Writing a Successful Cover Letter

Looking online, you may think there is a big debate about whether cover letters are still important or whether they are a thing of the past. I am here to tell you that they are still extremely important, and many hiring managers will toss your application if it does not include a personalized cover letter. Job applications can include a resume, cover letter, salary expectations, credentials, and whatever else the posting has asked for. It is key to carefully read the entire posting, as it could ask for something specific to weed out people batch applying to jobs. For example, somewhere in the post, it may say to include a specific phrase in the cover letter that has nothing to do with the job – paying attention to details is essential in many roles, and you want to pass the first hurdle.

Purpose of a Cover Letter 

A cover letter is important for several reasons:

1. Personalization: A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to the specific job and company you are applying to. You can highlight relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
2. Showcasing your personality: A cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and passion for the role. It gives you a chance to go beyond the bullet points on your resume and convey why you are a good fit for the position.
3. Demonstrating communication skills: Writing a well-crafted cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. Employers are often looking for candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively.
4. Addressing any gaps or inconsistencies: A cover letter allows you to address any gaps in your resume, career transitions, or other potential concerns a hiring manager may have. It gives you the chance to explain any relevant context and provide additional information.
5. Differentiation: A compelling cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. It shows that you have taken the time to research the company, understand the role, and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Overall, a well-written cover letter can enhance your job application and increase your chances of landing an interview. It gives you a chance to make a positive impression and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position.

Tips When Writing a Cover Letter 

1. Tailor it to the job: Customize your cover letter for each job application by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements.

2. Address it to a specific person: Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. This shows that you have taken the time to do some research.

3. Start strong: Begin your cover letter with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader's attention. You can mention a mutual connection, a personal anecdote, or a specific achievement relevant to the job

4. Showcase your qualifications: Use the body of your cover letter to discuss your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Provide specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.

5. Keep it concise: Aim to keep your cover letter to one page in length and focus on the most relevant information. Avoid repeating details already mentioned in your resume.

6. Use a professional tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter, and be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.

7. Show enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the job and the company in your cover letter. Explain why you are interested in the position and how your skills align with the company's goals.

8. Close with a strong conclusion: End your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph that summarizes why you are a good fit for the role and expresses your eagerness to discuss further in an interview.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job, increasing your chances of standing out to potential employers.

The more cover letters you write, the better you will become at writing them. While you want an error free cover letter, do not stress out if you notice errors after you sent it. If the content is high quality and what they are looking for, they may overlook a silly error. You can do this! 

If you are a current student or past student of Ashton College, you can get your cover letter looked over by the Student Success Coordinator, it is always beneficial to get your resume looked over by multiple people.   

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