Not sure how to write your first cover letter? Explore how to show employers you’re the best fit for the job and discover best practices that will help you ace your cover letter every time!
If you ask job applicants which part of the application process, they find the most difficult, most will say “the cover letter.” Even many experienced professionals struggle to know what to write in this important document. And if you are young and new to the world of work, perhaps even applying for your very first job, it can be even more daunting.
Why Are Cover Letters Important?
A cover letter is your opportunity to shine. While your CV shows your skills and experience, a cover letter allows you to show your personality and exactly why you’re the right fit for the job.
A great cover letter is even more important if you have little or no experience, such as when you’re applying for your first job. It allows you to give more context than your CV alone can provide and show an employer why they should see the bigger picture, look beyond your lack of experience, and give you a chance.
Writing a great cover letter isn’t as hard as you think. Read on to learn exactly how to write one that will get your foot in the door and help you land that all-important interview.
Write a New Cover Letter for Each Job
While you can probably use the same version of your CV for multiple applications (as long as they are similar roles and fields), the same cannot be said for cover letters. Even though it takes time and effort, you must create a new one for each application and tailor it to the job you’re applying for.
As you write, keep the job description and person specification next to you and refer to them regularly to make sure you are addressing all the most important points.
Do Your Research
You’ll stand the best chance of getting an interview if you can show that you know the company you’re applying to. So take your time and do your research. Try to learn as much as you can about their mission, history, products or services, values, and ethos.
Not all of this information will make it into your cover letter directly, but you should use it to inform what you write and to show why you will be a good fit for this employer’s needs.
Doing your research will also help with another aspect you mustn’t overlook: addressing your cover letter to the right person. If at all possible, find out who the key point of contact for the role is and use their name (for example, write “Dear Ms. Smith” rather than “Dear Sir or Madam.”) Double check to make sure you have used the right title and spelled their name correctly, too.
Talk About Why You Want the Job
It is a good idea to open your cover letter with a line such as “I am writing to you to apply for the [Name of Job] role…” Managers may be recruiting for several different positions at once, and this allows them to read your application with the specific post in mind.
Then talk about why you want the job and why you are interested in that company in particular. Does it align with a particular area of interest for you? Does it appeal to a particular aspect of your personality or character? Perhaps something about the company’s mission or values really speaks to you.
The most important thing here is to be honest, be authentic, and write from the heart.
Here are a couple of examples:
“As a recent graduate from the University of Manchester with a BSc in Computer Science, I have always been fascinated by programming. I am seeking a role as a Junior Software Developer that will allow me to play a role in bringing exciting new technologies to market…”
“I have always considered myself a people-person and I love to go above and beyond to help others have a great day. That is why I believe a career in customer service is right for me…”
Tell Them Why You’re a Good Fit
Now that the manager reading your cover letter understands why you want the job, it’s time to convince them to hire you.
A common mistake at this stage is to apologise for your lack of experience. Resist that temptation! Instead, use this space to talk about your transferable skills and how you meet the requirements for the job. Refer closely to the job description and person specification here.
Don’t forget that, even if you’ve never had a similar role (or a paid job at all) before, you likely have experience gained in other areas. Experience from school, college, university, volunteer positions, part-time and casual jobs, and extracurricular activities all counts.
Be as specific as possible and provide evidence for what you say. For example, don’t just say “I work well in a team.” Instead, say something like “working as an outreach volunteer for [Charity] allowed me to develop excellent teamwork skills.”
Sign Off Well
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the recipient for taking the time to read it and consider your application. Reiterate your interest in the position, explain that you have also enclosed your CV (and any other materials they have asked for) and say that you hope to hear from them soon.
Assuming you have used the recipient’s name at the beginning of the letter, sign off with “Yours sincerely, [Name].” Include your full contact information on the letter.
Find out how to greet future employers and sign off in a cover letter here.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Put your letter aside, then revisit it later with fresh eyes. Look out for spelling mistakes, grammatical issues, factual inaccuracies, repetition, and any areas where you have been vague or may need to add more detail.
Ideally, proofread your letter at least three times and send it to someone else for a fresh perspective. Only then should you send it, knowing you have given yourself the best chance of impressing the recipient.
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