How to Write a Good Cover Letter

A cover letter is an important part of a job application. It is your chance to make a first impression on the employer. The following tips will help you write a good cover letter.

What is a cover letter?

Cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. A cover letter typically provides a detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. Check out these cover letter sample for job application in word format.

A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

There are three general types of cover letters:

• The application letter which responds to a known job opening.
• The prospecting, unsolicited letter of enquiry which asks about possible positions.
• The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search.

Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a standardized letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).

KEY AREAS FOR COVER LETTER WRITING

• What position are you applying for?
• How did you learn of the position or company? What do you know about the company?
• Why are you perfect for the position? What sets you apart from the crowd?
• Who will contact who?
• Request a meeting or personal interview.
• Mention that you will contact them to schedule a personal meeting.
• Explain how they can reach you.
• Thank them for taking the time to consider your application.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Customize to Fit

Take the time to customize your cover letter to fit the employer’s requirements. Before you start writing, review the criteria for the position and make a list of what the employer wants.

This list might include specific areas of expertise, years of experience, technical knowledge, transferable skills and personality traits.

Then, incorporate these items into your letter, demonstrating, by giving examples from a previous job perhaps, that you have the desired qualifications. Check these cover letter examples.

Meet the Employer’s Needs

Write the cover letter with the employer’s needs in mind, not your own. Don’t describe what you want, but explain what you can do for the employer.

Don’t assume that the employer will read between the lines of your resume and dig out the relevant information.

They won’t. To get their attention, you have to actively describe how you can meet their needs.

Actively Sell Yourself

State why you should be hired. Be assertive about your qualifications and assure the employer of your capabilities. The content of your cover letter should clearly explain to your employer of what you are capable of doing and how you will accomplish them, just as when writing persuasive paper topics.

Use e-mail for cover letters

Keep your cover letter short and include it in the email message. Don’t send as an attachment unless the employer specifically requests one. Read also best cover letter examples for freshers.

Keep it Simple

Get straight to the point and write short, targeted letters. Each letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.

Keep Copies

Keep copies of all your cover letters, so you know what you sent to whom.

How to Write A Cover Letter For A Job

Job Cover Letter Quick Guide

Date

 

Contact’s Name

 

Contact’s Title

 

Organization Name

 

P.O. Box, Dubai

 

<United Arab Emirates

 

Dear Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. (person’s last name only),

Ref. Application for the position of [Give job title and reference number, if any.]

Paragraph #1: State immediately the position you are pursuing and how you came to know of the opening [e.g. newspaper, giving date, website etc.].

If you have an alumnus, family or other contact in the organization, you can mention that here as well.

Tell the employer briefly (one or two sentences) why you are interested in this position.

Paragraph #2: Highlight the skills and experiences you have that would make you successful in the position.

For example, if you are a new graduate with limited experience, talk about classes you have taken, activities you have been involved in, summer experiences you have had.

You do not have to have directly related experience, but think about the skills you have gained from what you have done and how those could relate to the duties of the position you are applying for. [Make the links for the employer].

You do not want to repeat your resume to the employer in this paragraph, but this is the place to highlight relevant accomplishments that will make the reader want to learn more, and which in turn will lead them to your resume.

The goal is to show the employer that you have confidence in your ability to succeed in the position.

Paragraph #3: Demonstrate that you have done some research about this organization. Go to their website and talk to alumni or other contacts that may currently work for the organization.

This research does not have to be extensive, but it shows that you have taken some time to think about this position and put some effort into this letter. We also covered some tips on cover letter examples internship.

This makes a very good impression on employers. It shows that this is not a standard letter, where only the address and contact name is changed for each position.

Paragraph #4: State that you would welcome a personal interview to further discuss this opportunity.

If you need to explain anything out of the ordinary on your resume, this is the place to do it. You might mention that if you do not hear anything from the potential employer in two to three weeks’ time, you will call to follow up this letter to see where they are in their process. 

Finish by thanking them for their attention and express a desire to meet them sometime in the near future.

Sincerely,

Your signature (leave 4 blank spaces for this)

Your name in print.

Am sure by now you know how to write an amazing cover letter for an internship

I know how it feels when you can’t come up with an idea to write a Detailed but yet a simple cover letter for resume by yourself and that is why I put up this good cover letter examples to help you!

Thanks for reading, feel free to comment if you have any question.

Conclusion

In order to write a good cover letter, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to address the letter to the specific person who will be reading it. Next, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. Finally, close the letter by thanking the reader for their time and effort. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cover letter will make a positive impression.