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You have found the job that suits your needs and you have constructed your resume. The next step is a proper cover letter to apply with.

Before you start writing, obtain plenty of information about the company and the job position you want to apply for. Your cover letter should be tailored to the company and that position.

In this article, you will find what it takes to write a compelling cover letter to convince any recruiter.

Purpose of a cover letter

A cover letter, or also known as a letter of application, is a written document submitted with an application in which the candidate explains his/her credentials and interest in the open position. It should be a persuasive text designed to win over the recruiter and convince them that you are a suitable candidate for the job.

Contents of a cover letter

1. First section

In the first paragraph, as in most emails, you must describe the reason for your writing. If the job has been published on a job board or social media, it is proper to mention where you encountered the job advertisement and the date of posting.


Example:

  • Following your posting on cvcorner.com, published on the 5th of April, I would like to apply for the position of HR Manager.
  • I noted with interest in your advertisement for HR manager, which appeared on cvcorner.com on 5th of april.

When you know the company or recruiter in a more personal manner, be sure to mention this in the first paragraph as well. If you don't, it is possible to ask the recruiter a proper question about the job position some time before applying. If the recruiter replied to your question, you can mention the conversation in your application letter which will make you more familiar to the recruiter.

Tip
If possible, find out who is responsible for the recruiting and address the person with their last name. This way you avoid using "To whom it may concern" to make it more compelling.
2. Second section

After describing what position you are applying for, you should mention a few of your qualifications for this position. Highlight certain skills and experiences that are beneficial to the company and fit the vacancy well. However, do not quote your whole resume in the cover letter.

Recruiters look for people who are excited to be part of the company and who can solve the company's problems. Based on your research about the company, show them that you know what the company does and how you can help them face their challenges or meet their targets.


Example:

Your job advertisement lists that you are in need of someone capable of managing a team and creating time schedules for employees, both of which I have numerous years of experience in.

Furthermore, I have recruited a team of 7 people for a new store during my time at McHarolds.

3. Final section

At the end of your cover letter, you should formally close and state you are looking forward to seeing them.

Tip
Instead of asking the recruiter to call you, refer to the potential interview you might have.

Example:

It would be my pleasure to discuss the HR manager position with you during our interview. I am available to talk at your convenience. I'll be in touch next week to follow up on my application and make sure you have received my resume.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Important notes

  • Triple check your grammar and spelling
  • Don't write a generic cover letter, adjust your writing according to the company and job position
  • Spark interest in your resume by referring to it:
    Example:
    As you can see in my enclosed resume, I have experience in …
  • Maximum 1 page (A4)
  • Be careful when talking about yourself. You should emphasize what you can offer to the company, and not what the company can do for you.
WRONG
"This position is a unique challenge I am willing to face and which will help me sharpen my skills, develop new ones and expand my network."
CORRECT

"My experience in leading a team and my passion for customer relations will prove to be valuable to the position."

  • Don't use the word "I" too much, it becomes repetitive and can sound egocentric.
  • Don't mention other job applications, this is a sign for your potential employer that you are not fully committed to getting this job.
  • The use of humor can be risky as it can be presumptuous.

In a nutshell, be professional, do your research and don't make it about yourself. The intention of an applicants should revolve around what significant contribution they can make to the company and thus, to your potential employer. Showing this intention in combination with true excitement, will put you in a favorable position.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey to re-invent your career!

Example of a cover letter:

Example of professional cover letter

Special thanks to 

  • Lin, L., Hughes, S., & Rollo, C. (2020). Curriculum Vitae/Resume. In English for Business & Economics 3: Business Communication (pp. 13–16). essay, Universitas. 

Other used sources: