How to Write an Effective Cover Letter in 2022

Though it may be tempting to skip over, a cover letter is an essential part of job hunting. It’s your first introduction to a future employer––so make it shine! Standing out from the crowd takes a little effort and maybe a thesaurus, but it’s worth it. We’ve put together some tips to help you write a great cover letter that will help you land a job you’ll love.

What is a cover letter?

While a resume sums up your skills and experience, a cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate to employers why you’re the ideal candidate for a specific role. It’s a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. A great cover letter will showcase your communication skills and passion for the industry, as well as highlight your strengths and enthusiasm for the position. Ultimately, it should increase your chances of landing an interview.
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6 things you should always include in a cover letter

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the details required to create a successful cover letter, fear not! We put together six essential items necessary to make your cover letter stand out from the crowd. When you’re ready to apply for your next dream job, consider the following before you send your application to the hiring manager.

1. Your name and contact information

When it comes to formatting your cover letter, picture an actual letter, even if the job application is online. It should include:

·   Your name.

·   Your contact information at the top of the letter, or directly in the header.

·   Email (if your email is sparklyunicorns@hawtmail.com, it’s probably time to set up a new one––at least for your job hunt.)

2. The hiring person’s name, company, and contact information

Next, address the letter to the name of the hiring person. If you don’t know how to address a cover letter, look back to the job posting to see if a hiring name is available, or search LinkedIn to try and determine a human resources contact. Alternatively, address your job letter to the head of the department you’re applying to. Just try your best to avoid addressing your letter as “Dear Hiring Manager” or worse,“To Whom It May Concern.”  These should be  a last resort if you’ve come up blank after your research.

3. Your job experience and accomplishments

The body of your cover letter is an opportunity to bring your resume to life, elaborating on how your experience and accomplishments meet the role’s criteria. Begin by identifying the position you are applying for, as hiring managers may be recruiting for multiple jobs. From there, include the following:

·   Describe two or three things you accomplished professionally or, if you’re new to the job market, in a volunteer capacity. 

·   Include your current or most recent role early on in your letter and highlight what you achieved. It’s best to avoid generalizing and to give concrete examples. For example, if one of the key responsibilities for the position is to manage social media, you could write: “As part of a fundraising committee, I used Twitter and Instagram to generate awareness of our charity run and raised more than $10,000 for the event.”

·   If you don’t have direct experience in a particular area, look for transferable skills and highlight those instead. Be sure to include your educational qualifications, especially if they’re specified in the job posting.

4. Your personality and passion

Your cover letter is also an opportunity to demonstrate your personality and passion. Ask yourself: why do I want to work at this company? Perhaps it’s a company you dreamed of working at since you were young, or their commitment to the environment aligns with your beliefs. Whatever it is about the role that speaks to you personally, be sure to let that genuinely shine through in your letter.

5. Go beyond your resume

Is there something outside your professional life that you think is relevant to your job application? Maybe you've been a leader in team sports, or volunteer in a capacity that makes you even more qualified for the position beyond your past work history. Call out additional, but relevant information that helps you stand out as a candidate.

6. A call to action

End your cover letter with a call to action. It could be something as simple as, “I have attached my resume for your consideration and look forward to meeting you.” Thank the hiring manager for their time. Finally, sign off your letter with “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Best” and your name.

How long should a cover letter be

We recommend keeping your cover letter to less than one page. You want to demonstrate your communication skills through the use of concise, clear language.