No matter how impressive your resume or CV may be, it’s not always enough to get an interview for the new job you want. Resumes convey your qualifications and experience, but it’s your cover letter where you can give a potential employer a bit more insight into who you are and sell them on why they should consider you for the position.
A cover letter is like a personal sales pitch that encourages the employer to want to learn more about you. Knowing how to craft one is key, and it can be the difference between getting shut out of the interview process or soaring to the top of the list of the candidates they’re most excited to meet.
From how to create a proper salutation to how to write an effective conclusion, here’s what your cover letter should include, from beginning to end.
Contents
Contact Information
Your cover letter must include your contact information so that employers know how to reach you. At the top of the page, include your phone number, email address, location (city and state) and any professional social media handles you have.
Some hiring managers might want to call you, while others might prefer to email or reach out to you on LinkedIn. Since employers no longer contact potential employees via physical mail, there’s no need to include your street address.
A Personal Greeting
Forget about “to whom it may concern.” Not only is the phrase outdated, but some hiring managers take offense to it.
You should address your cover letter to a specific person, and it only takes a few minutes of online research to determine who the hiring manager is. If you can’t figure it out via online job postings or LinkedIn, it’s worth it to spend an extra minute or two calling the company directly to get the person’s name.
This small detail alone can win you major points with whoever it is that’s screening resumes and cover letters.
This article takes a deeper dive into how to find the name of the person that’s hiring for the position you want.
An Opening Paragraph That Mentions the Position You’re Applying For
A strong opening paragraph is more than just an opportunity to introduce yourself — it’s a way to encourage the hiring manager to want to read more.
The first paragraph of a cover letter should indicate the position you’re applying for and make it clear why you’re writing and why you’re qualified. If you’ve been referred to the position by someone else in the organization, now is your chance to say so. If you have specific experience that’s tailor-made for the job at hand, make it known in a clear, concise way.
The first paragraph should not be a rehashing of your resume. It should be a brief statement as to why you’re the best candidate for the position.
A Main Paragraph (Or Two) That Highlights Why You’re Perfect for the Job
The body of your cover letter should consist of one or two main paragraphs. It’s here where you can elaborate on some of the skills you have or mention some of the soft skills you didn’t list on your resume.
Your cover letter should not repeat the details of your resume. Rather, it’s a chance to elaborate on some of your accomplishments and explain how your experience matches the job you’re applying for.
You can make your cover letter even more effective by including examples, stats, or figures to serve as proof of how you achieved results in the past or helped former employers experience growth.
Keep in mind that some professionals, such as physicians, need to put a bit more information into the body of their cover letter.
For example, physicians should include mention of why they want to work in a particular city, state, practice, or hospital. Healthcare facilities want to know that you’ll be happy living and working in their region, and you can demonstrate that in your cover letter by illustrating your connection or appreciation for the geographical location.
Checkout this article to learn more about how to craft the perfect physician cover letter.
A Respectful Sign-Off
The final concluding paragraph of your cover letter should end with a thank you, such as “thank you for your time and consideration.” This is also an opportunity to remind the hiring manager that you’re available to answer any questions they may have and happy to schedule an interview to discuss the opportunity with them further.
At the very end, sign off with a respectful, professional closing salutation, such as:
- Best
- Best Regards
- Respectfully
In Conclusion
A great cover letter can put you at the top of the list of best-possible job candidates in the eyes of an employer.
When you create yours, be sure to include a personal greeting, a persuasive opening paragraph, and a body and conclusion that demonstrates your expertise and shows respect. Regardless of how much experience you show on your resume, a strong cover letter can set you apart from the competition and bring you one step closer to landing the job you want.
