How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job

A cover letter is a one-page letter that you include when applying for a job. Unless it is mentioned not to include a letter, the job applicant must always attach a cover letter with the application. It is said that a good cover letter can interest the HR manager to read your resume.
However, many a time, it becomes difficult for the applicant to write the letter in the best manner as they get confused about what to write and what not to. It is quite common and there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
Here is a handy guide to help you write a cover letter for a job: -
Know the Purpose of the Cover Letter
Before writing a cover letter, you should always define the purpose of writing it. The letter is something that will talk about you, your skills, and so on. Here are some of the points which will define the purpose of the letter well: -
- Introducing yourself
- Mentioning the job you are applying for/the kind of job you are looking for in the organisation
- Mention the experience that you have in the applied job area
- Write down the skills that you have and those matching the job description the best
- Curate the letter that encourages the HR manager to read your resume
- Try to end for with a call to action or sentence that shows your interest in working with the organisation
One thing that you need to keep in mind when writing your cover letter is that it shouldn’t be too long nor should it be too short. Keep it a one-page letter that covers the main points and avoid writing fluff.
Ways to Make the Cover Letter Specific
- Find the Person to be Addressed
Often, applicants write ‘to whom it may concern’ on their cover letter, which is a BIG NO-NO! It will take a bit of hard work and research but always find out the name of the person to whom you are writing the cover letter. If not the name, at least the department, like
To,
The HR In-Charge, and so on.
If the job position is posted on social media or job networking sites, it will have the name of the person to whom you have to send an email. However, in case it is not there, look up the contact number on their website and confirm.
- Research about the Job Position
Though most of the jobs posted have a proper description of what the position is about and what the organisation is looking for; it is always a good idea to research a bit more about it as you can write the cover letter in a much better manner. In case, the job description is not clear to you, contact the person-in-charge and ask them to explain more about the same. Only when you are clear with what you have to do at the job, you can write a good cover letter.
- Read in Detail about the Company
One of the mistakes that almost everyone does is that they forget to read about the organization in detail. Before you write the letter, learn about the company, its services, and so on as it helps in tailoring a better cover letter. Go to their website and read the ‘about us’ page, check their team members, if they write blogs then read them, see their work culture, and so on. The more you know about the company, the more interestingly you can write the cover letter.
In addition to the list of the relevant skills, you can also include the skills that you think can interest the person-in-charge in reading your resume. Also, ensure that there are no typos or mistakes in the letter, check the grammar properly, and avoid writing in a tone that makes the reader feel that you are boasting yourself. Practise writing a good cover letter online or just in your free time to make sure that you get the interview call the next time you apply for a job.