
How to Write a Killer Cover Letter
Your resume? It's a snapshot of your work history. But your cover letter? That's your story. It's your chance to show your personality and really sell yourself to a hiring manager. A great cover letter can get you that interview. This guide will show you how.
Why Bother with a Cover Letter?
It's not just a repeat of your resume. Think of it like this: your resume lists what you did. Your cover letter shows why you're the perfect person for this job. It's your personal sales pitch!
What Makes a Cover Letter Great?
- The Header: Your info (name, address, phone, email, maybe LinkedIn). The date. And the hiring manager's info. Get this right! No typos!
- The Greeting: Find the hiring manager's name. "Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name]" is best. Don't use "To Whom It May Concern"—it's lazy.
- The Intro (Paragraph 1): Grab their attention! Say which job you're applying for and where you saw it. Briefly mention your best skills. For example: "I'm writing about the Marketing Manager job on LinkedIn. My seven years in digital marketing and my track record of landing new clients make me a great fit."
- The Body (Paragraphs 2 & 3): Show, don't tell! Use examples. The STAR method works well: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use numbers: "increased sales by 15%," "managed a team of 10." This shows your value.
- The Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest. Say you're available for an interview. Thank them for their time. For example: "Thanks for your time. I'd love to talk more about how my skills can help your team. I look forward to hearing from you!"
- The Sign-off: "Sincerely," or "Respectfully," then your typed name.
Make it Personal
Don't just send the same letter to every job. Each one needs to be tailored to that specific job and that company. Read the job description carefully. Research the company. Show them you care!
Use Keywords Wisely
Use words from the job description. This helps computers find your application. But don't overdo it! It should sound natural, not robotic.
Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!
Check for typos, grammar errors, and spelling mistakes. Ask a friend to look it over. Use spell check, but don't rely on it completely.
Examples of Great Sentences
- "At [Company Name], I boosted sales by 20% in six months with a targeted marketing campaign."
- "I'm great at managing big projects and meeting deadlines."
- "I love [Company Name]'s commitment to sustainability—it matches my values."
- "I'm skilled in [Software/Skill], and I learn new tech quickly."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Vague language: Be specific!
- Typos and grammar errors: Proofread carefully!
- Ignoring the job description: Tailor it to each job!
- Lack of enthusiasm: Show your passion!
- Poor formatting: Keep it neat and easy to read.
Practice Makes Perfect
Cover letter writing gets easier with practice. Look at examples. Get feedback. The more you do it, the better you'll get.
The Bottom Line
Your cover letter is your first impression. It shows who you are and why you're the best. By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of landing that interview and boosting your career. A great cover letter is essential for a strong job application.