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A cover letter is one of the basic documents for a job, next to the resume, that we learn to write at school. A resume is a must-have when looking for a job — what about the other one?
What about the cover letter? Should you or shouldn't you write it? And how to write it? More about that below!
From this article, you'll learn:
A cover letter is a letter you send to the recruiter (either because you want to or because they require it). Why? Mainly to motivate an employer. And yourself too, along the way. :) In our Resume Maker, you'll make a resume and cover letter that visually match.
You're reading the last point and maybe something feels weird. How can your attitude and values convince a recruiter to hire you?
Cover Letter Tip: A description of your feelings and motivation in the cover letter will be more convincing than “high motivation and desire to learn” in your resume's qualities section. Stand out from other applicants by highlighting your most relevant skills and experience
We need an introduction, body… etc. So:
1. Pick the Right Cover Letter Template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression. So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?
2. Introduction – and in it, basic information about who you are and what position you're applying for. Show that you know exactly what you're signing up for (describe what you want to work as and where; add the specific department and other information you have). You'll prove that you're very involved from the very start of the recruitment (so you'll be just as passionate about the job as well).
Examples:
3. Body – the "proper part". A description of what made you send in your application, why you'd be good at it, what are your qualities, etc.
Examples:
4. Ending – typical for a formal letter, so: once again asking to consider your candidacy, salutation, signature. You can also mention what attachments you're adding.
Examples:
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What should you write about - and how - in a cover letter for it to work?
And I don't mean not lying (that's obvious - or is it…?). I mean opening up to the recruiter, showing who we are. Imagine that you got the interview, and they ask you something broad like "what made you want to apply for this job?" Exactly, what? Tell them (in the letter)!
There are no perfect candidates. If you think you're even less perfect than "the other less-perfects" because, for example, you have little experience, don't worry. You can make up for it with one of your positive traits. Describe it - write that you're aware that you're missing this and that but you really want this job and think you would be a good candidate because… insert your points here.
If you're applying for the position, you should already know how to finish that sentence. Now choose the words and write them down
No worries, you don't have to know copywriting or marketing strategies. You just need to present your progress, show your history, how you got to where you are now. Of course not too much, you aren't writing an autobiography. Don't just list your traits - explain how you got them. Why you want to work here - why in this industry, why in this trade.
Talk about your values and needs as well as what the job would give you, what it would bring into your life.
They ask you for an additional document to learn something more, something new about you.
Don't talk about your personality too much. Just listing traits is not very convincing - practice shows the truth in the end. You should focus on specific achievements or experience instead - "I have experience in…" or "I worked on many projects" are too vague, most people can write that.
Instead, write what your most interesting project was about, where you worked on it, or who was the client, what you managed to achieve (the more precise, the better - people like to see numbers). Don't overdo it though - 1-2 most important achievements are enough.
If your cover letter is neat, people will want to read it more. In CraftCV, you can make a cover letter that matches the style of your resume. It will be both pretty and concise! A visually pleasing form and correct, convincing content give you bigger chances of getting hired. It's nice if a candidate has experience but evoking sympathy is important too.
Thanks to a good cover letter, you can do exactly that. :)
Suggested Reading:
Co-owner of CraftCv. Graduated in Computer Graphics. She is the author of all the CV templates and visual identification of the service. She believes in fair e-marketing therefore she loves to test, analyze, and learn new solutions and marketing strategies. Mindful budgeting, organization and planning are Magdalena's main traits.
