A compelling cover letter is able to help you get a job pretty fast. In almost all cases, employers will shortlist candidates whose cover letters are unique, easily describe their skills, and explicitly indicate their strengths while downplaying their weakness. If you are unemployed, or looking for some contract on the side, it is vital that you understand the ABC’s of writing cover letters that catches the human resource manager by the eye ball. The following are some of the most important aspects that you should include in your cover letter to impress your prospective employers.
How to write a compelling cover letter?
Introductory paragraph
It is suicidal if you do not write a grammatically correct introductory paragraph in your cover letter. You should aim at giving yourself a voice, and you start by writing an introduction that will keep the employer reading. In this paragraph, strive to explain the purpose of the letter and give reasons why you are very interested in the job. It should also be clear to the reader the specific job you are applying for and why you are the best candidate. This should be written in a concise way and do your best level to avoid wobbling in all ways. Importantly, tell about your desire and knowledge of the company.
Cover letter body
It is here that you take time to explain a number of things that you think are best about yourself. Basically, state why you are the best candidate for the job and give hint of some knowledge of the company. You can decide to choose 2 or 3 experiences that can help you explain your points - this is a marketing strategy that you should always have in mind. The best way to go about the entire process is to start by job description and then closely followed by top experiences, and responsibilities that prospective employer is seeking. Additionally, what skills and unique experiences are best suited for the job. It is vital that in the course of explaining all these, you do not try to repeat your resume.
Conclusion
The conclusion should also be short and clear, no wobbling whatsoever! It is a paragraph that you should always be striving to explain what you would like to happen in the next few days or months. Further, it should be a recap of what you have written in the body - one or two sentences are enough. You should thank the reader for reading so far, restate your interest in the opportunity, provide your contact information, and also offer follow up if needed.
It is also important that the entire cover letter is written in professional tone in order to be taken as a serious candidate. If you make a wrong choice of words, then it is likely that you will not stand a chance against your competitors. Further, make it a point to see that your paragraphing of the body is great, not to mention the formatting of the letter. Remember, employers receive hundreds and sometimes thousands of cover letters and have no time for poorly written or formatted copies.
Top 5 mistakes you must avoid
There are a number of things that you should avoid at all cost while writing a cover letter. While some are ‘forgivable’, some are all over the board and employers can’t give your letter a second thought. The following are some of the things that can drastically reduce the chances of you getting employed:
- Lying about experience - if you happen to lie about your experience and a background check finds out that you did so, you will lose the opportunity. Try your best to be sincere about everything you talk about.
- Wrong company name - if you can’t get the company name right, it is highly likely that you will get many other things wrong.
- Typos, grammar, syntax and phrasing - you are as good as you communicate. Any grammar errors and typos will be an indicator that you are pretty careless in your undertakings. As a word of advice, take some time to read through the letter, you can as well give a close confidant to help you go through it. Or, hire a cover letter expert to help you come up with a striking letter.
- Don’t be personal by using words such as “I believe” - no employer really cares what you believe in and what you don’t. Personalization of statements is an indicator of inexperience. Be objective!
- Do not give information about your last salary when actually you’ve not been asked to do so, or even try to explain why you quit your previous job. These will be unnecessary obstacles that you will live to remember. In fact, no employer will hire people who talk ill of their previous employers.
Last but not least, ensure that that information in your cover letter flows well. This is something that help Human Resource department save time as they go through other résumé. All in all, a compelling cover letter will always have positive results.