How to Write a Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter
Knowing how to write a cover letter is a skill that can help set you apart in your job search. Often neglected, correspondence is an opportunity to reinforce your candidacy for a position, get an introduction to or thank someone who can help you in your search. Think of it as a marketing tool – an advertisement that is focused, purposeful and conveys your key messages. Your cover letters should also be consistent with your overall “brand” – your unique set of attributes.
In thinking about how to write a cover letter, consider first what you want to accomplish.
Cover letter purposes
Some possible reasons to write a cover letter during job search include:
1. To accompany your job application. This cover letter serves as a “bridge” connecting your résumé with the specific requirements of the job for which you are applying. Its purpose is to make it easy for the reader to see how you meet the needs of the job without having to search through your whole résumé.
2. To introduce your unsolicited application. A good number of job openings are never advertised, and you may need to approach a hiring manager directly to introduce yourself, provide a copy of your résumé and apply for a job that you have heard is open but has not been advertised.
3. To introduce yourself to a targeted employer. It is not necessary to wait until there is a job opening to approach someone that you know employs people with your qualifications. In this case, your cover letter serves to introduce yourself in order to begin what you hope will be an ongoing relationship so that, when an opening does occur, you will be properly positioned to get a jump over other candidates.
4. To ask for an informational interview. Informational interviews can be useful for helping you build a relationship with a potential hiring manager, to solicit feedback on your qualifications for a job in a different role or industry, or to expand your network contacts.
5. To ask for an introduction or other information. Networking is very important in job search and it is likely that you will be contacting people who do not know you to request something that will aid in your campaign.
6. To thank interviewers. No later than 24 hours after going on an interview, send a note to each person who interviewed you to thank them and reinforce your candidacy. Include a few bullet points reminding them of your qualifications for the position.
7. To thank references or network contacts. Whenever someone helps you in some way, it is important to thank them. A note or letter of thanks is an easy and impactful way to show your appreciation.
8. To respond to a job offer. During job offer negotiations and once you have accepted a new position, you may want to correspond with the hiring manager.
9. To respond to a rejection. Sending a thank you note to an employer who has not offered you a job can provide a surprising twist that may help to keep doors open for a future opportunity.
Tips for how to write a cover letter
· Keep the end in mind. Remember the purpose of your letter and stick to it.
· Keep it short and to the point. Your correspondence will not be welcome if it takes too long to read. A few paragraphs should be sufficient.
· Include your key messages. Whenever you are using your cover letter to reinforce your candidacy, think through the few most important items to include that will show your prospective employer that you are a good match for the position.
· Include the “ask”. Let your correspondent know what you want from him/her in clear terms.
· Let them know what to expect next from you. If you intend to call to follow up your letter (a good idea in most cases), indicate when you will call, then do so.
· Make sure they can contact you. Don’t forget to include your address, email and phone number.
· Make it personal. Do a little detective work to find out the name and title of the person to whom you are writing. It is much more inviting than “To whom it may concern,” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
· Email or snail mail. Both are acceptable means of correspondence. Weigh the pros and cons of timing (email being virtually instantaneous) versus the personal touch of a hand written note or paper correspondence.
· Take time to proofread. Spelling, grammar and typing errors give a poor impression at a time when every impression counts.
· Follow up. A good cover letter can help open doors, but is seldom sufficient by itself to get the results you desire. Knowing how to follow up with a telephone call is an important next step to knowing how to write a cover letter.