Buzz
Although it might seem like an old-fashioned formality, 87% of hiring professionals confirm they still read cover letters, as shown by a survey from ResumeGo. To boost your chances of landing the job, ensure your cover letter includes these critical components.
Ensure Your Format Is Correct
Your cover letter should be around 400 words, consisting of three to four short paragraphs, with a font size ranging from 10 to 12. Keep it brief—never exceed a single page. For examples of proper formatting, check out ResumeGenius here.
Generally, the opening paragraph should explain why you’re interested in the position, followed by a second paragraph that showcases your achievements. Subsequent paragraphs should emphasize how your experience aligns with the employer’s needs. The final paragraph should express gratitude for the employer’s time and consideration.
A Compelling First Paragraph
You have only a few seconds to catch the hiring manager’s eye. Your writing must be precise and directly address what the employer is seeking in a candidate—start by showing enthusiasm for the position, mentioning a referral (if you have one), or highlighting a notable achievement related to the job. The Balance offers great examples of opening sentences here.
However, be careful not to spend too much time in the introduction expressing enthusiasm. The employer likely already assumes you’re interested in the role (why else would you apply?), and this won't set you apart from other applicants. Focus instead on your experience and skills, as these are the aspects the employer cares about most.
Showcase Relevant Work Achievements
The crucial word here is relevant. Take time to thoroughly review the job description to fully grasp precisely what the employer is seeking, and tailor your work experience accordingly. It’s vital to match the language from the posting, especially when particular skills are mentioned. For example, if Salesforce is frequently referenced and you have experience with the platform, be sure to showcase that expertise.
Be sure to also spotlight any significant achievements, ideally framed as a brief narrative illustrating your career growth with a clear beginning, middle, and end. For instance, if you’ve worked in customer service, demonstrate how you consistently met performance targets, tackled problems effectively, and earned a promotion to team leader.
Demonstrate your understanding of the company you’re applying to
Mentioning the company’s values in your cover letter is one of the simplest ways to set yourself apart, but few applicants take the time to do so. Why? Because it’s often hard to know what to say, and with the many applications submitted each day (with no guaranteed interviews), it can feel like extra work. Hiring managers want candidates who genuinely “get it” and are eager to work for their company. Take the time to search for the company’s mission statement or core values on their website. Understanding these values will also help you ensure a good cultural fit.
Strike the right tone, without relying on clichés
The tone of your cover letter should strike a balance between professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm, with every word serving a purpose—you don’t want to overdo it. If you’re unsure about the tone, try reading your letter aloud: Does it sound like someone you’d enjoy talking to? If not, it might lack the sincerity that comes from avoiding clichés. (Clichés are those overused phrases that tend to bore rather than impress.)
Challenge yourself to steer clear of overused phrases like “I’m a quick learner” or “I think outside the box,” since hiring managers have likely seen them countless times. TopResume offers additional great examples of clichés you’ll want to remove.
Be sure to catch those typos
Always, without fail, always proofread your cover letter. Keep in mind that hiring managers are searching for reasons to discard your application, and even the smallest typo could cost you the job.
