Most employers these days request a cover letter from job applicants. If you’re new to cover letters or if it’s been awhile since you’ve written one, fear no more. I’ve assembled an easy five-step process that includes visual examples for creating an amazing cover letter.
But first, a few quick questions to get out of the way:
What Is a Cover Letter?
Cover letters are relatively short (about a page) documents that employers ask for in addition to a résumé. Cover letters give a clearer and more descriptive account of your work history, experience, and skills and they emphasize what you bring of value to the company you’re applying for. Essentially, they’re your ticket to getting your foot in the door.
See also: The Anatomy of a Really Good Résumé
What Should I Know Before Writing a Cover Letter?
Cover letters…
- Are addressed to the person or people in charge of hiring for the position.
- May be read and viewed by others in the company, such as human resource personnel or top-level executives, before or after being viewed by the hiring manager.
- Provide insight and elaboration on experience, skills, and history that your résumé doesn’t have room to cover.
- Showcase your ability to write and communicate well, giving you a chance to show your personality.
What Are the Steps for Writing a Cover Letter?
Glad you asked! See the graphic below for insight into five easy steps for writing an amazing cover letter: 1) Design It; 2) Format It; 3) Start It; 4) Write It; and 5) Close It.
Need a Resume to go with this awesome cover letter? Check out the following Articles:
What a Bad Resume Says When It Speaks
The Six Types of Resumes You Should Know About
The Anatomy of A Really Good Resume
