Top tips to create a Strong Cover Letter: Format & Examples

A cover letter is an important part of your job application. It explains how well you can align your skills with the company’s objectives. It gives hiring managers a better understanding of your suitability for a job role. Employers often seek applicants’ cover letters along with their CVs because cover letters make a positive first impression on them. If you curate it with a proper cover letter format, you will already be ahead of almost half of job seekers

Moreover, if you write a strong letter, you will absolutely stay ahead in the evaluation process. A well-established cover letter complements your resume. It does not just demonstrate your qualifications; rather, it depicts your drive and readiness to take on new challenges.

It is a good idea to tailor your resume and cover letter format according to each job you apply for. Doing so highlights your enthusiasm towards achieving that job. You can do this by emphasizing the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job. You can share a few anecdotes that highlight your job experience. You can curate your cover letter by making use of the job description and the company’s website, identifying the company’s values. It does require deep research but improves your chances of getting hired.

A recent survey in the US reveals that 49% of managers interviewed an otherwise weak candidate just because they had a strong cover letter. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, a strong cover letter is all you need to acquire your dream job. Here is a comprehensive guide to cover letter formatting and writing. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential elements of a cover letter and formatting tips so that you can build an effective cover letter.  

Standard Cover Letter Format

A cover letter is a document that addresses the hiring manager. It explains how the specific job role aligns with your skills. It further demonstrates what you can bring to the table. It, thus, helps employers understand how much you are suitable for the position.

A good cover letter enhances your chance of getting hired. A survey suggests that 45% of employers reject candidates who have poorly formatted cover letters. So, here is a comprehensive guide to cover letter format for the job to maximize impact.

1. Contact Information

There are two ways to list contact information on a cover letter, depending upon the mode of delivery: digital or physical.

If you submit a cover letter digitally, just add your city/town and state. Also, add your phone number and email. Skip adding the company and hiring manager’s contact information. Below is a format to add contact information while delivering cover letters digitally.

• Date
• Full Name
• City, State
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile (optional)

If you submit a cover letter physically, you must add the following elements on the top left corner of your cover letter.

• Date
• Full Name
• Complete Address
• City, State, Pin Code
• Contact Number
• Email Address
• Employer’s Name
• Company’s Name
• Company’s Address
• Company’s City, State, Pin Code

2. Salutation

Start writing your cover letter by addressing your hiring manager. Try to find the name of your employer through Linkedin, the company’s website, or the job description (JD). You can even contact the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name.

You can explain to them that you were applying for the job and would like to address the hiring manager’s name on it. The salutation’s format should not include Mr, Mrs, or Ms. due to ambiguity. Thus, it is advisable just to add the first and last names. For example, in “Dear Kiara Kaul”

If you can’t find the name of your hiring manager, just add, “Dear Hiring Manager”

3. Introductory Paragraph

The first paragraph should mention why you are writing to the hiring manager. You can start by adding, “I am writing this letter to…” or “This letter is about…” Add about the specific job role you are applying for and where you learned about it.

Add more information on networking activities, such as attending corporate presentations and speaking with alumni or representatives of the company. Also, focus on your value addition and how it can benefit the company’s performance. 

4. Body Paragraph(s)

This section can be altered as per the job role and company culture. Write about the skills listed in the JD to explain why you are an appropriate candidate for the job.  If you are looking forward to changing your career, focus on relevant transferable skills.

5. Closing Paragraph

End the cover letter on a positive note. Thank the hiring manager and show your gratitude towards him. Conclude with writing about your passion for the job role explicitly and your unflinching desire to work for that company.  For instance, “This opportunity is directly aligned with my passion for <name of the job role>” and “<Company’s>” strategy in this industry is the pioneer of advancement.”

6. Complimentary Closing

Add a closing salutation that’s formal yet friendly. Remember to add your full name afte r complimentary closing. For example, “Regards, Monika Kaul”. You can add some other  closings, such as:

• Sincerely
• Best Regards
• Respectfully
• Thanking You
• Thank You for Your Consideration

7. Optional Element

Adding a signature is an optional element. It is widely used in cover letter format for visas or cover letter format for Schengen visas. You just add your signature after the closing line such as “Thanking you” or “Sincerely”.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

A survey in 2023 reveals that 41% of employers and recruiters hired candidates just on the basis of their cover letter.  Below are the essential tips that you can use to write an effective cover letter. Grabbing your next job won’t be a Herculean task now!

