The Following Post Will Give You Information on How to Create an Effective Cover Letter

Creating an effective cover letter is an essential part of the job-hunting process. If your cover letter is not effective, you might lose out on potential job opportunities. So how do you create an effective cover letter?

How to Create an Effective Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to sell yourself to recruiters and/or hiring managers and to entice them to look at your resume. There are 5 main components of a cover letter, and they are:

Part 1: The hiring manger’s contact name and company info

Below is a properly formatted example of this part. Remember to include the date. Whenever possible, refer to the hiring manager by name.

July 22, 2019

Attention: Michael Jones
Acme Corporation
1234 Acme Acres
Tampa Florida, 33605

Dear Michael Jones,

Part 2: Introduction

This is your introductory statement to potential hiring managers.  It should be one paragraph and contain: the job you are applying for (including the job number if there is one), where you saw the job (newspaper, online, a job board, etc.), and why you are qualified for the role. Below is an example.

I am very interested in your position as an Account Manager, which was listed on CareerBuilder, job # 1234, and would like to submit my application for your approval. With over 5 years of experience hitting sales targets for your competitor, Oink Corporation, I would be an ideal candidate for your position. My key areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Part 3: Your 5 major selling points

 In this section, which is a continuation of part 3, list in bullet points the top 5 reasons why you are qualified for the role. This is the most important section for the cover letter; it should shine a spotlight on why you are good for the role. To draw attention to this part, it is a good idea to bold the points. Note the following example.

• Hit 120% of sales quota by producing over 10 million dollars in revenue.
• Top 10 account manager in the company for Revenue Quota in 2017.
• Successfully developed new business by landing 12 major accounts.
• Executed creative business development techniques to define and develop potential new customers within the specialty wholesale pharmacy market.
• Made 2017 Sales Club.

 Part 4: Conclusion

 Your concluding statement ties the whole cover letter together, emphasizing why you are qualified for the role. Don’t forget to say thank you, and repeat your name and contact info. Below is a good sample conclusion.

With all my experience, I would be a great asset to your organization.

Thank you,

Fred Smith
Tel: (111) 111-1111
Email: name@gmail.com

Other Cover Letter Tips:

1. Do not send a cover letter unless asked to do so. Cover letters are not always needed when applying for a job. If a job application does not ask for a cover letter, there is no need to send one.
2. Delivery of cover letter. The most common delivery method is uploading to a company’s website. The second most common delivery method for a cover letter is via email. Via email, a hiring manager/recruiter will give you instructions as to which method they would prefer to have your cover letter delivered.
3. Subject line when sending via email. Don’t forget the subject line when sending a cover letter via email. If you are not given a set email delivery format, reference the job you are applying for (including job number) in the subject line. For example: re: Reference to Account Manager Job opening – Job # 1234
4. Keep it brief and to the point. If you are too wordy, hiring managers will skip your resume. Use your cover letter to quickly highlight your skills and make the hiring manager want to interview you.
5. Customize your cover letter to the role you are applying for. It is very important that your cover letter be customized for every job you apply for and be focused on your skills that match the job you are applying for.
6. Bold keywords. To draw attention to key points in your cover letter, bold keywords, such as the job you are applying for, the job number you are applying for, your 5 bullet points, your name, the hiring manager’s name and company info.
7. Use proper spelling and grammar. It goes without saying that your cover letter should be free of errors.

Putting it all together: what a finished cover letter should look like

July 22, 2019

Attention: Michael Jones
Acme Corporation
1234 Acme Acres
Tampa Florida, 33605

Dear Michael Jones,

I am very interested in your position as an Account Manager, which was listed on CareerBuilder, job # 1234, and would like to submit my application for your approval. With over 5 years of experience hitting sales targets for your competitor, Oink Corporation, I would be an ideal candidate for your position. My key areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Hit 120% of sales quota by producing over 10 million dollars in revenue.
• Top 10 account manager in the company for Revenue Quota in 2017.
• Successfully developed new business by landing 12 major accounts.
• Executed creative business development techniques to define and develop potential new customers within the specialty wholesale pharmacy market.
• Made 2017 Sales Club.

With all my experience, I would be a great asset to your organization.

Thank you,

Fred Smith
Tel: (111) 111-1111
Email: name@gmail.com