it would be more appropriate to say "Dear Mr. Jones." Make the cover letter unique. Make sure to include the hiring manager's name in your address to them.

Look up the hiring manager's name online after researching the position to get the correct one. For this, LinkedIn is a useful website. If you are unable to locate the hiring manager's name, you may substitute it with the senior manager’s name.

It is highly recommended that you use the hiring manager's name.

3.      THE BODY

This comprises three primary components and serves as the main body of the cover letter:

#Introductory Paragraph

#Reasons Paragraph

#Concluding Paragraph

 

         INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Use a hook to get the recruiting manager's attention. Try creating a relatable connection of you to the company. This would make the reader, pass the opening paragraph and to subsequent ones. To do this better, speak to professionals in your industry to get insight regarding the role. It would strongly help in your cover letter prompt.

Avoid using generic language; instead, begin with a compelling introduction that entices the recruiting manager to read through.

Here are some terms you should avoid:

·         I am excited to apply for…" (too obvious)

·         I am highly motivated…" (be specific)

·         I am results-driven…" (show, don’t tell; demonstrate what you have achieved)

·         I am writing to apply for…" (overused)

For Instance

Most people tell me that a sales representative for every entry-level position is the same in every organization—“generic.” However, after attending several career-related events and speaking to different experts, I have come to realize that Pee Tech Company is an exception. 

This demonstrates that you did your homework; you researched the organization and spoke with professionals, showcasing your strong networking skills. It will make the recruiter see your willingness and dedication to your work.

 

         REASONS PARAGRAPH

This is the part where you get more intentional with your write up. Every word here should have a purpose. This could expand to two paragraphs. At this point, you emphasize more on the hook in the initial paragraph and state what you have been able to achieve over the years. Focus more on achievement that are relevant to the role.

Practical Example

The fascinating part of this is the effort each representative, from the highest to the least, puts into their work and how they have been able to identify new sales opportunities, maintain customer relationships, and close deals.

Having worked with marketing agencies for three years, I have developed marketing skills and in-depth knowledge in product management…

 

         CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

Emphasize why you are the best candidate for the job and express your enthusiasm for it. Also, include an appreciative remark.   

 

Practical Example

Thank you for your time and consideration. My proficiency in product management, coupled with my experience, would be beneficial to Pee Tech Company. I can be reached via email at (abigailjoel@gmail.com) or by telephone (+234 768 454 5676).

4.    FINAL SUBSCRIPTION

This is your opportunity to make a kind comment to the recruiting manager. Use appropriate closing statements.

Examples:

Correct                                Wrong

Kind regards                       Thanks

Best regards                        Take care

Sincerely                             In gratitude

Warm regard                       Cheers

 

5.      COVER LETTER ENCLOSURE

Many individuals overlook this section, but it is crucial because it provides the hiring manager with pertinent information about you. Typically, it appears at the end of the cover letter. While it is optional, it becomes necessary if the cover letter is sent via email.

Example

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Lola Wilson

Enclosures:

CV

Recommendation

Note: List the enclosures based on the documents you are required to send.

Tips on How to Write a Cover Letter                                                                                                

    Select the Appropriate Format

 A cover letter needs to be prepared in the correct format in order to be flawless. Choose typefaces such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Ensure that the margins are acceptable and pay attention to spacing, as it enhances readability.

      Employ a Strong Hook

To keep the hiring manager interested, it is especially important to focus on the opening paragraph. If a cover letter doesn't catch the reader's attention, it will probably be ignored. 

Connect the organization to the write-up. This makes it more interesting and builds curiosity in the mind of the reader. Be certain that it is something relatable to the recruiter.

        Be specific

Avoid ambiguity. Mention any relevant information regarding the role. Demonstrate your expertise, talents, and achievements. To distinguish yourself from other applicants, carefully craft your cover letter and use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments. 

Always keep your sentences succinct.

 

         Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Job

Your cover letter should be specific to each job you apply for. Take the time to research the company and understand the role's requirements. 

Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. This personalized approach demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and shows employers that you’ve put thought into your application.

A well-tailored cover letter not only enhances your chances of standing out but also helps convey why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

 

 Practical Example of a Cover Letter

Abigail Joel

Sales Representative

20, Crescent Road

Victoria Island, Lagos

+234 768 454 5676

abigailjoel@gmail.com

Linked.com/ in/abigailjoel

 

Salam Qudus

Human Resources Manager

Pee Tech Company

12, Grace Street

Lagos.        

30 May, 2024.

Dear Mr. Salam,

Most people tell me that a sales representative for every entry-level position is the same in every organization—“generic.” However, after attending several career-related events and speaking to different experts, I have come to realize that Pee Tech Company is an exception.

The fascinating part of this is the effort each representative, from the highest to the least, puts into their work and how they have been able to identify new sales opportunities, maintain customer relationships, and close deals.

Having worked with marketing agencies for three years, I have developed marketing skills and in-depth knowledge in product management.

To be more practical, I built and maintained strong customer relationships, resulting in 50% repeat business and a 25% increase in sales revenue within three months, as well as a 95% customer satisfaction rating. I successfully managed a portfolio of over 20 clients, leading to an increase in referrals and client loyalty.

Thank you for your time and consideration. My proficiency in product management, coupled with my experience, would be beneficial to Pee Tech Company. I can be reached via email at (abigailjoel@gmail.com) or by telephone (+234 768 454 5676).

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Abigail Joel.

Enclosure:

CV

In Conclusion

A cover letter is an essential component of your job application; it shouldn't be seen as something trivial. It truly makes a difference.

Craft a cover letter that positions you as a “pro” for the role. Note that a good one might not land you a job but a bad one would not give you any chance for round one of the interview.

Now that you understand the significance of a cover letter, it’s crucial not to underestimate its role in enhancing your chances of getting hired.

Struggling to create an engaging cover letter or resume that can navigate ATS successfully?

Contact Stellarwrites today, and we’ll help you design the ideal, results-oriented cover letter and resume.