Explore how to write a standout cover letter, with advice on captivating hiring managers from the start, effectively presenting your skills, and ending on a strong note.
The recent spate of retrenchment exercises around the globe has intensified the competition in the job market. This means, garnering attention from hiring managers has become a more challenging endeavour, irrespective of your qualifications and experience. Whether you find yourself casually exploring new career prospects or navigating the aftermath of retrenchment, learning how to stand out from the multitude of applicants is essential. Here’s how to write a cover letter that will help you secure your dream interview and, ultimately, pave the way to your desired career path.
What is a cover letter?
Serving as an introduction, a cover letter is a concise one-page document that provides a personalised narrative alongside your resume. It’s particularly useful for a hiring manager to have, as their task involves not only assessing your skills against the job requirements, but also aligning your personality and work approach with the team dynamics.
Consider the cover letter as an opportunity to showcase your individuality, delve into your qualifications, and express your enthusiasm for both the role and the company – an aspect that adds a personal touch beyond the formal structure of a standard resume.
Remember, first impressions count, and mastering this aspect of the application process could significantly tip the scales in your favour. Here are some cover letter tips to incorporate into your next resume submission.
How to write a cover letter: 6 tips
1. Research the company
Before you start writing your cover letter, spend some time researching the company and the position you're applying for. Understanding their values, goals, and culture will help you customise your cover letter to show how you can contribute effectively.
Keep an eye out for any recent achievements or projects, and include them to demonstrate your genuine interest in the opportunity. For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role at a creative startup, mention your admiration for their recent social media campaigns or innovative products. This can signal your awareness of their industry position and your enthusiasm to join their team.
2. Kick off strong with a personalised greeting
Your cover letter's greeting is the first impression you make on the hiring manager. If possible, address it directly to someone, using their name and title. Often, job descriptions have this information, or you can check LinkedIn profiles under the company page.
If you can't find the hiring manager's name, go for a professional greeting like "Dear hiring manager." It's not as personal as using their name, but it's still respectful and avoids the impersonal feel of "To whom it may concern."
3. Craft a compelling opening paragraph
Not sure how to write a cover letter that turns heads at first glance? Here’s an invaluable tip to keep in mind: showcase your relevant skills and experiences right at the beginning. This simple yet effective approach directs attention to your qualifications and underscores your understanding of the company’s hiring requirements.
This is especially valuable for busy hiring managers sorting through a mountain of resumes. A compelling opening paragraph not only grabs their attention but also articulates why you're the perfect fit for the position.
Here’s a potential template you can follow:
Dear hiring manager,
I am excited about the opportunity to apply for the [job title] position at [company name]. My background in [your relevant field or industry] and my experience in [specific skill or experience] makes me confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
4. Offer deeper insight into your skills and experiences
Use the following sections of your cover letter to provide additional insight into your qualifications and accomplishments. Rather than simply reiterating information from your resume, use this space to showcase specific instances or milestones that showcase your abilities in action.
You might want to use the STAR method to structure your writing:
Situation: Start by providing the context or background of the scenario you’re discussing.
Task: Identify the specific task or objective you were tasked with within that situation.
Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation, and include the rationale behind your approach.
Result: Conclude by summarising the outcomes or consequences of your actions.
This means giving background for each accomplishment and showing how you made a difference. This not only adds credibility to your claims but also allows the hiring manager to envision how you would add value to their team.
For example, you could say:
In my last job as a Marketing Manager at ABC Company, I led a campaign that boosted lead generation by 30% in just six months. By identifying key target demographics and leveraging data analytics tools to refine our strategy, I was able to optimise our marketing efforts and drive measurable results.
5. Restate why you’re the ideal candidate
In your closing remarks, reaffirm why you're the ideal candidate for the position and convey appreciation for the opportunity to be considered. Emphasise your excitement for the role and your readiness to contribute to the company's accomplishments. A strong conclusion reinforces your candidacy and showcases your commitment to the opportunity.
You could wrap up by succinctly highlighting your core strengths and how they directly address the company's requirements, accompanied by a heartfelt thank you for reviewing your application. This leaves the hiring manager with a favourable view of your suitability and underscores your commitment to professionalism.
6. Include your contact information
Don’t forget to include your contact information in your cover letter! This makes it easy for the hiring manager to reach out to you for further communication or to schedule an interview. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable), presented in a clear and professional format.
By following these six tips on how to write a cover letter, you can enhance your chances of securing your desired job.
Still in pursuit of your dream career?
Now could be the right time to take action. Dive into our job listings to uncover opportunities tailored to your aspirations. We're experts in recruiting for both permanent and fixed-term contracts across different industries. For more interview and hiring success strategies, have a look at our career advice page.
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