Online Student’s Guide to Writing a Cover Letter
Posted: November 27, 2020 | Author: Morgan Johnston | Read Time: 2 minutes
Learning how to write a cover letter is an important skill that can help you stand out and get the jobs you apply for. A cover letter is a document that is sent with your resume when you are applying for a job. It provides additional information about your skills, qualifications, and experience. And allows you to explain why you are a good fit for the specific company and why they should hire you. The information in a cover letter should be different than what’s on your resume and should be customized for each specific job.
How to Format a Cover Letter
- Header: Name, address, contact information, date
- Recipient’s name and address
- Introduction
- Opening paragraph: Your intent to apply
- Second paragraph: Your background
- Third Paragraph: Why you are qualified
- Conclusion
- Formal Salutation
Do Your Research
Before you write your cover letter, make sure to research the company and the position you are applying for. You can look into their social media accounts and websites to better understand them. Based on the company, this will help you know what to write and how to word it.
Be Concise
Cover letters should be under a page, but more than half a page. It should be short enough that someone could read it quickly. It needs to be long enough to cover all of the needed information, but brief enough to keep someone’s interest. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your message and get to the point.
Explain Your Value
In your cover letter, you should explain what you can do for the company. The job description should help you know what they're looking for, and you should show how you can fill those needs. Talk about your experience, accomplishments, and qualifications.
Cover letters can help show your personality and why you would be a great fit for a company, outside of your resume. It gives you a chance to share how your abilities and experiences will fill the needs of the employer.
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