Ah, the elusive cover letter. That one-page document that can make or break your chances of getting a job. It’s a delicate balance of showcasing your skills and experience, while also standing out from the crowd.
When applying for a job, your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression. But how do you write one that stands out from the rest?
48% of giant tech companies require cover letters, and 49% of hiring managers believe that attaching one to CVs is the primary tactic that job applicants should apply. So, writing a cover letter may very well be what puts you ahead of your competition.
If you’re looking to show off your personality, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to do so. 23% of recruiters say that it can show a candidate’s personality, and on top of this, 30% state that it offers more information about an applicant.
Now, you may be tempted to not put together a cover letter. A CV’s enough right? Wrong. Let’s start off with looking at the many advantages that come with it…
The Benefits of a Cover Letter
A cover letter can be the perfect complement to your CV, highlighting your skills and experience in a way that a CV alone cannot. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Showcasing your personality: A cover letter allows you to inject a bit of your personality into your job application. This can help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar qualifications, but lack the personal touch that a cover letter can provide.
- Addressing specific qualifications: A cover letter gives you the opportunity to address specific qualifications that may not be apparent from your CV alone. This can include gaps in your employment history, career changes, or other factors that may require further explanation.
- Demonstrating your interest: A well-crafted cover letter can demonstrate your interest in the company and the position you’re applying for. This can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely passionate about the job, rather than someone who is simply looking for a pay cheque.
- Tailoring your application: A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to the specific job you’re applying for. By highlighting your relevant skills and experience, you can show the hiring manager that you’re a perfect fit for the position.
- Providing additional context: A cover letter can provide additional context for your application, helping the hiring manager to better understand your qualifications and experience. This can be particularly useful if you’re applying for a job in a new industry or field, where your experience may not be immediately apparent.
How to Write a Cover Letter
- Start with a Strong Opening
Your opening sentence is crucial to capturing the hiring manager’s attention. Here are some tips for writing a strong opening:
- Begin with an attention-grabbing statement.
- Reference the job you’re applying for and explain why you’re interested in it.
- Mention a personal connection to the company or industry.
2. Showcase Your Skills and Experience
You should highlight your skills and experience that make you a great candidate for the job. Here are some tips for showcasing your skills:
- Use specific examples to illustrate your skills.
- Use industry-specific jargon to demonstrate your knowledge.
- Highlight any relevant experience, including internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.
- Emphasise your transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
3. Customise Your Cover Letter
A generic cover letter won’t make you stand out from the competition. Instead, tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Address the hiring manager by name, if possible.
- Use keywords from the job posting.
- Explain how your skills and experience align with the company’s mission or values.
- Mention any relevant industry experience or knowledge.
4. Give it Structure!
The structure of your letter can make a big difference in how it’s received. 26% of cover letters have bad formatting, making them unreadable. Here are some tips for your structure:
- Use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- Use standard formatting, such as 1-inch margins and single spacing.
- Break your cover letter into paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a different aspect of your candidacy.
- Use bullet points to emphasize key points or achievements.
- Try and keep the cover letter between 250-300 words. 70% of recruiters agree that cover letters should not exceed 300 words.
5. Close Strongly
Your closing paragraph should leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Here are some tips for ending your cover letter on a strong note:
- Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate your interest in the job and the company.
- Mention that you look forward to the opportunity to interview in person.
- Include your contact information, such as your email address and phone number.
Cover Letter Example
Here is an example Cover Letter for a person applying for a Java Developer vacancy:
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Your company’s reputation for innovation and cutting-edge technology solutions has always impressed me, and I am thrilled to submit my application for the Java Developer position at [Company Name].
As an experienced Java Developer with 7 years of experience, I am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to your team.
From my previous roles, I have developed a strong foundation in Java programming, object-oriented design principles, and software development methodologies. I have also worked on a wide range of projects, from developing web applications to designing enterprise software solutions. My technical skills include:
–Proficiency in Java, Spring Framework, and Hibernate
-Experience with SQL, NoSQL, and database design
-Familiarity with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
-Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and Agile methodologies
What sets me apart from others is my ability to quickly learn new technologies and apply them to create innovative solutions. My previous projects have ranged from developing e-commerce platforms to building micro-services, and I am always eager to tackle new challenges.
In addition to my technical skills, I have excellent communication and teamwork abilities. I enjoy collaborating with others to achieve common goals and I believe that my positive attitude and eagerness to learn make me a valuable addition to any team.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you in-person, and to learn more about the Java Developer position at [Company Name].
Please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected], or call me at 07123 456789.
Sincerely,
Joe Bloggs
Ready to Write Your Cover Letter?
In conclusion, a well-written cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to standing out in a sea of applicants. By following the five tips outlined in this guide, you can create a cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the job.
Remember to tailor your letter to the specific position and company, be concise and engaging, use bullet points to highlight your achievements, and always proofread your work before submitting. By putting in the effort to craft a standout cover letter, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and landing your dream job.
Let us know how your job search is going! Give us an email at [email protected], or let us know on our LinkedIn or Facebook Pages!
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