How to Write an Impressive Cover Letter

Finding the right job can be extremely tiresome, no matter what country it is! Looking through various opportunities, preparing the documents, facing rounds and rounds of interviews - all of this is no fun! Well, there’s no point in whining because we all need a job to get closer to our dreams. Let’s look at one of the most important documents that is required while applying for a job - Cover Letter. Apart from your Resume, cover letter is one of the most important things a recruiter wants to look at while reading your profile. It helps the recruiting officer in getting to know you better! Here are some tips on how to nail it like a pro!

• Research, Research, Research!  

If you don’t know much about the company you’re applying for, please do your part of research before writing your cover letter. Of course, you can have a generic body of your letter but adding some details about the company or some realted skills can help you stand out. For eg. : If you’re applying for a marketing job in a company, you can mention one of their marketing campaigns that you liked. It makes the recruiter feel like you really know the company or you made an effort at least in knowing it better. 

• Add a personal touch

Recruiters, at all times, have a bunch of cover letters to read and most of them have a basic standardised start. Stand out. Start your cover letter with a personal touch. By personal touch, we mean that the recruiter wants to know what made you apply for this job, why are you interested in this one and why do you want to leave your current job. These details are important in order to make your cover letter unique. Remember not to criticise any of your past jobs, no matter how troublesome they might’ve been. It leaves a bad impression on the recruiter.

• Keep it short

Like we said, recruiters have a bunch of cover letters to go through and they can’t be reading autobiographies! Try to keep it short but add all the necessary details like your educational background, work experience (position-related), additional skills (languages, softwares), achievements, etc. You’ll have to find a way to keep it brief and still add the details because that’s what makes the recruiter consider your profile. Do not forget to mention what “value” will you add to the company as this makes you sound confident about your skills and experience.

• Numbers, Achievements and Values 

Try to talk about the “results” you achieved through an approach you applied in your past jobs. Adding numbers or just explaining it verbally can help the recruiter understand your skills better. You need to be very clear and confident while talking about your skills.

• The tone matters! 

The tone of your cover letter must be very professional, clear and direct. You must not sound desperate as it doesn’t leave a good impression on the recruiter. Do not go overboard with flattery and do not criticise any of your past roles. You have to be the star of your cover letter and make the company want you! 

Remember, getting an extra pair of eyes on your cover letter always helps. Get someone senior - a sibling, a colleague, a parent or anyone else go through it before you finally send it out. Do make some time out to make sure that the grammar is on point and you’re good to go! 

Not all jobs are for everyone and do not get disheartened if you don’t make it in one go. With the right perseverance and determination, you will make it for sure. Just believe in yourself and keep applying!