Introduction
Are you a practitioner? Or a Student or a Graduate, who is looking for a job!
Do you know, Why multiple students get rejected or fail to grab a job position?
Are you familiar with Cover letters?
Well, if not then don’t worry! We are here to answer all your questions via this article….
A cover letter means a one-page document, which is a student, fresher, or a professional you have to submit alongside your resume or CV for your job application.
The main purpose of creating a template for a cover letter is to:
- Show your impulsion for working at the Organisation
- Grab attention to the most necessary parts of your work history
- Explain how your work exposure fits whatever the company is looking for
What your cover letter is NOT about, is changing whatever you have already mentioned in your resume. Ensure that you only mention the important bits instead of copy-paste.
Also, remember that the cover letter is generally read after, as the recruiter scans your resume and decides whether you are qualified for the position or not.
Let’s now understand the importance of a cover letter template and How to create an effective cover letter one by one:
Why Use a Cover Letter Template for a better impression?
Having a cover letter is not just anything but it plays an important part in attaining a job position as your resume. After all, your resume is what gets your foot through the door, but a cover letter is what opens that door for you.
So, if you put so much effort into your resume, why not do the same for your cover letter template?
Moreover, having an effective cover letter template can show the recruiter that you’re serious about the job position.
What are the things you need to include in your cover letter template?
To create an effective cover letter template for a perfect selection, you need to understand the things that are important to be included in your cover letter, such as:
Your Contact Information
- Things to include: The first section or header of your cover letter template should include your contact information such as Your name, address, phone or cell phone number, and email address. Moreover, nowadays it has also become common to include your LinkedIn address so that recruters can instantly access your professional profile, resume, and networking contacts.
- Choose a FONT style: Go with a simple block, centered header, or get a little fancy with the design if you're sending a hard copy to any recruiter.
- Keep it simple and professional: While you mention your email address should sound simple and professional. For example - “Firstname_Lastname@gmail.com.” Being professional you should not use a “cutesy” email address refers to your hobbies or any political opinions. Remember, your email address needs to reflect your professional identity, not your sense of humor.
Every professional may want to create an email account dedicated merely to your career search. It can be easier to track all your correspondence when you have a dedicated email address for job hunting.
Employer Contact Information
To make your resume cover letter template you can also include the employer's contact information. It is because these are the most appropriate things to include on a formal, hard copy cover letter submitted through snail mail or by hand.
Incase, you are sending a job application by email or via an employers online application system, it is not important to comprise this contact information.
Following a general rule of thumb for email applications, you should use the formal contact address if you know it.
Cover Letter Salutation
Although you may not know whom to address while sending your resume cover letter template via email getting a name to address to your cover letter is necessary.
Always contempt complete research to avoid having usage of the generic phrase “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” This can make things look like you you didn’t make an effort to learn more about the job or the employer.
Moreover, to gear things up, you should review samples of cover letter salutations. In case, you can’t find a contact person then are certain options available out there.
Cover Letter Body
Your professional cover letter template lets the recruiter know what position you are applying for, why should he/she should select you for an interview, and how will you follow up with them.
This section of your cover letter must include the below-mentioned things:
- First paragraph: Why you are writing. This is your chance to grab your reader's attention by the collar. Offer some certain, focused information regarding the type of job you're looking for and also mention a few core strengths that demonstrate your desirability for the position.
- Second paragraph: This paragraph should include, “What you have to offer the employer?”. This is where you highlight examples of the work performed and your attained outcomes. Ensure your draw on your key compatibilities from your resume, although don't copy it word for word.
- Don’t forget to use the bullet points in your second paragraph are extremely important in catching your reader's eye to your successes.
- Third paragraph: This paragraph should include the knowledge of the companies you have worked with. Show that you did your research and know something about the business and mention the reasons how you can contribute to accomplishing its mission.
- Fourth paragraph: This paragraph should be your closing which means you should summarize what you would bring to the position and suggest the next steps by requesting a meeting or suggesting a call.
You can boldface your quantifiable achievements like your yearly sales figures in order to make your accomplishments “pop” on the page.
Closing
After filling in all the details one by one, it's the last part of your letter with a formal closing such as end it by mentioning "Sincerely" or "Yours truly."
Now, you must have understood, that a cover letter is professional correspondence, so ensure you don’t use any informal closings such as "Cheers" in the letters you write to apply for jobs.
Your Signature
How you sign your cover letter will depend on whether you're sending a paper or writing an email letter. In case you're sending a paper letter, type your name after completing the salutation. Moreover, leaving a space for your handwritten signature will give a formal touch to your template. And in case you're sending an email cover letter, type your name and contact information after your salutation.
Sending an Email Cover Letter
While you're sending a cover letter via email, include your name and the job position you're applying for in the subject line of the message. That way, you'll be sure your message gets opened and read.
For example:-
Subject: Mary Barnes - Marketing Assistant Position
Cover Letter Template and Example
Here are some examples. of Cover Letter template:
Types of cover letters, which one to prefer?
Always use a cover letter template that suitably matches your job and exposure level. However, creating a modern template suits creative roles, but a professional template is best for professional and experienced candidates.
In case, you’re not sure which cover letter template is best for you, a basic or simple template may be a good choice for your job application.
If you require a cover letter template for any certain job position? You can go through our cover letter examples to find a cover letter written for your industry.
