How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job

A cover letter is a one-page job application document you should send with your CV or resume. A good cover letter introduces you to the recruiter by providing a broader context for your qualifications and achievements, as well as explains how the employer can benefit from your expertise.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in Ten (10) Easy Steps

1.     Prepare Yourself

Before writing a cover letter for a job application, it's worth having all the necessary information at hand. That's why you should spend some time doing thorough research first.

Here are a few things to research before writing a cover letter:

• Job requirements: Make sure you understand what they are because your letter will refer to them.
• Company website: Check the company history, learn its goals, and try to understand its culture.
• Hiring manager: Research who you’ll be addressing your letter to and address it by their name.
• Your resume: Use it to show that you're the perfect fit for the role, and keep it nearby so you can review it whenever necessary. 

2.     Use the Proper Cover Letter Format

If your cover letter looks well-organized, you’ve already shown your attention to detail and made a great first impression. However, to achieve this, you need to format the letter correctly.

Here’s how to do it:

• Choose a legible cover letter font, such as Arial or Garamond, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
• Set even margins on all sides: 1-inch margins should be perfect.
• Left-align all your contents.
• Use double cover letter spacing between paragraphs and 1–1.15 between lines.
• Title your cover letter by JobTitle—CoverLetter—YourName.
• Let your cover letter layout stay intact en route to the recruiter by saving the file in PDF.
• Fit all the information included in the letter on one page to keep the right cover letter length.

3.     Create a Cover Letter Header

A professional cover letter opens with a header. your cover letter header should be the same as in your resume.

 

If you prefer to write the header of your cover letter from scratch, include the following contact information: 

• Full Name
• Job Title
• Phone Number
• Email Address

You can also include the following information:

• Linkedin Profile
• Portfolio (if applicable)
• Professional Website
• Link to Other Social Media Platforms (X or professional Instagram)

4. Address the Reader

Once you’re done with the header, it’s time to mention the location and date of writing. 

Then, address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager like so:

• Dear Salman,
• Dear Ms. Saima,
• Dear Mr. Qadeer,

Whether you should use the hiring manager’s first or last name depends on the company culture:

• Use the first name if you’re applying to a relaxed, casual company. 
• Use the addressee's last name for corporate cover letters.

5. Make a Proper Introduction

Here’s the brutal truth: these few sentences at the beginning of your cover letter will determine whether the hiring manager will read on. What to write in the cover letter's intro to attract and hold the reader’s interest? Here are several proven strategies for starting your cover letter: 

• Highlight your achievements
• Display your passion and enthusiasm
• Drop names
• Do all the above

6. Explain Why You’re the Perfect Fit

The second paragraph (main body) of your cover letter should give the hiring manager what they’re looking for and show them that you’ll satisfy the company’s specific needs.

7. Show Your Motivation to Join the Company

Your future employers have needs. If they’re willing to hire you, it’s because they think you’ll satisfy those needs. But they also want you to enjoy working with them. That way, they know you’re more likely to stay with them for longer.

The key to writing a good cover letter's third paragraph is showing the hiring manager why you want this job and not just any job.

8. Close With a Promise

How to write a great cover letter ending that gets people excited? By providing value. 

Never come off as needy, and avoid clichés. Instead, tell the hiring manager that you’re looking forward to meeting in person and discussing how your experience and knowledge can help your future employer fulfill their goals.

9. Stay Formal in the Closing Salutation

Once you’ve written the entire thing, you just need to put a cover letter signature at the very end. Write “Sincerely” and follow it with your full name. Adding your handwritten signature is optional (recommended for more formal cover letters).

If you’re not a fan of the well-worn “Sincerely,” feel free to use any of the following:

• Thank you,
• Best regards,
• Kind regards,
• Respectfully yours,
• With best regards,

10. Consider Adding a Postscript                 

These are all things you must include in a cover letter. But there’s one more extra thing you can add to make it even more impressive.

Write a cover letter postscript to tell the hiring manager about something impressive about your career, even if it’s not strictly related to the job opening. And say you’d be happy to provide them with more details if they find it interesting.