How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired: Essential Tips, Templates and Examples

Start Your Cover Letter With a Professional Greeting

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task for many job seekers, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting your letter off with a professional greeting is an important step to making a great first impression.

When addressing the hiring manager, make sure to get their name right! Look for the name in the job listing, or do some research by looking up the company website or LinkedIn profile. Not addressing the hiring manager by name can make your letter seem generic and impersonal.

Once you’ve identified the name of the hiring manager, greet them with a polite and professional salutation. Start off with “Dear [Name],” or “Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],” and follow it with a colon. This will give the letter an extra level of professionalism and show that you took the time to research the company.

If you’re unsure of the name of the hiring manager, a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “To Whom It May Concern,” can be appropriate. However, it’s best to avoid using generic phrases like “Dear Sir or Madam” as it can sound overly formal and outdated.

No matter which greeting you choose, make sure to keep it professional and courteous. Using a professional greeting is a great way to start off your cover letter and make a great first impression. It shows that you’ve put in the extra effort to research the company, and it will help you stand out from other applicants.

Research the Company

Writing a cover letter that stands out from the crowd is a great way to increase your chances of getting hired. One of the best ways to do this is to research the company you are applying to. By taking the time to learn about the company, you can tailor your cover letter to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills the company is looking for. Here are some things to keep in mind when researching a company for your cover letter:

  • Visit the company’s website. Look for information on their mission, values, and goals.
  • Look for recent news articles or press releases related to the company.
  • Check out their social media accounts. Pay attention to the company’s tone, values, and the type of content they are sharing.
  • Look for employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor.
  • If possible, talk to current or past employees to get an insider’s perspective on the company.

When crafting your cover letter, be sure to include specific details that demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Mention the company’s mission, values, and goals; note any recent news or developments that you read about; and explain how your skills and experience fit in with the company’s needs. For example, if the company is looking for someone with experience in a certain area, highlight any relevant skills or projects you have worked on.

By researching the company, you can show the employer that you have taken the time to learn about their organization and you understand what kind of candidate they are looking for. This will go a long way in demonstrating your interest in the position and your commitment to the company.

Explain Your Value

Writing a cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself and explain your value to a prospective employer. Crafting a compelling cover letter is a crucial step in the job search process. When done well, it can be the difference between getting noticed and being forgotten.

When writing your cover letter, it’s important to explain your value and how you can contribute to the company. Outline the unique skills and experiences you bring to the table and how you can make an impact. Describe the successes you’ve achieved in the past and how they are relevant to the role. Highlight the ways you can solve the company’s problems and how you can help them reach their goals.

Be sure to emphasize your creativity and originality, as this can help you stand out from the competition. Showcase your innovative ideas and explain how they can help the company progress. Demonstrate how you’re a forward-thinking individual who can help the company take their business to the next level.

Finally, don’t forget to provide examples of your work that demonstrate your unique value and how you can contribute to the company. Include links to websites, articles, and other content you’ve created that’s relevant to the role. This can be a great way to showcase your abilities and show a prospective employer what you have to offer.

By focusing on your value and emphasizing your creativity, you can create a cover letter that stands out from the competition and gets you hired. Remember to be honest and authentic, and you can be sure to make a great impression.

End Your Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Completing your cover letter is a crucial step in applying for a job. One of the best ways to finish your cover letter with a bang is to invite the employer to contact you for an interview.

A call to action is an invitation for the employer to take the next step in the hiring process. It not only shows you are confident in your abilities, but you are also proactive and eager to move forward. A good call to action should be polite and direct, while giving the employer a clear indication of what you hope will happen next.

For example, you might say something like “I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience can benefit your company. Please contact me to arrange an interview at your earliest convenience.”

Be sure to include your contact information in the call to action. This ensures that the employer knows how to reach you if they are interested in setting up an interview.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can also add a unique call to action. For example, you might suggest a specific date and time for an interview. This will show the employer you’re proactive and confident in your abilities.

No matter which call to action you choose, make sure to keep it professional and polite. This will show the employer that you take the job search process seriously and are eager to move forward.

By ending your cover letter with a call to action, you can show the employer that you are confident and enthusiastic about the job opportunity. This is sure to set you apart from other candidates and could be just the push the employer needs to contact you for an interview.

Proofread and Edit Your Cover Letter

Proofreading and editing your cover letter is an essential step to creating a successful one. Taking the time to edit and make sure your cover letter is error-free can be the difference between getting a call back and being overlooked.

Start by reading through your cover letter out loud. This allows you to catch mistakes that your eyes may have missed. It also allows you to be more mindful of the flow and structure of your writing.

Next, take a break from your cover letter and come back to it with fresh eyes. This will give you a new perspective on your writing, which may help you identify any issues that were not previously noticed.

Once you’ve read your cover letter out loud and taken a break, perform a thorough check for grammar and spelling errors. Use tools such as spellcheck and Grammarly to help you double-check your work. Additionally, have a friend or family member read through your cover letter and offer feedback, as they may catch something that you missed.

Finally, make sure to read through the job description once more and double-check that your cover letter is tailored for that specific job posting. Ensure that all the relevant information is included and that you have addressed the hiring manager by name.

Proofreading and editing your cover letter can help make your application stand out from the rest. Taking the time to make sure your cover letter is perfect can help make the process of applying for jobs easier and more successful.

Using a Cover Letter Template

Writing a successful cover letter is often the first step in the job application process. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the competition and get your foot in the door. To make the process easier, you can use a cover letter template to get started.

