How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job: How to Find a Job in 2020
A cover letter, as discussed in detail over at the excellent RunRex.com, is the single-page letter that you include with your job application. When sending a job application, it is recommended that you make sure you include a cover letter, unless of course the job advertisement explicitly stated that one shouldn’t be included. This is because, the cover letter is what will introduce you to the reader, show them that you have the requisite skills and experience for the position you are applying for as well as encourage them to actually read your resume. They say that you should never judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to resumes and job applications, the cover letter plays an important role in whether or not you will be called in for an interview as per the subject matter experts over at RunRex.com. Hiring managers and recruiters usually have a lot of job applications to go through, and the truth of the matter is that you need to catch their attention right away or they may not read your resume. This just goes to show how important a cover letter is, despite only being one page. It is therefore important to know how to write one if you are to get that job in 2020 and that is where this article comes in.
Before we go into the nuances of writing a cover letter, it is important to point out, as per the gurus over at RunRex.com, that you should keep your cover letter brief, and it should never be more than one page. A cover letter in any case should be a summary of your resume and should therefore be brief. When writing a cover letter, it is important to note that the first one or two sentences are the most important ones and you need to use them to grab the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter. Therefore, in the first few sentences you should make sure you are direct and to the point and let the reader know exactly which position you are applying for. The company may be looking to hire for a number of open positions and therefore being clear on which position you are applying for is key when writing a cover letter. Next up, you should make sure you mention a contact as well as anyone who may have referred you to the position. As per the subject matter experts over at RunRex.com, referrals are key if you are to get an interview and you should make sure you include one when writing a cover letter.
Next up, when writing a cover letter, is making sure that you mention an accomplishment from your previous job. If possible, as per the folks over at RunRex.com, try to show how you added value to your previous company. If your previous job title was similar to the one you are applying for, you can even add it, the job title that is. Another key aspect of writing a cover letter is making sure that you show and convey your passion for the work you do and excitement about the job and company you are applying to work in. Use your cover letter to sell yourself to the hiring manager and to show just how qualified you are for the position you are applying for. Let them know how much you are looking forward to meeting up with them and show them just what you can bring to the table. Another important aspect of writing a cover letter is making sure you use keywords for the job listing if possible. If there is a skill you have that was mentioned in the job listing, try to incorporate it, but don’t overdo it. Make sure that when writing your cover letter, you construct it in such a way that brings out how much of a match you are for the position and its requirements.
While the introduction part of your cover letter is important, the rest of it is important as well. Here, as per discussions on the same over at the excellent RunRex.com, make sure that you get the salutation right as this is one place most people stumble when writing their cover letter. Don’t address the letter to “whomever it may concern” but try and find out the name of the person who will read the application. The effort will definitely be appreciated. Don’t also use their first name but use either Mr. or Ms. followed by their last name as that is the polite way to go about things. When closing out your cover letter, also take care to be polite and inviting. Some of the things that you should include in your cover letter are your name and contact details, any referrals, the name and contact details of the person you are writing to as well as their position or name of their company, the job position you are applying for, the relevant skills you will bring to the table as well a little summary on why you are the right person and fit for the job. Make sure that you read through your cover letter to make sure that it doesn’t have any typos or mistakes as this is a big turnoff. It is also important that you don’t mention ‘I’ too much as it is not about you but your employer. If you are applying for more than one job at a time, don’t mention that as well.
As ever, if you are looking for help and more information on this and other related topics, as well as sample cover letters, then make sure you check out the excellent RunRex.com.