One of the most challenging tasks for job seekers during job applications is creating the cover letter attached to their resume. A cover letter can provide employers with an overview of your work-related skills, and it can also give an initial impression on your personality without going through your resume.

If you are a job seeker, your cover letter must be written perfectly to score the job you are eyeing on. You have to know how to write it properly and which type of cover letter you should use.

Here is a quick guide about cover letters and also some tips on how to write it efficiently:

Which Type of Cover Letter to Use

Before you write a cover letter for the job you are applying for, you need to know which type of cover letter you should write. Various cover letters can be used in different situations, but for the business sector, there are four major types that you need to be familiar with when and how to use, which include:

a) Job Application Letter

This cover letter is often included with job resumes for job applications.

When writing job application letters, it must always be edited to fit the job you are applying for. Include keywords as seen in the job description to showcase your skills as this is the best way to pass through automated HR programs that sorts out resumes and determine which one should be considered.

Samples found here: How to Write a Job Application Letter (with samples!)

b) Referral Cover Letter

Job seekers use a referral cover letter to introduce themselves with a special mention to the job position referrer. Referrers are very crucial for job seekers because they are the ones that can prove if the applicant is trustworthy and has a good working attitude and qualified experience.

If you are applying with a referral, do not forget to indicate the name of the person who introduced you to the company, so that employers will know who recommended you and hopefully consider your application.

Samples found here: How to Score a Job Using Referral Cover Letter

c) Prospecting Cover Letter

This type of cover letter is often used by job seekers to inquire whether a company has a job opening that they can apply for. Job seekers also use this cover letter to help them with career growth.

When writing this cover letter, you need to determine the companies you wish to work with. Research the company and learn about the values that they have. You should also know the best way to reach out to these companies and write a letter that showcases your skills to the companies that can benefit if they hire you. Finally, take some time to do your research to see which company works best for you.

Samples found here: How to Hook A New Job with A Prospecting Cover Letter (with samples!)

d) Networking Letter

If you want to be in a certain company or get a specific job position, you will need people who can help attain your goal and recommend you. To get their attention, you can write a networking cover letter and ask if they can inquire about the jobs you are looking for.

If you do not have a professional network yet, you can write this letter and sent it to your professors, family, or friends who have a wider professional network and who are in the field of your interest. You can also reach out to former employers or colleagues who can recommend you in the new job you are applying for.

Samples found here: What is a Network Letter and How It Can Help You To Build Connections (with samples!)

How to Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters come with five major elements and are integrated into a structure, which can be flexible based on the type of cover letter you are working on.

These five elements are as follows:

a) Header: Applicant & Recipient Details, Subject, and Salutation

Like writing any letter, you must have an introduction in your cover letter. The first part of the introduction consists of your full name and contact details that match your resume. It is usually located on the top left side of the letter. Giving your basic details is an important step since you are letting your readers know who you are.

Below your contact details, you must also write the recipient’s contact information such as name and office address. The date of your application is also necessary. It’s usually written on the opposite side, between the contact details, or just above the subject line.

Next, you must put a specific subject regarding the job application. Depending on the way you will send your application, by email or normal post, you must adjust the subject format and placement. If you are applying by email, use the name of the position you are applying for with your full name as the email subject.

After the subject line, you can start with your salutations or greetings such as “Hello” or “Good day”. You can also greet the hiring managers directly if you know their names.

b) Introduction: Tell them your interest in the position

After the salutations, your first paragraph will be the introduction. You should speak about the position you are applying for and show to the hiring manager that you want to get the job. If someone referred you to the position, speak about them and highlight your relationship with them.

This section must only be one paragraph. It must be short but coherent and eye-catching. You can also write a rhetorical question or a short noteworthy detail about you that will get them curious and continue reading your letter.

c) Main Body: Expound on your qualifications

The main body of a cover letter usually consists of two paragraphs. In this part, you need to discuss your qualifications, work-related skills, and achievements. Use one paragraph to expound your skills and achievements and make sure to demonstrate that you are fit to the required qualifications of the job.

Just a little reminder, be very careful in choosing which experience you will highlight in this section. It must be fit and related to the job position you are applying for. Also, you should provide a clear explanation of your experience and double-check the job description provided. Take note of the keywords which you can also add and relate together in the third paragraph.

d) Concluding Paragraph: Put a Call to Action

When ending your cover letter, it must only consist of a few sentences that summarise why you are the person for the job. You must also write a “call to action” phrase in this section to get the employers to consider you.

e) Sign-off & Signature

Since it is considered a proper business etiquette, you should close your letter with a sign-off and a signature. Place a professional closing remark like “Sincerely” or “Best Regards” and sign your name digitally or physically depending on where you will send the letter and resume.

Conclusion

Cover letters can be tricky to write, but it becomes easier if job seekers know the purpose and the type of letter they need based on their situation. Before writing one, choose the appropriate type of letter and check all the key elements you need to include. Remember to be clear and persuasive when writing a cover letter, and show them that you are the one they are looking for.

Finding a dream job shouldn’t be difficult. Check out my other tips on how you can score your dream job:
Top Job Sites to Hunt Down Your Dream Job
Can’t Find Your Dream Job? My 5 Solutions For You
A Word Of Advice: Why Is It So Hard To Land My Dream Job?

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