Cover Letter Basics

Most companies require and expect job seekers to submit a well-written cover letter to accompany a resume. Candidates writing cover letters must strive to stand out above the rest of the candidates with a snapshot of their skills that are in line with the skills outlined in the job description. Write to impress and heed the advice and cover letter tips from professionals to nab an interview and the position you desire.

Formatting and visual presentation plays an important role when writing cover letters. A candidate unable to correctly format the letter could raise a red flag for a potential employer, according to Ema Myers with Behance. Add a personal touch with a logo or personalized header to display your name and contact information at the top of the document. Follow industry standards by formatting the letter with the name and title of the hiring manager, the company name, and address above the body of the letter. Cover letter tips suggest using a font that is standard and readable, such as Times New Roman, versus script font that may be small and difficult to read.

The first sentence of the cover letter should include the purpose of the correspondence and name the position you are seeking within the company. If you were referred by another individual, include this information right away. Show you have researched the company by including characteristics you find attractive that illustrate why you want to work for this organization.

When writing cover letters, it is crucial to tailor the tone and content of the letter to fit the position you are applying for. For example, a letter for a creative position may offer more descriptive language and examples, whereas a position for a business manager may be more formal.

Avoid providing an overview of your resume when writing cover letters. Instead, the body of the cover letter should focus on soft and hard skills not included on your resume such as your eagerness, ability to meet deadlines and desire to achieve professional goals. Provide clear and concise examples of successes in previous jobs that are relevant to the demands of the desired position. The primary target for job seekers when writing cover letters is to link the job requirements of the position to their skills, according to a Nexxt article. Demonstrate how your qualifications, interests and experience make you the ideal fit for the position and the company itself.

Leave a lasting impression when writing cover letters. Close the letter by summing up why you want to work for the company and why you are the perfect fit for the position. Proofread to ensure the cover letter is free from grammatical and punctuation errors. Show off your confidence when selling your skills and to stand out above the other candidates.

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