Writing a good cover letter is very straightforward and simple, but because of this simplicity, people end up getting it wrong. Here is how to create the ideal cover letter that will shed light on your skills and connect you to your prospective employer.
- Create a connection in the first paragraph: Establishing a connection in the first paragraph is the first step in writing the ideal cover letter. After being introduced to someone, you strike up a discussion to learn more about them and find out what interests them. The same rule applies when trying to establish a genuine relationship with a prospective employer.
- Research: You should carry out research to establish a relationship with an employer. The vision, beliefs, and culture of a firm should match your own objectives and working style, so learning more about them will first help you make a more informed decision. Also, if you highlight how your values match theirs, the interviewer or person reading your cover letter will be pleased that you made the initiative to research the business you want to work for.
- Provide a succinct overview of who you are: While your CV provides excellent insight into what you have accomplished, it’s as crucial to invest a few lines to describe who you are in your cover letter. Ideally, the link you established in the first sentence persuades the reader to continue reading your cover letter. Take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen that relationship in your second paragraph.
- Express your interest in the role described: You gave the individual reading your cover letter additional information about who you are in the first two or three lines of the second paragraph. You want to tie together who you are and why you are interested in the role in the next few phrases. Think about what inspired you to reply to the job posting or describe your feelings when you learned about the position. List two or three compelling reasons why you want to work for this specific firm, taking into account some of the research you did in Step One.
- Provide concrete examples of your expertise and abilities: You established a relationship with your future employer and discussed your career goals in the first two paragraphs. You must establish your case for hiring you over the course of the next two paragraphs by outlining the specific benefits you can provide the company. The majority of job postings contain a description of the position’s responsibilities, primary responsibilities, necessary and desired education, needed and recommended work experience, skills, and talents, or any combination of these. Use the information provided to reinforce your capabilities and prove why you are qualified for the job.