It's a new dawn, and with the coronavirus pandemic still lurking, you're looking to switch up your career or apply for a new job entirely. You will have to do more than just fill out a job application or send a resume for most professional positions. At the very least, hiring managers will need you to curate a customized resume and targeted cover letter that shows why you're the most eligible candidate for the position.
However, it won't be enough to send in your cover letter. In 2022 you'll have to ensure that your resume and cover letter are written in a way that'll land you an interview. After all, landing an interview is the primary goal of applying for any job.
So, are you ready to get started? If yes, below is a detailed guide on how to write a perfectly curated cover letter that'll get your application noticed. Check out all the tips on what to include, the different types of cover letters, and how to format them.
But first…
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a document you send with your resume to offer additional information on your skills and expertise. It serves as a sales pitch in which you market your credentials in the hope of landing an interview.
According to a recent study, 85% of recruiters pay close attention to cover letters since they help determine whether you'll be called for an interview. Therefore, understanding how best to write a cover letter is essential to impress your interviewer.
Types of cover letters
Before you leap onto writing a cover letter, you need to ensure you've chosen the correct type of letter. The style will differ depending on whether you're writing one to inquire about a job opening, mentioning a referral, or uploading your resume.
There are generally three types of cover letters:
Pro tip: When applying for a job posted by a firm looking to hire new staff, you'll be using the application letter style, which we will elaborate on below.
Tips for writing an interview-landing cover letter
Here is an outline of the items you need to include in your cover letter in 2022:
Yup, the basics first. Application letters need to begin with your and the employer's contact information. This includes the name, address, phone number, and email). You should follow this with the date.
If it's an email, include your contact details at the end of the letter after your signature.
And remember to keep it professional by using an email address that includes your official names. funnyjanine@gmail.com or johntheOG@hotmail.com won't up your chances. Additionally, avoid using your current work address to send a cover letter – it's impolite to your current and potential future employer.
Bonus tip: If you're writing a cover letter and don't know the hiring manager's name, in the address section, include only the department's name. For instance, 'Digital Marketing Department.'
Don't know who to address your cover letter to?
Well, according to career experts, it should be directed to the hiring manager who'll read it.
What's more, the greeting might be the first thing the hiring manager grades you on, making it one of the most crucial parts of any cover letter. And, there's one foolproof way of ensuring your salutation snatches your recruiter's attention:
Dear Susan
Dear Michael
That's right. Using their name.
According to a slew of studies, when people hear or see their name, they react. Therefore, once the hiring manager sees their name in the salutation, they're going to feel like the cover letter is specifically tailored for them, giving you an edge over other applicants.
If you don't know their name, check the firm's website, LinkedIn Profile, and other social media platforms where the staff is listed.
After exhausting all the resources, opt for a simple 'Dear Hiring Manager.' Avoid starting your application letter with a 'to whom it may concern.' It feels impersonal and obnoxious.
Let's cut to the chase.
The first few sentences in your cover letter will determine if the hiring manager will keep reading it. Studies show that hiring managers skim through cover letters for an average of 7.4 seconds, and the introduction is one of the most determining factors.
So, rather than stating the obvious details in your resume, offer a quick window into your relevant skills and expertise, highlight a contact (perhaps your referral), and emphasize a critical accomplishment that would make you an asset to the firm.
Your objective is to capture the recruiter's attention.
You might also want to include some keywords used in the job listing. For instance, you can mention that your track history of successfully leading national online campaigns with budgets of less than $250,000 makes you an excellent fit for the role.
In the second paragraph, explain why you're interested in the position and why you're the best fit. Mention relevant qualifications listed in the job posting and explain how you effortlessly meet those requirements. Don't restate your resume, but offer specific qualities that will help satisfy the firm's needs.
Remember, actions speak louder than words, so don't just state your qualifications. Instead, use tangible examples from your work experience that show the hiring manager these traits in action.
A sample script:
In my current role at XYZ, I have supervised every phase of the online marketing initiative, creative and technical. Last year, my primary challenge was designing and optimizing ten-product websites for XYZ's most strategic products, boosting the SEO results, and enhancing the UX. Here we are, six months later:
So far, so good.
Your cover letter offers a quick rundown of your relevant skills and expertise. What could go wrong?
According to career coaches, a lot.
You need to write the ending, and it's a crucial decisive part.
It should amplify the impression you've made with previous paragraphs. Therefore, you need to restate how your skills make you the perfect fit for the position. You can also discuss why you'd like to work with the firm if you have room.
You should also state that you'd be elated at the opportunity to interview or discuss employment opportunities. Discuss what you'll do to follow up and when you'll do this.
Sample script:
I'd welcome a chance to discuss your digital marketing goals further and demonstrate how my success at XYZ can translate into the online marketing growth of ABC.
Once you've written your conclusion, you need to put a formal closing at the very end with phrases such as:
Afterward, you can input your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If it's an email, include your typed name and contact information after the complimentary close.
Before sending off your perfectly written cover letter, you need to review the format used. This includes:
A cover letter shouldn't be more than six paragraphs are plenty, and it shouldn't be longer than one page. If it's too long, don't use a smaller font. Instead, edit it and ensure it's a single page long.
Your application letter should be formatted professionally. The font needs to match the font you used on your resume. It needs to be also simple to skim through. Pick fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Yes, size is an essential element too – make the text small, and the recruiter might not want to continue reading it. Based on the font type, somewhere between 10- and 12-point is recommended for readability.
Ensure to include a space between the header and salutation before every paragraph, the closing, and your signature.
Apart from the cover letter format, you also need to:
Don't just click and upload your letter before checking for typos and grammatical errors. Read it aloud and see if you made any mistakes. If it's an email, you can use tools such as Grammarly to make the relevant edits.
An advert will indicate that a more substantial letter is needed in exceptional cases. Therefore, be sure to follow the stated instructions and include specifically requested information.
For example, some firms might ask you to include your current salary or desired remuneration range.
When you email an application letter, ensure to include a signature with your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (this is an essential inclusion for your 2022 cover letter). This will make it easier for the hiring manager to contact you.
