When applying for jobs, candidates must send not only a resume but also a cover letter. Typically, it’s a 1-page paper explaining to future employers why you’re their perfect fit for an open vacancy. It shows how you will be valuable for their companies. What not to write in a cover letter? What to include in it? Look at useful samples to learn how to format it. Keep reading this guide to understand how to write a cover letter successfully.
What is a cover letter?
Before you learn what not to include in a cover letter, be sure to understand what it actually is. Basically, a cover letter is a short document that you must include in your standard job application. Candidates are free not to include it only if job ads clearly state that.
How long should a cover letter be?
As for the length of a cover letter - it’s necessary to keep this document short. That’s because a cover letter must offer a short overview of a resume or CV. Remember that writing more than a single page is a mistake.
What is the purpose of a resume cover letter?
It serves different purposes. For instance, when writing a cover letter, do the following:
- Introducing yourself as a candidate.
- Encouraging hiring managers to check out your resume.
- Mentioning a particular job you’re applying for.
- Proving that your work experience and skills match the ones required to do this job.
- Finishing with a strong call to action.
How to make a cover letter matching a job description
Using separate cover letters for different jobs is a must. Your cover letter must prove that you understand what potential employers are searching for and what a specific job involves, so match it to a certain ad. Be specific about personal qualities and skills. Highlight how they match employers’ needs. Use these effective patterns to make your cover letter for resume as specific as possible:
- Determine who to address.
- Learn more about a particular job.
- Get more information about the company.
How to address a cover letter correctly
Find the names of all people who will read your job application to address your cover letter properly. This simple step can increase your chance to succeed and get the job you need considerably.
Find out more about the job
When looking for the right address to send your job application, don’t hesitate to contact potential employers to ask relevant questions. Their answers will help make a cover letter fitting to a job with ease.
Learn more about the company
You need background information about a company to tailor a cover letter to strict job requirements. Search for useful data online and offline.
How to start a cover letter: What to include in it
There are certain things that a strong cover letter should include, such as:
- Your contact details and personal information
- Potential employers’ contact details and names
- The job title you’re applying for
- A full list of your professional experiences and skills
- A brief summary of why you are the best candidate for a given job
Besides, you should speak their language to write a successful cover letter. This is how you prove that you understand a certain field or industry. Ask hiring managers to contact you about a future job interview in the end.
What not to include in a cover letter
Including the above-stated things in your cover letter isn’t enough to succeed. You also need to avoid certain mistakes. Make sure that you don’t write the following things in it:
- Mistakes and typos
- Rewriting the entire resume
- Using the 1st person too much
- Saying something about other job applications
Mistakes and typos
Proofread and edit a cover letter before sending it to recruiters, Ask other people, such as your family, colleagues, or friends, to read it and show you confusing parts. Double-check every sentence.
Don’t rewrite your resume in a cover letter
Including the entire resume in this document is a big mistake. You should re-word the most important information instead of repeating it. Make a cover letter clear and brief to grab readers’ attention.
Don’t use the first person too much
You shouldn’t overuse the 1st person in a cover letter. It’s about how you will help future employers, not about your personality. Rewrite or delete the sentences that start with the first person.
Don’t mention other job applications
Most people prefer to apply for many jobs at once. However, it doesn’t mean that you should mention other attempts when writing a cover letter. It should persuade hiring managers that you’re eager to get a particular job.
If you want to improve your chances to interest recruiters and get job interviews, hire our professional writers to produce the best cover letter. Their skills and vast expertise guarantee your future employment success regardless of your competition.