How to write cover letter for a job application in 2024?

You’ve landed here, it means you’re on a job hunt and want to grab the recruiter’s attention. You’ve got your resume updated and your skills brushed. But there’s one thing above both that decides whether you’ll catch a recruiter’s attention or not– how to write a cover letter. 83% of hiring managers read cover letters when they receive an application. That’s why you need to learn how to write a cover letter.  Because if you write it in the wrong way, you’ll lose your chance. But if you write it correctly, you’ll outshine your competition by a long shot.

You see, recruiters get thousands of applications for one single job post, and most of them look exactly the same. They all have a resume and a generic cover letter attached. It becomes tedious for them to shortlist. That’s why it’s important that you present yourself in a way that recruiters can’t help but notice your application and knowing how to write a cover letter that stand out can make all the difference. Sounds like a bit of work? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

This guide will teach you how to write a cover letter for a job, internship, or a freelance project the right way. You’ll learn the right format and structure of a winning cover letter. Then, we’ll show you how to write a cover letter that work for you. This guide will show you a perfect cover letter sample that’ll give you a clear idea of how your cover letter should look like.

So, without further ado, let’s get started with cover letter format and structure.

Cover Letter Format and Structure

Alright, let’s break down the format and structure of a good cover letter, making sure it’s super simple to follow.

• Greeting: Start with a polite greeting. If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it (e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson”). It shows you’re personal and attentive.
• Opening Paragraph: Kick off with a strong start. Mention the job title you’re applying for. Hook them by briefly explaining why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
• Body Paragraphs:
  • First Body Paragraph: Dive into your relevant skills. Discuss key experiences that make you a great fit for the job.
  • Second Body Paragraph: Share specific achievements or stories that highlight your qualifications. Use simple examples that relate directly to the job requirements.
• Closing Paragraph: Wrap things up by expressing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention that you’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss your application further.
• Sign-Off: End with a polite closure (e.g., “Best regards” or “Sincerely”) and your name.

How to Write a Resume Cover Letter For a Job Application?

If you’re writing a cover letter for a job application, the first thing you must remember is how to write a cover letter that is specific. What do we mean by that? Most applicants make the mistake of writing just one generic cover letter and using it on every job application when they’re on a job hunt.

Make no such mistake. Recruiters can sense a generic cover letter from a mile away.

Instead, do your research about the role you’re applying for and about the company. Understand what the role requires and what type of candidate the company is looking for. Include those points in your cover letter and see it shine. You can get some idea from Free Cover Letter Templates.

How to do the research?

Here’s what you can do to gather those valuable points:

• Read the job description carefully. Most of the time, companies share everything about the position, responsibilities, and what they’re looking for in the job description. Read it carefully to have a clear understanding of what you’re applying to.
• Check out the company’s website. You’ll learn a lot about the values and principles they believe in and work with.
• A simple Google search about your profile’s roles and responsibilities can give you a good head start and provide you with a lot of useful information.
• Lastly, you can look for answers on Quora and other online forums. They already have all the information you’ll need answered.

Okay, so you have the information. What to do with that?

You need to present your skills and achievements in a way that aligns with the job requirements.

For example, if you’re applying for a junior copywriter position, the job description states that the company is looking for someone who can quickly develop good headlines under pressure. If you have the skills and past experience, then you can mention them in your cover letter.

The STAR Method

You can use the STAR method to present your skills and achievements in a way that aligns with the requirements. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Going back to the previous example, here’s how you can present yourself in your cover letter:

“In my previous job, my team needed 5 good headlines for a project to be delivered in 30 minutes. I’ve generated 10 headline ideas on the spot and then with my team, refined them to get 5 good headlines. That resulted in a 20% increase in leads as compared to the control”.

Use strong action verbs.

When you write about your achievements, use strong action verbs to make your cover letter more impactful. Use words like ‘achieved,’ ‘developed,’ ‘formulated,’ ‘transformed,’ and ‘orchestrated.’

Cover Letter Tips for Specific Scenarios

Now, writing a cover letter for a job application is completely different from writing a cover letter for an internship. You need a different approach and way to present yourself in these cases. How to do it? Let’s have a look:

How to write a cover letter for an internship?

Since internships are for learning and for complete beginners, you need to show that you’re the right person with the right mindset for this opportunity.

Here, you need to show your passion and enthusiasm for learning. Present yourself as a good team player and a go-getter. If you already know some skills related to that profile, be sure you mention them and how you can use them to provide value to the company.

How to write a cover letter with no experience?

If you don’t have previous experience, don’t worry. We all started the same way. In this case, how to write cover letter that highlight your skills and your mindset is key to catching the recruiters attention. Just like an internship, if you can present yourself as a person who’s a quick learner and a good team player, you have a better chance of getting an entry-level job.

For example, if you’ve created a project for your college assignments or managed or led a team during your college years, mention it in your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter for Freelancing?

On platforms like Upwork, where freelance gigs are king, how to write a cover letter needs to sing your praises is essential. Pinpoint freelance projects that had measurable successes and cite client testimonials that speak to your reliability and quality of work.

If you have repeat clients, highlight this as it reflects dependability and satisfaction with your work.

By fine-tuning your cover letter according to these scenarios, you position yourself as a candidate.

Cover Letter Example

Alright, it’s time to put everything we’ve learned above into action. To give you a clear perspective on how your cover letter should look, we’ve included a sample cover letter. Take a look:

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am writing to express my interest in the Junior Graphic Designer position advertised on your company website. Knowing how to write a cover letter that highlights my qualifications and enthusiasm, I would like to share that with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and two years of experience at a busy marketing agency, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your creative team.

In my current role at Creative Designs Ltd., I have honed my skills in Adobe Creative Suite and have been commended for my ability to handle multiple projects under tight deadlines. Knowing how to write a cover letter that emphasizes these accomplishments, I’d like to highlight that I led the redesign of a client’s branding, which included creating a fresh logo and new packaging. This project not only increased the client’s sales by 30% but also won the Best Brand Revamp award in 2021.

Additionally, I have developed strong teamwork skills, often collaborating with writers and marketers to create a cohesive visual and narrative story. These experiences have prepared me to contribute to your team’s upcoming projects effectively.

I am drawn to this position at [Your Company] because of your commitment to innovation and quality, which I share and practice in my work. I am eager to bring my background in graphic design and my creative problem-solving skills to your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Is Good:

• Greeting: Using the hiring manager’s name personalizes the letter right off the bat.
• Opening Paragraph: It’s clear and direct, stating the job being applied for and why the applicant is a strong candidate.
• Body Paragraphs: These give specific examples of past job experiences and achievements, showing rather than just telling about the applicant’s skills.
• Closing Paragraph: It ties back to the company’s values and reiterates interest in the position, showing the applicant has done their homework.
• Sign-Off: Polite and professional, it wraps up the letter neatly.

Impress the Recruiters Without Speaking a Single Word

The whole purpose of how to write a cover letter is to show your abilities and skills to your recruiters before they even get in touch with out. If you can present yourself to them, you’ve won half the battle.

Do your research first. It makes a huge impact on recruiters and separates you from thousands of candidates who have just copied and pasted a generic cover letter for the sake of it. Writing a specific cover letter shows that you actually have an interest in the company and have the skills to go out there and find answers.

Clearly mention your past achievements, no matter how small they are. Knowing how to write a cover letter that effectively highlight these accomplishment will help the recruiters understand what type of person you are, and it’ll be fruitful for you in upcoming rounds of interviews.

So the next time you’re applying for a job, visit this guide again, take a good look, and write a perfect cover letter.

Also Read:

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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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