A Unique Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter

In your job application, employers look for a narrative about your previous jobs and your skills. However, not everyone knows how to do this. You need to learn how to write a cover letter.

The ability to showcase your career background and skills gives you an advantage against fellow applicants. You must remember that not all of you are provided a chance to present your credentials. Here’s when your cover letter becomes essential.

This article will teach you how to write a cover letter. It will teach you its definition, importance, and a few things to remember as you compose one. Follow this guide, and you will find it easier to look for a job!

What Is A Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a writing that you send out to potential employers or people in charge of hiring a person for a job. It is a document that companies use to assess an applicant’s credentials. 

Job-seekers also send cover letters on their way to submitting their resume. It should be in their interview package. Essentially, it’s also known as a “formal introduction.”

A cover letter is like a “prologue” to your resume. It is a document typically sent along with a resume to ensure the employer discovers the candidate’s qualifications as they undergo screening. 

Some cover letters, such as those sent with a self-promotion packet, are quite different.  These cover letters are typically shorter and are usually more informal. Cover letters may appear as part of a resume or on letterhead.

Why Is It Important To Write A Cover Letter?

Some job hunters ask, “why is it important to write a cover letter?”

This section will answer your inquiries regarding the essence of a cover letter in your job application. Read the following carefully to understand why you should write your own cover letter entirely. Let’s begin!

1. Categorizes Your Skills

Writing your cover letter is a process of finding the next step in your career journey.

Having one makes it easy for employers to find a befitting role for your skills. A company’s human resources department uses this to sort out applicants.

Once you apply for a job, you want to be categorized as “a fit for the company.” To achieve this, you must write a powerful, original, and consistent message about tackling your career background. 

2. Get Better Job Opportunities

Another benefit of writing a cover letter is having a good shot at better job opportunities.

Have you ever heard of “headhunters?” No! Not those creepy slasher movie antagonists. Headhunters are employee prospect researchers who look for potential employees fit for their company’s job opening.

It would be best to post your cover letter on your LinkedIn account. By doing so, you present your credibility online and to the public.

3. Showcases Your Expertise

Aside from presenting your skills, it also highlights your expertise in various fields.

You can use these unique abilities as an advantage against your fellow applicants. Employers would love to see where you excel the most, so they can determine if you are fit for the job or not. 

Since your cover letter shows your career background, you have the opportunity to brag about your achievements.

It would be best to include recognitions or awards as they can add to your credibility and chances of getting hired.

How to Write a Cover Letter?: 3 Things to Remember

Now that you know the importance of writing a cover letter, it’s time to learn how to write one. Take note of these three things to remember and successfully write the best cover letter for your job application.

Let’s jump right in!

1. Include All of Your Achievements

Aside from discussing your previous job experiences, you must add all your achievements to your cover letter.

Include all relevant milestones, recognitions, and awards that may increase your chances of getting hired. Employers love multi-awarded prospects as they can become potential icons of the company.

Having well-recognized employees add to the favorable reputation of a brand. However, you might ask, “what if I don’t have any achievements yet?”

Don’t worry! You can add your academic achievements if you’re still on the road to success or a fresh graduate. No matter how simple or significant they are, feel confident in sharing about your milestones!

2. Mention All of Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Other essential things to mention in your cover letter are your strengths and weaknesses.

Employers prefer a brutally honest applicant. They would instead choose a prospect that recognizes their pros and cons than an individual who boasts a lot of unverified things about themselves.

Employers won’t waste their time, effort, and money hiring over proud employees that cannot meet the company’s expectations. You should talk about your strengths but also be open about your weaknesses.

Afterward, you should let the employer know how you will overcome your weaknesses.

3. Align with the Employer’s Mission and Vision

For the last part of your cover letter, you should align your aspirations with your employer’s mission and vision.

Companies prefer a job applicant that understands what they want to happen for the brand. It makes it easier for them to work with you. You can research the company and job opening you are applying for.

Your cover letter should end with words or phrases filled with hope for the company’s future and how you can contribute to its success.

To Wrap Up

Many things have been discussed in this article. However, writing a cover letter is crucial for your job application. It helps you categorize your skills, get better job opportunities, and showcase your expertise.

Also, your cover letter should include all of your achievements. That way, your employers can learn more about your potential as a prospective candidate. Next, it should mention your strengths and weaknesses as employers prefer a brutally honest employee.

Lastly, your aspirations should align with the employer’s mission and vision. You can work with your future boss by achieving such a relationship with them smoothly. Ready to get that job opening? Aja!