One of the requirements for jobs and scholarship applications is usually a cover letter. As important as it is, many job seekers do not understand the rudiments of writing a cover letter which makes your recruiter hire you in minutes. From research, we have discovered that a good cover letter is all you need to get the job. To Write a good cover letter, you must follow the rules and ensure its free from mistakes.
How do you do that? This article illustrates how to write an error free cover letter in minutes. Also, we have included the common mistakes in cover letters. If you read till the end, you will also find out the exact format and layout of a good cover letter that will get you the job.
Let’s get started!!!
What is a Cover Letter?
For those who have no clue of what a cover letter is, it’s an important document when you’re hunting for a job. Although, some companies do not require it, for those who do, it isn’t a part of the job application process you want to skimp on. A cover letter is a one-page document that introduced you to your potential employers. It is not out of place to say it’s a first impression, which is equivalent to a handshake.
Also, a cover letter introduces you in your absence to your employers when you apply for a job. It allows you to go into more details than your resume allows. It’s in the cover letter that you explain gaps in your employment history or your need for a career change. And a great cover letter can open the door to scoring an interview and, ultimately, landing a job. Just like a good handshake, your cover letter has to be strong, succinct, and make a great first impression.
What Makes A Cover Letter Stand Out?
Every employer has an expectation. Therefore, they’re looking for a job applicant whose application suits or exceeds their expectation. (The latter is preferable!) How do they make their selection? The answer is not far-fetched, it’s through cover letters and resumé. To have a cover letter that stands out, you have to avoid cover letter mistakes. Below, you will discover what makes an employer look at a cover letter twice. Trust me, they absolutely do not have that time. To get their attention, be a little more than ordinary.
7 Tricky Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
The aim of this section is to help you make your first impression good and lasting. From research, we have conglomerated the most common cover letter mistakes job seekers make. When you’re writing your cover letter for job hunting, avoid these mistakes;
Overusing “I” Word
I’m sorry but Hey!, Your cover letter is not your autobiography. Many job seekers make the mistake of reiterating the word “I”. The aim of a cover letter is to explain how you can meet an employer’s needs, not your entire life or job experience story. Avoid centering your description on the “I” word. Totally minimize it, it’s one of the cover letter mistakes.
Using a Weak Opening
A cover letter must be succinct and full of punch lines. Avoid feeble introductions and weak statements. Grab the reader’s attention with bold yet true words of you. Example:
Weak: Please consider me for your sales representative opening.
Better: Your need for a top-performing sales representative is an excellent match to my three-year history as a top-ranked, multimillion-dollar producer.
Now, you get the point? Avoid this cover letter mistakes!!!
Omitting Your Top Selling Points
Now, that’s the essence of a cover letter. Sell yourself. Your strength and accomplishments. It’s your sales letter. Just like your resumé, it should interest your potential boss enough to call you for an interview. Therefore, winning cover letter tips includes emphasizing your top accomplishments.
Avoid Making it Too Long
I reiterate, a cover letter is a one-page article. Anything more than that is a red flag. You may put your employers to sleep. A great cover letter is concise but compelling, and respects the reader’s time. Do not regurgitate what’s on your resume. What this means is that you should not reword your cover letter statements to avoid dulling your resume’s impact.
Being vague
It’s expedient that you reference the specific job title in your cover letter. This makes it specific. Also, ensure all the content in your letter explains how you will meet the employer’s specific needs.
Do Not End on a Passive Note
Most applicant end their cover letter with a thank you, trust me that’s a huge mistake. Put your future in your own hands with a promise to follow up. Do not make the mistake of asking your employers to call you. Rather, trying this: I will follow up with you in a few days to answer questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (your contact) Perfecto!!!
Being rude
You should express gratitude for your employer’s time and consideration. Also, it is proper business etiquette (and shows attention to detail) to sign your letter. Do not err on this. However, if you are emailing cover letter and resume, a signature isn’t necessary.
What’s The Best Cover Letter Format in 2021?
Here’s how to format a cover letter that will catch your employer’s attention;
- Set one-inch margins on all sides.
- Left-align all contents. Don’t use justification, it’s against the standard rules of business letter formatting.
- Use business letter format spacing: 1 or 1.15.
- Put double spaces between paragraphs.
- Optionally, include a digital copy of your handwritten signature in your sign-off. It will add a nice, professional touch.
- Save your cover letter in PDF. It’s the best electronic cover letter format because it keeps the layout intact.
- Ensure its free of typos and grammatical errors
References
2 comments