Using a well-formatted template is a great way to save time and ensure that your cover letter is organized and professional. When you use a template, you can modify it to fit your needs and tailor it to the job. By including relevant keywords, such as the job title and skills required, you can make sure your letter is properly tailored to the job. Additionally, you can use the template to ensure that all the required information is included in your letter, such as your contact information, the job you are applying for, and why you are the best candidate for the job.

Once you have your template, it’s important to make sure you personalize it and make it unique to you. You want to make sure your cover letter stands out from the rest. Take the time to add your own unique experiences, skills, and personality to the letter. You can also use the template as a guide to help you organize your thoughts and focus on the key points you want to make.

Finally, make sure you take the time to proofread your letter before you send it out. Taking the time to make sure it’s free of errors is essential to creating a professional, polished letter.

Using a cover letter template is a great way to ensure that your letter is organized and professional. By modifying the template to fit your needs and tailoring it to the job, you can make sure all the required information is included and that your letter stands out from the competition. Taking the time to personalize it, focus on the key points, and proofread it is essential to making sure your cover letter gets you noticed and helps you get hired.

Highlight Your Qualifications

Writing a cover letter is an important part of a job application. Crafting a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and sets you apart from other applicants is essential to success.

When writing your cover letter, make sure to emphasize the skills, experience, and education that are relevant to the position. Your cover letter should not be a copy of your resume, but rather an opportunity to showcase your qualifications in a unique and creative way.

Start by researching the company and the job description. Think about how your skills, experience, and education can help the company. Show how you can add value to the company and help them reach their goals. Use this research to customize your cover letter to the position.

Think about what makes you unique. What sets you apart from other candidates? It could be a specific skill, experience, or education. Highlight any awards, certifications, or other achievements that can help you stand out.

Finally, make sure to read through your cover letter and proofread for any errors. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and ask a friend or family member to review it for you.

Writing a cover letter takes time and effort, but if you highlight your qualifications and show how you can add value to the company, you can be sure to make a lasting impression and get the job.

Craft a Unique Cover Letter for Each Job You Apply To

Crafting a unique cover letter for each job you apply to is essential if you want to land the job. When writing a cover letter, you should focus on the individual aspects of each job and the qualities you possess that make you the ideal candidate.

Start by researching the company and position you are applying for. This can help you to explain why you are interested in the job. You should also research the company’s values and culture to ensure that your cover letter reflects their ideals.

Once you have done your research, you can use the information to craft a unique cover letter that is tailored to the job you are applying for. Focus on the skills and qualities you possess that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Explain why you are passionate about the position and why you are uniquely qualified for the role.

Be sure to use creative and unique language when writing your cover letter. Show the employer why you stand out from other applicants. Focus on the accomplishments and successes that match the position and are related to the job.

Finally, make sure your cover letter is proofread and error-free. A well-written, error-free cover letter can make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting the job.

Using these tips, you can create a unique and creative cover letter to help you get hired. Focusing on the unique aspects of each job, your qualifications and accomplishments, and using creative language can all help you to craft the perfect cover letter.

Examples of Cover Letters

Writing a great cover letter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking inspiration from real-life examples is a great way to ensure your cover letter stands out from the pack. To get you started, here are some of the best examples of cover letters you can take inspiration from.

If you’re looking for a creative approach, a great example to follow is the “Chinese Puzzle” cover letter. This cover letter was created by a candidate to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and creative thinking. It consists of three parts, each of which is progressively more detailed and tailored to the position. This cover letter is sure to stand out and make a strong impression.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the classic cover letter is a great model to follow. This type of cover letter is short, to the point and showcases the candidate’s best qualities in a concise manner. It covers the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience, and how they would be a great fit for the role.

If you’re applying for a job in a technical field, consider using the “Laser Focused” cover letter. This type of letter is designed to highlight the candidate’s technical knowledge and experience in the industry. It should also demonstrate how their skills and experience make them the perfect fit for the role.

Finally, the “Brand Ambassador” cover letter is great for those looking to make a strong impression. This letter should showcase the candidate’s enthusiasm for the job and the company itself. It should also explain why the candidate is uniquely qualified to be a brand ambassador, and what they can bring to the table.

By taking inspiration from these examples, you can create a great cover letter that will get you noticed and help you get the job you want. Whether you choose a creative, traditional or technical approach, make sure you tailor your cover letter to the specific role you’re applying for and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit. Good luck!

Know When to Send Your Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter that gets you hired requires thought and effort. Knowing when and how to send your cover letter can make all the difference.

When you’re applying for a job, it’s important to consider timing. First, consider when the job listing was posted. If the listing is more than a few weeks old, it might be best to delay sending your resume and cover letter. If the listing is new, it’s best to apply quickly and make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job.

Additionally, consider the form in which you send your cover letter. A hard copy letter may have a bit more of an impact than an emailed one. If you’re sending your application via mail, consider hand-writing the address on the envelope and including a customized note.

When submitting your application online, you should make sure you understand the process. Make sure you submit your cover letter and resume in the requested format. If you’re asked to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, make sure to include the job title and your name in the subject line.

It’s also important to be mindful of the deadline. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to proofread and edit your cover letter before you submit it. This will ensure that you’re sending your best work.

In conclusion, it’s important to be mindful of when and how you are sending your cover letter. Sending your cover letter too late, or in the wrong form, can put you at a disadvantage. Knowing when and how to send your cover letter will help you stand out from the competition. With careful consideration and thoughtful effort, your application is sure to make an impact.