While applying to your dream job, sending only a resume won’t always work. You have to complement it with a cover letter to maximize your chances of getting considered for the job role. And for that, you should know what to write in an email when sending a resume.
Now, what is a cover letter? For those people who don’t yet know what a cover letter is, it is simply a letter that goes on with your resume, where you write how you are perfect for the role, and why you are the right candidate.
In this article, you will get all the tips and tweaks for writing a perfect cover letter that amplifies your chances of selection.
More often than not, the cover letter you will write will be written in an email form. Therefore, the next time you apply for any job, always write a compelling cover letter along with your resume.
The Basic guide to writing a captivating cover letter
Before diving into professionalism, it is important to know the basics of writing a cover letter in an email. Here are some of the basic tips that you can follow while writing a cover letter on paper or in an email.
1. Don’t write a generic cover letter and copy-paste it while applying for different jobs. Recruiters are good at figuring out what’s a copy and what’s original. Therefore, spare a few minutes and think. Then, write a letter revealing why you’re excited about that job, and how the job will help you in realizing your dreams.
2. How to write a formal email for a job application, start the letter with a formal greeting. Use the right salutation along with the full name; avoid using generic titles. If you aren’t sure about the title based on the name, skip the title and use a formal greeting.
3. Kickstart the letter with a captivating line. There is no need to mention your name if you have something else to start with. Your name and credentials are already on your resume, so you need to focus on showing the recruiter how excited you are about the job. For example- “I am really excited and elated to apply for this job at your company/organization.” Also, write why you’re passionate about the job.
4. In the email body for sending a resume or cover letter, you should go beyond the realms of your resume. What does that mean? It means you should use this opportunity to reveal your individuality that you couldn’t mention in your resume. There is no use in explaining what you have already put on your resume. While writing this part, ask yourself the following questions–
– What are the challenges you faced while handling those responsibilities?
– How can you elaborate on the minute details about your professional life while keeping it short?
– How do your work ethic, hobbies, and personality align with the job you’re applying for?
5. It’s not how the company will help you; it’s how you will help the company. You don’t need to mention how the company is going to help you. You are already aware of that; therefore, without mentioning the perks you will get, mention how you will help the company. Try to identify the areas where the company needs to improve and mention how you will become an asset for the company.
6. Highlight the experiences that match your job profile. It is an important thing that you should mention in your cover letter. Go through the job description or the roles that you are required to fulfill. Keeping all the requirements in mind, mention the experiences that justify your candidature and make you look like a perfect fit for the company.
7. Market yourself and show the right skills. Don’t hesitate to show your personal side and the skills you have perfected in the past years. Also mention the areas you need to work upon as it will add genuineness to your candidature.
8. Justify the gap in your resume and other things that require an explanation. It is a great thing to do if you’re legit serious about the job. There is no perfect resume and that’s why a cover letter does the job of explaining the minor mistakes or career gaps, switch of career, etc., with the writing skills and honest explanations, you can give strength to your candidature.
9. Include some numbers and figures in your cover letter. Yes, you heard it right. Adding numbers like percentages and the growth you witnessed in the past years of your career or during your training will make a positive impact on the recruiter.
10. Mention a few words that your previous employers said about you. Do this when you can’t directly send the testimonials. It will be a great thing to do in your cover letter and it is definitely going to create a better impact.
11. Set the right tone and find your voice. While writing a cover letter, it becomes very hard to find the right tone. Following the formality, it sometimes becomes too serious. Therefore, find the right voice and tone by studying the company. Only after that, you can set the right mood and tone while writing the letter. Don’t be too robotic; sound like a human.
12. Use a subtle tone while not forgetting to brag. Yes, bragging isn’t that bad when you’re applying for a dream job. It actually helps you put yourself forward. Therefore, don’t let the fear of bragging get you down.
13. Finish the letter on a powerful/positive note. While concluding the letter, don’t sound formal or bleak; instead, sound powerful and don’t let the zeal fade away.
14. In the light of writing a powerful cover letter or in how to send a resume in email, don’t forget to keep it short and crisp. Value the time of the recruiter. Use precision and conclude the cover letter on a positive note.
15. Last but not least, always edit the cover letter after writing. Check it out for minor mistakes, change of tone, change of words, and anything else that can improve the cover letter.
By taking care of all the above-mentioned tricks, you can write a flawless and powerful cover letter that best defines you as well as your skills.
A well-written cover letter can also maximize your chances of getting considered and even change the mind of your employer. Therefore, write it with all the talent you have.
Some other quick tips for writing a compelling cover letter
- Don’t boilerplate your cover letter. It means don’t write a single cover letter and send it everywhere. Personalize the cover letter to get the best response.
- Look for direct contact and write the letter directly to them. Instead of saying sir/madam, write the full name and use a salutation. Invest some time to learn more about a person you are writing to.
- Explain your delivery. It means you have to explain in the letter how you are going to be an asset to the brand.
- Avoid clichés and try to be as unique as possible.
- Add a call to action in your cover letter. End the letter by simply saying “I will be waiting for a positive response.”
Conclusion
Writing a cover letter is not old school. Employers are fed up with seeing a thousand resumes without a cover letter. It is like an exhibition without the real artist. Therefore, don’t be a fool like other people.
Always stay away from the bandwagon and try to be as unique as you can. If you really want a job, research about it and gather all the details before writing a cover letter. Doing so will help you in creating a better impression on the employer.
