How To Write A Cover Letter

Knowing how to write a cover letter is an important skill you'll need to use many times during your career.

Here are some guidelines to help you answer the question of how to write a cover letter and to ensure that yours stands out for the right reasons:

1. Always address your resume cover letter to a specific person ie. Ms Jane Smith. Ensure you spell the person’s name correctly, too. If you don’t know the person’s name to whom you are applying you might consider calling the company and asking the receptionist for their name and ensuring you get the correct spelling. Addressing your letter to “Sir/Madam” should only be used in cases where you absolutely can’t find the person’s name because it’s not advertised and because the company won’t give it to you.

2. Begin your cover letter with an opening sentence that catches their attention. Examples of an eye-catching opening line are ones that illustrate your in-depth knowledge of the company or person you are writing to or one that mentions the name of a mutual friend who referred you to the letter writer. If you attended a speech given by the person you are writing to, mention it. If you know a colleague of theirs who suggested contacting them, let them know. Little things that distinguish you from others can help you get your foot in the door.

3. Don’t assume the recipient of your letter knows why you are contacting them. If you are contacting them for a specific job, reference the job near the top of the page below the date ie. Re: Account Manager position. They might be hiring for several positions simultaneously so referencing the job you are applying for makes it easier for them to identify you immediately.

4. Focus on benefits that you will bring to the company if hired, not on what you want from them. Hiring managers have a need and you must show them why you are the person to fill it.

5. Think short and sweet. I hate to put universal limits on the length but the shorter the cover letter, the better. Cut to the chase and specifically spell out what you offer in the shortest way possible.

6. Close your letter with a specific request: “I request the opportunity for an interview to discuss the job in more detail.” Follow this up with a closing statement with a confident statement about what happens next: “I look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience.”

7. Always end your letter by typing “Sincerely” followed by your name and be sure to sign the letter in blue or black ink. Knowing how to write a cover letter means you also know how to end it!

8. Follow ups: Don’t underestimate the value of following up with the hiring manager after the interview, too. A brief follow up letter or email (whatever is appropriate) can help to set you apart from other candidates plus it helps to keep you top of mind. When they have interviewed a half dozen or more candidates, it doesn’t take long to forget who is who and following up with a short letter or email can help to keep you fresh in the mind of the hiring manager.