Complete Cover Letter Writing Guide 20 November, 2020   

Let's admit it: job hunting is a complete nightmare. From searching endlessly for open positions to actually applying for the jobs you're lucky enough to find, it's hard to stay optimistic when searching for a job. However, if you think that finding a suitable opening is the hardest part of job hunting, now would be the perfect time to insert a classical villain's scoff.

When it comes to job hunting, you could be riding smoothly until you hit a major bump: cover letters. Most job applications require one, and if you have no idea how to write a good cover letter, you may miss out on a huge opportunity.

This brings us to the big question: how can you write a cover letter that would make interviewers grovel for you to join the company? Well, an easy way out could be hiring a professional essay writer.

However, if we're being honest, not everyone can afford this option and that's why we wrote this article. Looking for tips to write a gleaming cover letter? Here's a detailed guide that you'd definitely enjoy.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is basically a one-page document that you submit alongside your job application. A lot of people often mistake cover letters for resumes but these two documents are as identical as a lion and a chicken.

While your resume lays out the facts about your professional background and experience, a cover letter typically conveys your personality.

This document determines whether you get the job or your application goes unceremoniously into the shredder.

As such, you have to make it as memorable and unique as possible. Don't let the cover letter idols down.

Why are Cover Letters so Important?

At this point, you're probably wondering: "why do I even have to write a cover letter in the first place? Is it all part of a grand plan to frustrate me?"

Fortunately, cover letters are not modern day torture devices. They only help to make your job applications stand out from the sea of other job hunters like you.

If you've ever wondered why this document is so important, it's simple. A good cover letter can take your application from a zero to a struggling hero.

With an impressive cover letter, you can convince interviewers that you're the best fit for the job even when thousands of impressive talents are right behind you.

Side note: A cover letter doesn't necessarily mean that you'd get the job even if you aren't qualified. It's a letter, not a magic wand. Stick to applying for roles that you're qualified and let the rest play out by itself.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

What exactly should you include in your cover letter? Should you tell the story of how you lost your favourite tooth when you were six? Well, here’s a pro tip: don't do that.

Your cover letter isn't an oversized box where you cram your entire life and career history. It should simply tell your readers who you are and what you're bringing to the table.

When it comes to writing cover letters, here are a few ingredients that should definitely not be missing from the pie:

How your work experience meets the job requirements

Even if you were working as a fairy for Peter Pan, there has to be a way you can link your previous work experience with the job requirements.

Does the position require someone with experience in sales calculations? Tell them how you're a pro at calculations thanks to your previous experience as a cashier at McDonald's. Easy Peasy!

This bit can be included in your cover letter introduction or much later, depending on how you want to structure your writing.

Pro Tip: Even though it can be really tempting, don't lie about your previous experience or skills. Getting caught in a lie is way more embarrassing than you think.

How your skills meet the job requirements

How do your skills meet the job requirements? Can you do quick math? Can you work under pressure? Let your readers know.

Just like we said earlier, try not to embellish your skills or make them colourful. Rumours have it that an employee who had no swimming skills once lied that she was a pro swimmer just to get a lifeguard position.

You don't want to know how that ended, do you?

Why you want to work at the company

You should also state why you want to work at the company. Is it their cultural values or work ethics? Is it the pay?

If the pay is your major motivation, you might want to avoid mentioning that. No matter how valid this reason may be, you definitely don't want to appear tacky.

Tips for Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

So you're ready to write a cover letter. How do you make sure your cover letter is as perfect as a freshly baked apple pie? Well, here are the ultimate tips to help you:

Show how you can solve problems

Almost everyone on earth claims to be a problem solver. We're pretty sure that if you found a random cat on the street, it'd probably claim to be a problem solver too. After all, it does get rid of street mice and rats.

So, what does this tell you? It only goes to show that saying things like "I'm a problem solver" isn't the ultimate clincher you think it is. It's just like pointing to a jar of peanut butter and exclaiming "This is peanut butter!"

Instead, show them how you're a problem solver. How were you able to solve a particular problem in the past?

How can you use your problem solving skills to help the company?

Explain all these in detail.

Don't sound like everyone else

Let's admit it: almost every cover letter starts the same way. You've probably seen tons of letters saying "I'm Brian and I'm a natural born leader. I have problem solving skills.."

If you were a recruiter, your eyes would definitely roll back into your head after you've read the fifth word that started this way.

Switching things up and adding a little word variation will help you stand out from other applications and catch the recruiter's attention.

Wouldn't that be great?

Be honest

Being honest may not exactly be the easiest thing to do when it comes to writing a cover letter. After all, you're trying to make yourself sound as awesome as possible.

However, in the history of cover letters, lying has never ended well for anyone. More often than not, your lies will come back to bite you on the job or even during the interview.

Let's imagine you lied that you're skilled at tightrope walking. What happens if three months down the line, you're asked to walk across a tightrope?

You'd be faced with two options: plunge down to your death or admit that you lied in your cover letter. Even though you'd most likely choose the second option, it won't be pretty for you or anyone involved.

Use the right tone

Everyone says you should be yourself when writing a cover letter and we completely agree. However, you should also try to use the appropriate tone and voice for the company you're applying to.

Whether you're writing a cover letter for an internship or administrative role, it's important to ensure that your tone matches the company's values and setup.

For instance, the tone you'd use when applying to a fashion oriented company won't be the same one you'd use for a tech company.

Different companies, different strokes.

End with a CTA

In the world of cover letter writing, a call to action (CTA) is the icing on the cake. You definitely want the company to contact you, so you have to give them a reason to.

Your call to action should be brief and open-ended. You could simply suggest that you look forward to hearing from them and you'd be willing to give more information if they need it.

Proofread thoroughly

Errors can always stick out like a sore thumb in cover letters. As such, you have to proofread thoroughly to ensure that there are no errors.

Check your paper for grammatical errors, wrong spellings, mundane phrases and statements that may offend your reader.

Not sure if your letter is gleaming enough? You can always contact an online essay writer to help you proofread and give a second opinion.

Final Thoughts

Writing a cover letter isn't exactly as easy as learning the ABCs, but it isn't so complicated either. If you're trying to win the heart (or at least, the approval) of any recruiter, start by leaving out overused expressions and statements in your cover letter.

This way, you'd stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of actually getting the job. Good luck!