How to write a general cover letter

How to Write a General Cover Letter?

During job application, applicants are asked to submit a cover letter that demonstrates why they are the best candidates for that position. It is advisable to write a cover letter when you are applying for a job even if you have not been asked to write one. A cover letter is not duplicating your resume. Although it should review a resume; a cover letter should highlight specific details and stress on critical points that will guarantee your success.

Before you start writing your cover letter, think about the following questions.

• What is a cover letter?

• What is the purpose of a cover letter?

• What is the intention behind the requirement of a cover letter?

Cover letters are written in the formal business format because they will be submitted along with the resume during a job application. Different employers have different perspectives about a cover letter and its purpose. Ordinarily, employers read it after they have checked your resume if there is a need to learn more about the applicant. Therefore, a cover letter needs to supplement the information you gave on your resume to enable your employers to know you better as a person. In some instances, cover letters are used to gauge the communication skills of applicants.

A cover letter should fulfill the following:

It should persuade your employer to believe that you will make a tangible difference in their firms.

A cover letter should tell your employer that you researched that vacancy adequately and came to a firm conclusion that you are suitable for the job.

What is the intention behind the requirement of a cover letter?

Employers treasure concrete results. Most times people mistake a cover letter for a summary of one’s abilities or a resume. However, that is not its purpose. A resume is distinct from a cover letter in the sense that it only lists your qualification while a cover letter demonstrates how they equipped you to become successful in that job, company or organization. A resume is all about what you have done while a cover letter explains what you will do for an organization. A cover letter should reveal an enthusiasm for that position and the contribution you will make in the workplace.

A cover letter should not only talk about what you have done but also mention what you intend to do. An effective cover letter demonstrates ingenuity, dedication, and ambition effortlessly than the resume.

Make use of the following tips for a persuasive cover letter

• Ask yourself what you are going to do for that company or organization. Provide a concrete reason for applying for that job. Formulaic response and clichés do not persuade anyone. Employers are looking for genuine interest in your application.

• Pinpoint critical aspects of your resume and stress on them. Don’t echo your resume, instead expound on your qualifications intelligently.

• Mention specific detail that can quantify your job achievements. For example, you can give numbers that show your sales performance.

• Address the hiring manager by their name.

• Demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about that industry. If you are applying for a retail job, talk about product knowledge, marketing strategies, etc.

• Keep your cover letter short

• Ensure that your cover letter is free of errors

• Do not forget to add the references

• Always remember that wit and professionalism is richly rewarded

Tailor your cover letter appropriately

Although you will use a general format, ensure that your cover letter is customized to suit each application. Take it as an opportunity to market yourself. Explain to the hiring managers why the job is important to you. Give compelling reasons that show you are the best person for that position.

Center on what you are bringing to the table.

Your focus should be on how you can add value to that institution. Demonstrate a deep interest in the job to ensure that hiring managers are convinced that you deserve that position.

Keep your cover letter short and write as if you are writing to a specific person.

When writing your cover letter, address it to a particular person. Your potential employers will be keen on that. In some cases, the name of the hiring manager is mentioned in the job posting. If that is the case, address your cover letter to him or her. Make every effort to find the names of the hiring managers if their names cannot be obtained from the job post.

Keep your cover letter short preferably not more than one page.

Remember that there are many applicants, so there is no time to go through lengthy applications.

Do not forget to add the references.

Mention names in your cover letter. Talk about the people who influenced your decision to apply to that organization and are known by the employer and work in that organization or are affiliated with it in one way or the other.

Maintain professionalism and accuracy.

Submitting a cover letter that is full of mistakes will give your employer the impression that you are not keen on your work. Proofreading your cover letter is necessary. Asking another person to go through it ensures that you submit an error-free application.

Express yourself intelligently when writing your cover letter.

Your potential employers will use it to assess your writing skills. A winning cover letter is excellent and well-thought out.

Contents of a cover letter

Write your contact information on the first page of your cover letter. The body of your cover letter should have the following:

• Information regarding how you got to know about the opportunity or the person who referred you;

• Content that demonstrates your interest in that job;

• The qualification and training that has equipped you to perform working responsibilities successfully;

• Any knowledge and unique skills you have acquired throughout your job career;

• Achievements you have attained in the course of your working;

• Individual attributes that make you an outstanding employee.

Parts of a cover letter

The letterhead should have your personal and contact information. Write the current date and provide a company address. Start with a salutation after mentioning the names. Your cover letter should have three paragraphs.

The first paragraph should explain the purpose of writing the cover letter. Talk about why you are applying to that organization. Provide relevant information on your academic and professional experience. Mention the contribution you are going to make to that institution.

The second paragraph demonstrates how the skills and attributes you possess match with the job requirements. Discuss the different work experience you have had at length. Talk about any expertise you have acquired. Mention measurable indicators of your success such as sales figures, etc.

The third paragraph is the conclusion. Thank the employer and show that you are optimistic about the future.

Do not forget to provide information about when and where you can be reached. Close your cover letter with your signature and name.

It’s essential to remember that the cover letter is meant to convince your readers rather than inform them. A cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself. As such, capitalize on any chance you get to set yourself apart by demonstrating that you have a proven track record of success. The key to winning your employer over is by creating an engaging and relatable profile.

Mention the following competencies:

• Integrity

• Problem-solving

• Self-motivation

• Teamwork

• Communication skills

• Organizing and planning

Include these competencies in your cover letters. You can use them in any job application letter. Stress on the ones that are mentioned in the job posting.

In a nutshell, your cover letter should:

• Address the people you are writing to by their names;

• Demonstrate that you are a confident, passionate, and driven person;

• Have opening sentences that tell your reader the reason for writing the cover letter;

• Talks about all competencies and explains why you are the best person for the position and;

• Ends with a proactive request for an interview or meeting in future