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A Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal document that introduces job applicants to potential employers, highlighting their qualifications and motivation for the role. It should include personal contact information, the employer's details, a greeting, an introduction, body paragraphs detailing relevant experiences, and a professional closing. The document provides guidance on structuring a cover letter effectively to make a positive impression on hiring managers.

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2 views10 pages

A Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal document that introduces job applicants to potential employers, highlighting their qualifications and motivation for the role. It should include personal contact information, the employer's details, a greeting, an introduction, body paragraphs detailing relevant experiences, and a professional closing. The document provides guidance on structuring a cover letter effectively to make a positive impression on hiring managers.

Uploaded by

eeykkjsjw
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Cover Letter

How to write a general cover letter


What Is a Cover Letter?
● A cover letter is a formal job application document that introduces you to
potential employers and showcases your relevant skills and qualifications.
● Your cover letter complements your resume (CV) by providing context and
showcasing your motivation and suitability for the role.
● Your cover letter should accomplish the following:
○ Introduce yourself to the hiring managers.
○ Provide details about your qualifications
○ Tell employers why you want to work for them.
○ Illustrate why you’re the best match for the job.
○ Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
● Your contact information: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Include the date you're
writing the letter.
● Potential employer's contact information: If you have it, include the name, title, company name, and address of
the hiring manager or employer.
● Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith," "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear
XYZ Company Team").
● Introduction: State the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Express your enthusiasm
for the role and briefly introduce yourself.
● Body paragraphs: In the body paragraphs of your cover letter, highlight two to three key qualifications that align
with the job description, provide specific examples of your impact in past roles and summarize your interest in
the role and company.
● Sign-off: Close your cover letter with a professional and polite closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,”
followed by your full name.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
1. The general format of a cover letter includes:
a. Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name as often as possible.
b. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for.
c. Body paragraph: Detail your qualifications, relevant experiences, and skills.
d. Closing paragraph: Express your interest in the position, thank the reader, and include a
CTA for the next steps.
e. Professional closing: End with your name and the best way to reach you.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
2. Include the date and contact information

● Start your cover letter by including your contact information at the top.
This makes it clear and easy for the hiring manager to identify who you are.
Including the date on your letter is also a good practice for record-keeping,
but if you think you might forget to update it, it's better to leave it off.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
3. Address your cover letter

● It’s important to know how to address a cover letter properly. You can keep this aspect
static while customizing other portions of each application to save time. When the aim is
efficiency, you don’t want to stress over something as simple as your greeting.
● Whenever possible, greet the hiring manager by name. Personalizing your cover letter in
this way can make a positive impression.
● If you have a contact person’s name, address the cover letter as follows:
○ Dear Fran Fine,
○ Dear Hiring Manager,
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
4. Create a strong introduction
● Start your general cover letter with a brief snapshot of your professional
background and explain what drew you to the role.
5. Summarize your experience
● In the middle paragraph of your generic cover letter, provide a concise summary
of your career history. Highlight your key achievements and relevant experiences
that showcase your skills and expertise.
● Even in a generic cover letter, you can touch on how your background has
prepared you for a variety of roles. This is your chance to connect the dots for the
hiring manager, demonstrating how your past experiences make you a strong
candidate for any position you pursue.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
6. Highlight relevant skills demonstrated in previous roles

● In this section, emphasize the relevant skills you've developed in your


previous roles across various positions. Use specific examples to illustrate
how you've applied these skills successfully in different contexts. Try to
incorporate the most common hard skills you find in the positions you're
applying for.
● And when it comes to soft skills, whether leadership, communication, or
problem-solving, showcasing these transferable skills will demonstrate your
versatility and preparedness for a wide range of positions.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
7. Write a closing paragraph
● In your closing paragraph, you want to leave a strong final impression and
summarize your key points effectively.
● A good cover letter closing:
● Provides a clear and concise summary of your key points.
● Reiterates your enthusiasm for the role—especially if it's your dream job.
● Highlights your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
● Thanks the hiring manager for considering your application.
● Expresses eagerness (afany) to discuss how you can contribute to their
team.
● Includes a call to action, such as inviting them to contact you for an
interview.
Example
Dear [First Name] [Last Name],

I'm thrilled to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company]. As an experienced [Industry] professional with [X] years of experience, I’m
confident my skill set and qualifications would provide considerable value to this position.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have gained valuable experience in [relevant skill or experience]. I'm particularly proud of
[accomplishment or project], which demonstrates my ability to [skill or trait related to the position].

I'm drawn to [Company] because of its reputation for [company values or mission]. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and
experience to a company that shares my passion for [industry or field].

In addition to my experience, I possess excellent [skill relevant to the position], as well as [soft skill or trait]. I'm a quick learner and team player,
and I can work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

Thank you for considering my application and enclosed resume. Please let me know a time and day that works best with your schedule to further
discuss my qualifications and the role. I’d love to learn more about what you’re seeking in a [Position], and I’m happy to work around any time
constraints.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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