1. Research the company and job

Research thoroughly the company’s background, vision, and mission. Go through the specific requirements of the job role. It will display your enthusiasm towards it. You can find the company’s details on its official website. Make sure to understand the company’s culture and area of business to shine through.

2. Use keywords

Add keywords from the job description (JD) to your cover letter. Beware of using every word from the Job description. Rather, look for your skills and experience that fit the job criteria. Then, check for the relevant keywords from the JD and curate the cover letter to describe yourself.

3. Keep it concise and focused

A good cover letter should be one page. It must be error-free and free from typos. Moreover, it should have a crisp yet detailed description. Ensure that it is neat and has easy-to-understand language. If your cover letter has spelling mistakes, your CV will likely be rejected, irrespective of your skills and experience.

4. Tailor it to each application

Don’t use a generic cover letter for every job. Curate it according to the given job role. Write about your future career goals and how the company can positively impact those goals. Ensure that the letter is tailored according to the job description and vision.

5. Proofread carefully

Ensure that you revise your cover letter after writing. Proofreading would make the cover letter error-free, with no room for grammatical and spelling mistakes. You can use tools like Quillbot or Grammarly to ensure error-free cover letters.

6. Get feedback

Lastly, ensure that you ask a friend or mentor to review your cover letter. Their suggestions will help you make it succinct and better than before.

Cover Letter Format for Email Applications

Adding a cover email is a modern alternative to traditional cover letters. It is generally a precise and positive message attached to the CV. Cover email should also include several standard information just as a cover letter. So, don’t forget to add key elements to your letter. Here is the email cover letter format for freshers’ and experienced job seekers. Don’t hesitate to

• Mention the job position that you are applying for in the subject line
• Add the hiring manager’s name in the salutation. If you don’t know that name, just address with “Dear Hiring Manager”
• Initiate the cover letter by stating what you are looking forward to achieving in the organization.
• Write about your skills, strengths, and experience that would help you acquire that job opportunity
• Use shorter and crisp sentences that are easy to read
• Avoid repeating information in your cover email that you have already added to your resume
• Ensure that you recheck the cover letter
• Add your signature and valid contact information
• Use cover letter format pdfwith the  cover letter format download button to create a file in place of MS Word doc or some other format

Tips for Creating Compelling Subject Lines and Email Body

Here are our pro tips on creating a cover email that will amplify its significance greatly:

• Mention the reference link or job source
• Use a professional and direct tone as you start writing your cover email. For example, “I’m writing in response to the job advertisement for the position of…”
• Please attach your resumé with the cover letter. A resume generally contains more information about your educational background and qualifications.
• Conclude the email by writing formal phrases. For instance, “looking forward to hearing from you soon” or “Hoping for a favorable response”
• Add a salutation at the end of the email, such as “Best regards” or “Best wishes”.

Core Functionality of your Job Search – A Compelling Cover Letter

A cover letter can make or break the deal during a job hunt. Therefore, it is important to get it right the first time. It is a golden opportunity to showcase your capability. By following the standard cover letter format, you can prepare that perfect cover letter for your job application. We are pretty sure that now you have got an idea of using a cover letter format for internships or jobs. Our tips and advice would help you to demonstrate your experiences effectively.

Gather all the information regarding your experience and achievements for the cover letter. Stay positive and highlight your commitment to the job role, using crisp and precise sentences. Also, follow our email cover format and tips and steps toward grabbing your dream job. Use free tools and resources like Grammarly cover letter generator and cover letter format Word by Microsoft to upscale your job application.

For a more personalized experience, don’t feel hesitant to reach out to professionals. They can provide you with genuine feedback and guidance to help you stand out in the job application process. Remember, a strong cover letter will indeed bring your resume to life and help you achieve your dream job.

Also Read:

Top 10 Best Subject for Sending Resume in India

How to write an Amazing Email to send Resume to HR?

How to write an application for Teaching Job in India

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