5 Easy Tips: How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Did you decide to get a job in the civil sector? This is an important transition you’re making. It will change your entire lifestyle. Before you get to that point, though, you have to apply to jobs. Although the process seems easy, it’s trickier than you anticipate. There’s growing competition in every sector. You have to prove yourself as a person who will be a valuable addition to the specific organization you’re aiming for. Big bosses want only outstanding workers. You would have the same approach if you had your own company, right?

The resume is pretty straightforward. Monica Daniels from BestEssays explains: “Although creative resumes are a big trend, the information you put there stays the same. You share your job experience, education, and skills. The cover letter, on the other hand, allows for greater flexibility. It lets you show your personality. That’s why it’s an important part of the job application process.”

There is no certain recipe for writing an impeccable cover letter. However, there are a few approaches that will help you make it attractive. Today, we’ll focus on 5 important tips you should keep in mind when writing your cover letter. Try them and don’t forget to share your impressions.

Make It Personal

Why do employers need cover letters, anyway? - They want to understand your personality. Each organization has a unique vibe. A hiring manager wants to see how you would fit into that culture. The resume gives some hints, but it’s not enough for an employer to form an impression about your personality. That’s why you have to pay close attention to the way you write the cover letter.

“Make it personal.” That sounds like a simple tip, right? In reality, it’s not an easy thing to do.

• Think of a particular experience that can impress the employer. Since you’re a veteran, you must have tons of such events to share. Pick one and explain how you acted as a disciplined, reliable person. Show your creativity, too.
• It’s okay to use vivid language and exaggerate a tiny bit. However, it’s never okay to lie. A hiring manager can notice when a cover letter is written with passion. A lie never sounds passionate.
• Don’t tell; show! The experience you share should show what kind of person you are. You can’t say “I am a responsible, kind, and communicative person” in a cover letter and expect an interview.
• Don’t get too emotional. That’s an extreme you want to avoid.  

 Make a Point

A hiring manager doesn’t have too much time to spend with a single cover letter. They will probably give you less than 5 minutes, so the letter should make a clear point during that time. You’ll achieve that goal through clarity, brevity, and relevance.

• Keep the cover letter within a single page. The sole glance at a long letter discourages a hiring manager.
• Grab the attention with the introduction. Don’t make it vague. Get straight to the point and explain what makes you better than other applicants.
• Don’t repeat the same things from your resume. The hiring manager will use the resume to get information about your experience and skills. Remember the first tip? The cover letter is all about your personality.

Make It Flawless 

You have to edit the letter before sending the application. A single flaw in grammar, spelling, or sentence structure will ruin the impression. The wrong choice of words is also problematic. Maybe this position has nothing to do with writing, but your writing skills convey your intelligence, professionalism, and attention to detail.

• Start with the big picture. Are there any gaps in your story? Maybe you went overboard somewhere? Did you make a clear point?
• Once you’re sure the content is okay, pay attention to the grammar. You don’t want too much passive voice in your text. Whenever possible, change those points with active voice.
• Make it readable. Get rid of complicated words and cut on the adjectives. Clear, straightforward expression makes you look like a true professional. You already learned that lesson in the military, didn’t you.
• If you can’t handle the editing part, you can always hire an online service to do that for you.

Send It Via Email 

Most ads leave you with two choices: send the application via email or apply directly through the organization’s website. Email is better. First of all, you’ll be sure you sent the application and nothing went wrong with the system. If you get no answer, you can send a follow-up message in the same thread, so the hiring manager will immediately see your resume.

The email also makes it easy for the HR department. All recruiters know how to use email, but the system at the website may be new to them. They are used to getting email messages, so it’s okay to stick to tradition.

Send the Cover Letter in the Message, and the Resume in the Attachment 

Your first instinct will tell you to attach both the cover letter and resume in the email message. You should do that only if the ad specifically tells you to do so. If not, it’s better to copy and paste the content of your cover letter in the body of your message, and attach the resume along.

If you send two attachments, the hiring manager will probably go straight to the resume. If it’s not impressive, they won’t even proceed to the cover letter. If they see a great cover letter first, though, they will approach the resume with positive mindset.

The cover letter is a short presentation of yourself. Don’t forget to include a signature with all your contact information in this message, so it will be easy for the hiring manager to reach you. An awesome cover letter can save even a mediocre resume. That’s why you want them to see it first.

Plus, this method saves you from thinking: “What on earth should I write in the body of this message if I attach both documents?”

Are You Ready?

Take the cover letter very seriously. For some hiring managers, it’s the most important part of the application. They should see a person they would like to interview. It’s your chance to convey your great personality through it. Hopefully, the tips above will help you make a good impression.  

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About the author: Joan Selby is a content marketer and passionate blogger, a former teacher and fancy shoe lover. A writer by day and reader by night. Find her on Twitter and Facebook.