There are mainly four types of Cover Letter Template, you can consider:
-
General Cover Letter Template
- Creative Cover Letter Template
- Entry Level (Fresher) Cover Letter Template
- Experienced Professional Cover Letter Template
1. General Cover Letter Template
If you are looking for a standard cover letter that works for any job application? The below-mentioned general cover letter template example follows the traditional cover letter format, but won’t sound generic to employers. This cover letter template format has helped thousands of job seekers land employment across every industry.
2. Creative Cover Letter Template
Choosing to create a creative cover letter template has a casual tone and mainly focuses on your enthusiasm and achievements. If you’re applying to a forward-looking company, choosing a modern letter like this shows you’re good at cultural fit.
3. Entry Level (Fresher) Cover Letter Template
When writing your first cover letter for any job position, you should focus on the skills you gained by mentioning your education, volunteer work, and hobbies.
The below-mentioned entry-level cover letter template helps you explain why you’re a top candidate for the job position, even if you are a fresher.
4. Experienced Professional Cover Letter Template
Do you require an application letter for a senior position? The professional cover letter template offers a clear format for presenting your skillset and accomplishments which states how perfect you are for the job role!
If you’re a professional in your field or applying for a promotion, preferring this professional template will help you create a cover letter that makes a powerful impression on your recruiter.
How to Write a Great Cover Letter?
There are multiple things that are included in creating a great cover letter. Moreover, if you want to get the full picture then you can go through the details we have mentioned here, to answer How to write a Cover letter?
Here are, some of the key takeaways you can consider:
- Avoid Fluff - If you want to be more specific with your cover letter then you should avoid mentioning vague statements in it such as, “I am a good fit for your company because I am a good critical thinker.”
- Do Your Research - Most of the companies don't recommend people who, “spray and pray”, as applying for dozens of jobs without giving any second thoughts. What every company looks for is a person who is passionate and dedicated about their company.
- So, in case you are applying for any company make sure to do complete research on it and show off your knowledge and passion in your cover letter too.
- Back-Up Your Achievements with Data - You should back up all the achievements that you are going to mention in your cover letter with suitable data.
- For example - Instead of saying, “I improved company revenue”, say “I managed to hit and exceed sales KPIs for continuos 5+ months.”
How to structure a cover letter? How long should it be?
While writing a cover letter for any job position, it is necessary to include all the important information clearly and efficiently.
Your cover letter is a way to grab the attention of your hiring managers. Also, it's necessary to be sure that it's polished, professional, and complete with the information the recruiter expects to see.
In case, any element is missing, it could even disqualify you from consideration for the job.
The Structure of a Cover Letter
A cover letter includes multiple sections as we have mentioned it above: your contact information, a salutation, the body of the cover letter, an appropriate closing, and a signature.
Review the structure of a cover letter, what to include in each part, and examples in the below-mentioned image.
Your cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length, or about 200 to 500 words. This is the standard cover letter length because it’s concise, and keeps the hiring manager’s attention.
How Can I Write a Student Cover Letter?
Well, you can write a student cover letter is pretty much the same way you’d write a regular cover letter, with only one difference.
Instead of focusing on your work experience in your cover letter template, you should talk about:
- Why do you want to work for the organization you’re applying for
- How your educational background is perfect for the job
- How your skill-set can help you stand out and excel at the job position you want to apply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some essential cover letter tips and suggestions that will help you land more interviews and a job.
Question: What Should a Cover Letter Include to secure a job position successfully?
Answer: A cover letter should include mainly four essential parts such as:
- A personalized greeting
- An eye-catchy cover letter introduction
- Convincing body content about your expertise and experience
- A powerful cover letter closing and sign off
Question: What should not be included in a cover letter?
Answer: You should not include any false information in your cover letter, or information that is already included in your resume. It’s also necessary to avoid the following common mistakes that are mentioner here:
- Don;t make any spelling and grammar errors
- Addressing your cover letter to the wrong company/person
- Don’t mention any negative comments about previous employers
- Don’t mention your salary expectations
- Don’t mention any personal details unrelated to the job
Question: Do I require a unique cover letter for every job?
Answer: Yes, you need to create a unique cover letter for every job you apply to.
Each company has different challenges they’re trying to tackle via hiring. Moreover, by writing a new cover letter draft for every job position, you can explain why you’re best qualified to help resolve each company’s issues.
Question: Do I really need a cover letter to grab a job position?
Answer: Yes, it is necessary to have a cover letter if you want to grab a secure job position. Or else, if
- The job you’re applying to demands one
- You’ve been recommended for the job by any colleague or friend or family member
- You want to serve information that isn’t included in your resume
Questions: Should my resume and cover letter template include the same information?
Answer: Your resume template and cover letter template should include the same information to make your job application look consistent and professional.
Using multiple resumes and cover letter templates may affect the chances of getting an interview cleared. However, mismatched documents suggest you lack attention to detail or didn’t put much effort into your job application.
Conclusion:
Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of How to create a cover letter template, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned so far:
- A cover letter must be around 250 - 400 word document that efficiently convinces the recruiter of your competence
- A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume for every industry
- Your introduction to the cover letter should catch the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the sign-off
- There are 2 main topics you require to include in your cover letter which is, why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and second, why you’re passionate about working in the organization you’re applying to
- Most of the content of your cover letter should state facts, without any fluff or generalizations
At JanBask, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Moreover, you can feel FREE to share your experience of how you successfully got your job with an effective cover letter below in the comment section!
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