A well-written cover letter backed by a cover letter template could significantly increase your chances of getting an interview. Knowing this, we recommend you working on a great cover letter format, to back up your one page resume. In this article, we’re revealing what you’re supposed to include in your cover letter template, in order to effectively communicate what you have to offer. Also we include a couple of best practices for cover letter examples and suggestions for a cover letter sample, to get you inspired.
Format your cover letter wisely
Write an introductory paragraph
Show the company that you’re the solution
How to tell your story?
How to include a call to action?
Usually, they are used by hiring staff to make decisions like who they should bring in for an interview or what type of compensation package they should offer a potential employee.
Format your cover letter wisely
The looks and feel of your cover letter sample should match the look and feel of your resume. Therefore, if you have your name in big bold font with your contact details right next to that on your resume, place that same information on your template. This will let the hiring staff know that these two papers go together.
After your name and contact detail, type the date and then add a customized greeting like “Dear Mrs. Sarah Doe”. If you can’t find the name of the person responsible for the hiring process, you can write “Dear Hiring Manager”.
If you’re wondering how to create a winning resume to go along with yours, we created a resume template guide that will help you do that.
Start with an introductory paragraph
Good cover letter examples start with a strong sentence that explains what position you’re applying for. It also shows the interest you have in the company and the job. Keep in mind that you only have a few seconds to grab the attention of the hiring manager, so don’t start with a generic statement like “Please accept this letter as an application for the role of…”. Instead, mention why you want to work for the organization and what makes the company unique to you.
Show the company that you’re the solution
In the second paragraph explain how your knowledge, expertise, and skills are the perfect match for the role. Pinpoint your most relevant qualifications and your most important career accomplishments and discuss them in detail. This will clearly prove what you can bring to the position and how you are the solution for the organization.
In order to gain insight into what the company’s pain points are, review carefully the job posting, the organization’s website, and their social media activity. This will also help you add essential keywords throughout the cover letter sample.
Cover letter: How to tell your story?
Now is the perfect time to explain your talents, hard and soft skills in action. To really stand out from the rest of the candidates, share a story about you that relates to the role you’re applying for. Give direct and clear examples of your greatest accomplishments.
Here are three reasons why it is important to tell your story in a cover letter:
- Differentiation: Telling your story in a cover letter allows you to stand out from other candidates. It provides an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a compelling candidate for the position. By sharing your story, you can differentiate yourself and leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
- Connection and Relevance: Sharing your story helps establish a connection with the hiring manager. It allows you to demonstrate how your experiences align with the company’s values, mission, and job requirements. By highlighting relevant aspects of your background, you can show that you understand the company’s needs and can contribute effectively to its success.
- Authenticity and Personality: Your story adds authenticity and personality to your application. It helps the hiring manager gain insights into who you are as a person, beyond your qualifications and experiences listed in your resume. By conveying your passion, motivations, and personal journey, you can create a more meaningful and memorable impression, increasing your chances of making a positive impact.
Remember, when telling your story in a cover letter, it’s important to strike a balance between being concise and showcasing your key points. Focus on highlighting experiences and achievements that are most relevant to the position and demonstrate your fit with the company’s culture and values.
Cover letter: How to include a call to action?
In the final part of your cover letter format, write a concise and clear conclusion that gives some kind of call to action like a reference to your one-page resume, answer potential interview questions, or a time that works best for you to have a discussion. The purpose of this call to action is to get the hiring manager to take some sort of action. That way, you will let them know you’re eager and excited about the opportunity.
Next, end it with a nice, friendly close such as “Warm regards” and then sign your name.
Although you won’t need a cover letter template in every situation, having one ready to go will eliminate some of the stress involved and will help you properly sell yourself. So use the hacks above to set yourself apart, sell your best self, and land the position you’ve always wanted.
At Reedact, we’re here to help you get your dream job, by exposing comprehensive one-page resume examples. Moreover, our team is happy to share tips and tricks for cover letter examples, interviews, and all the other aspects of applying for a job. Read our blog for even more advice!
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