How to Write an Impressive Cover Letter – Updated 2023

Basic Cover Letter Tips

Cover letter helps you show that you are qualified for the job. It provides additional information about your experience and skills and tells prospective employers more about why they should hire you. Quite often, cover letter is the first thing that employers look at. In other words, it is your chance to impress the employer and build a connection with him or her. As well, enrolling in a Human Resources Management program can give you an insider's perspective on how HR professionals view cover letters.

To bring you closer to your dream job, Ashton College shares a few cover letter tips that will help you with your job applications. For more content about all things Human Resources, refer back to our HR-specific blog.

Keep the cover letter to one page.

Never write lengthy cover letters: no one has the time and patience to go through lengthy text that is not relevant to position or the organization you are applying to. Try to highlight the key information about yourself and your experiences that are most applicable to your role.

As a general rule, the larger the company the less important a cover letter becomes. However, there are exceptions to this rule (for example, when you are applying for a senior positions at a big company).

Look at your opening statement.

Nothing says “I don't care about your company” like an opening of “To Whom It May Concern.” Today it takes as little as a Google search or a phone call to figure out the name of the hiring manager. Addressing your letter to the correct person (and spelling their name correctly!) will automatically ingratiate you to the reader and show that you've spent some time researching the company and the position.

Say more with less words.

A succinct cover letter will help you stand out from the crowd and show that you respect your reader's time. It also allows you to focus on the most important aspects of your application and ensures that the information you are presenting is relevant and concise.

Tailor each cover for every job – but you can use a template.

Tailoring a cover letter for each job application is like customizing a suit: it ensures that your personality and qualifications are tailored specifically to the unique needs of the company you're applying to. Not only does this show employers that you've taken the time to understand their mission, but it also makes your submission stand out from the crowd of generic cover letters. Plus, it'll help you make a more meaningful connection with the hiring manager and better communicate how your skills can benefit the organization.

Be open to advice and constructive criticism.

Even if you think you've done a perfect job crafting it, a second opinion from someone who has seen plenty of successful cover letters can only help. That added insight could be just what you need to take your letter from good to great. So don't be afraid to seek advice on your cover letter and make sure it's the best reflection of yourself. After all, the cover letter is the gateway to getting your foot in the door. A well-crafted cover letter can showcase your qualifications and experience while demonstrating that you possess the skills needed for the job.

Always proofread and optimize your cover letter.

Believe it or not, the small details can make a big difference. A typo or grammar error can show that you didn't take the time to review your work and may reflect negatively on your job application. So don’t let a careless mistake ruin what could be an awesome opportunity.

Don't repeat your resume.

There is a large temptation to re-state the experiences from your resume when you are writing a cover letter. Instead of doing that, try to showcase your personality, interests, knowledge about the company or information relevant to your position.

The goal of the cover letter is to encourage the employer to read your resume.

Cover Letter Format

Include your contact details.

Taking the extra step of providing your contact details shows that you're seriously committed to pursuing the opportunity and stand out from other job seekers. It's an added bonus that can really make you stand out in the eyes of any potential employer.

Introductory paragraph to hook the reader.

Begin with an introduction paragraph to explain how you learned about the job or the company (job fair, newspaper, friend). Name the specific position that you are applying for. If you were referred by a friend or someone else for this position, make sure that you mention it in the cover letter (many jobs are obtained by referrals).

Use keywords from the job posting your applying to.

Using keywords from the job you're applying to in your cover letter is a great way to show employers that you have thought carefully about their specific role and that you possess the skills necessary for the position. Not only will it catch their attention, but it also gives them an immediate sense of your understanding of the job requirements and how you can contribute.

Summarize your skillset and use metrics or accomplishments you're proud of.

After the introductory lines, write a small summary about your career tailored to fit the needs of the company you are approaching. In the next paragraph lay out the relevant accomplishments. Be creative when explaining why you are the best fit for the job and use numbers and statistics to back up your claims.

Finish with a robust closing statement.

Your cover letter is your first impression, and finishing with a strong closing statement is the perfect way to leave one. By including a robust closing statement that succinctly expresses your enthusiasm and qualifications, you demonstrate to employers that you take the application process seriously and can be trusted to see things through to completion. So don't forget: end your cover letter on a high note, and you'll be sure to impress.

 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.