We usually spend much more time on our Resume than on our cover letter. But the cover letter is just as important as the resume. Its function is to introduce ourselves and to introduce our candidacy in a succinct way. This is why we should pay a lot of attention to it.
If you are looking for a job, then remember that your cover letter is your “entry passport” to the company you are looking for. It is your instrument to express your motivation and your interest in a job offer.
How to write a cover letter?
The purpose of attaching a cover letter to your CV when submitting it for a job offer is to capture the interest of the person who will manage the application and highlight specific data that make you the ideal person for the desired position. You can contact the essay writing service if you do not know how to write a successful cover letter.
The two reasons for submitting a cover letter are either to respond to a published job offer or to submit an unsolicited application. Here are some of the information that should not be missing in your cover letter:
- Reference (Only if the letter is in response to an advertisement)
- Addressee: Name and position of the addressee, name, and address of the company
- City and date from which you are writing the letter
- Initial Salutation: Dear Mr. (Surname of the addressee). If you do not know the name, you should only write “Dear Sir / Madam”, although it would be appropriate for you to find out. A cover letter must be personalized to make a good impression. To get the information, you can use the Internet, call the company to get the name of the person in charge of recruitment, etc.
The 9 most common mistakes you could be making and how to avoid them
1. Not checking for spelling mistakes
There is nothing worse than misspellings or inadequate vocabulary in a cover letter. It is very important to take care of them. They discredit you in front of the recruiter. Always try to use, at least, a spell checker for common mistakes. For the others, do not hesitate to have your letter read by other people, two eyes are worth more than one. But above all, take care of the spelling of the recruiter’s or company’s name. Take the time to check them!
2. Do not adapt the letter to the company and the position offered
You can’t just write “I apply for the reference position”. You have to adapt the cover letter to each position and each company, specify the position you are applying for, or indicate its reference. It seems simple but when sending a multitude of letters to different companies and positions, few people do it. Change two lines and set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates.
3. Do not adapt the letter to the tone of the offer and its requirements
You have to be careful not to write a generic letter. In addition to personalizing the job title, you will have to adjust your wording to the offer. Focus on the tone, the elements of the role, and the profile sought. Use the same terms that appear in the ad and show that your personal characteristics match the profile of the position you are applying for. This will give the impression that you and the recruiter are on the same page.
4. Do not write the letter in the same language as the job offer
It is much better to write the letter in the same language in which the job offer is written, especially if the offer requires that language. This way you will make your linguistic conditions clear.
5. Write a long and heavy letter
Never confuse a cover letter with the book of your life. A cover letter does not tell everything. It should be clear, orderly, and concise. It is always better to put short and simple sentences. It should not take more than one page.
6. Repeating concepts/content of your CV
Do not confuse the CV with the cover letter. One is not the written version of the other. If the information is already detailed in the CV, there is no need to describe it here in the cover letter. Do not repeat what already appears in the CV, but highlight what you consider most noteworthy. You have to figure out what is the difference between CV and cover letter.
7. Do not add value to your candidacy
Do not write the cover letter just for the sake of it. You have to attract attention, and make a difference with the other applicants for the position. Remember that your objective is to get a personal interview.
8. Do not organize your letter for easy reading
You have to organize the letter so that it is very coherent, understandable, and comprehensible. Use short, separate paragraphs. The reader of your letter, your recruiter, must visually and quickly identify the points that interest him/her.
9. Mention your hobbies
Your hobbies are of no interest unless they are related to the job or support your candidacy.
Conclusion
The job search may be on the horizon for so many students and workers who want to improve their situation, achieve new dreams, and continue to grow in such an important area of life. These 9 tips to improve your cover letter can help you in your goal.