How to write a Job Cover Letter
How to write a Job cover letter?
Before one starts to write a covering letter, it is important to know its format or its essential features. There are different types of Job cover letters, but all have one basic format or rule of writing.
They all have a - Header, Introduction, Body and Closing
Job cover letter formats and it's writing tips will further provide the basis of writing a job cover letter.
Job Cover Letter Format
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Header – It includes:
The sender's Address
The recipient's Address
Date sent (can be placed after the sender's or the recipient's address)
Reference (optional)
Salutation
Introduction – It includes:
Brief information about the specific position desired or applied for.
Body – It includes:
Your Basic Qualities i.e. skills, experience or achievements
Relevancy of your skills towards the job applied for
Closing – It includes:
Call to Action – Request for an interview or meting
Gesture of Thanks
Valediction Ex. Sincerely
Signature or Signature Line
Your Typed Name
ENCL (optional) stands for ‘Enclosure’ and indicates enclosures
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Job cover letter Writing Guide
Writing a Good Job cover letter is a skill one must have to impress the employer. The below mentioned job cover letter tips can help your job cover letter get noticed for good.
- Short and Specific – Job cover letter should be short and specific. It should be short covering only the relevant information in lieu of the post applied for. It should be specific to the position you are applying for, relating your skills and experience to those noted in the job posting.
- No Duplication – Avoid using those words or tone which has been in the CV. It shouldn’t be a duplicate of your resume; rather it should complement and enhance the resume.
- Make it Impressive – The covering letter should interpret the data-oriented, factual resume with a personal touch; not just technical jargon. It is the earliest written contact with a potential employer and First Impressions are Long Lasting Impression. Your words should demonstrate your potential for job requirement.
- Relevancy of Skills – ‘A Must’ for any Job cover letter, in fact the most essential part. Your letter should convincingly explain how your skills are relevant to the job offered. Specify which skills and experiences match the job description.
- Interesting and Involving Language - An encouraging or inviting tone of language is essential; it incites the reader to know you better from your resume.
- Give it a personal Touch – A very essential ingredient is to give a personal touch by addressing to the Concerned Person rather than just ‘To Whom It May Concern'. Show your enthusiasm and positive attitude towards your role and the hiring company.
- Get Tips from the Concerned – Every corporate environment has its mannerisms in terms of document handling and so on. You can get in touch with any of the concerned staff where you are applying for. See the pattern of the job cover letters and take cues from them. You can search the internet and view the profile of the company and get ideas from there as well.
- Give a final Review - Take the time to review your job cover letter and omit any mistakes. Get it reviewed from your friends and family to get their feedback.
