A cover letter is a one-page business letter that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a piece of persuasive writing that aims to convince the employer why you are a great candidate for the role. Here are the key elements to include in a cover letter:
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Contact Information: Begin your cover letter with your contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address.
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Date: Include the date you are writing the letter, as you would with any business letter.
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Salutation: Address the letter to the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible. If you dont know their name, use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager".
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Introduction: Start your letter by stating the position you are applying for and how you found out about it. You can also include a brief sentence about why you are interested in the position.
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Body: The body of your cover letter should be one or two paragraphs that highlight your qualifications and experience as they relate to the position. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
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Closing: End your letter with a strong closing statement that expresses your enthusiasm for the position and your willingness to discuss your qualifications further. Thank the employer for considering your application and include a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards".
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Proofreading: Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it carefully for typos, grammar errors, and clarity. Have another person proofread it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
In addition to these key elements, here are some other tips to keep in mind when writing your cover letter:
- Tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.
- Use industry jargon specific to your career field.
- Identify the employers keywords and use them.
- Make all statements positive.
- Keep the cover letter to one page.
- Use a simple, easy-to-read font style, such as Times, Courier, or Helvetica.
- Follow standard cover letter format and set margins at 1 ½ inches.
- Customize each letter and avoid using a generic cover letter for multiple applications.
- Seek feedback from others to improve your cover letter.
