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Cover Letter: Tips & Templates | Ace Interview Like Pro

Cover Letter

In the posts, Resume: Tips & Templates | Ace Interview Like Pro and CV: Tips & Templates | Ace Interview Like Pro, I discussed the most useful tips for creating a job-winning resume or cv along with FREE templates to edit and download one's own personal resume or cv. A resume or cv is usually accompanied by a professional cover letter to ensure securing an interview with the target employer. A cover letter is a formal document that one submits as part of a job application along with a CV or Resume. A cover letter acts as a personal introduction and also a brief summary of professional background where one can outline relevant skills and experience and highlight interest in the target role or organization that helps to sell the application as the best probable match for the employer’s requirement. A cover letter is usually written on an A4 size paper and if sent electronically, a cover letter is written as an email. Any job application should always include a well-written cover letter and professional resume or cv unless the recruiters instruct differently.

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Importance of Cover Letter

A Cover Letter is a key marketing tool to convince the prospective employer to engage in the job application or resume. The main purpose of a cover letter along with a resume is to secure an interview. A well-written cover letter sparks the interest of employers to read the resume and consider the candidature of the applicant. On other hand, an inept cover letter will directly lead to the rejection of the application as one's resume or cv along with a cover letter leaves an indirect first impression of the applicant on the recruiters. A well-written cover letter along with a professional resume stands on its own merits.

5 Most Useful Tips For Cover Letter

  • Do homework on the organization to write a tailor-made cover letter for the specific requirements.
  • Include the following demonstrating knowledge of the organization and their needs:
Who are you?
Why have you contacted the employer?
Why should the recruiters be interested in you?
  • Make it concise, easy to comprehend that sounds genuine and sincere
  • Show confidence and competence directly in simple and straightforward language
  • Be ready with a few professionals’ references to validate the skills, expertise, etc. mentioned in the cover letter or resume

5 Most Common Mistakes To Avoid In Cover Letter

  • Do not rehash the resume or cv
  • Avoid being too cliched by focusing too much on yourself without any valid example/fact
  • Don't exceed more than a page
  • Avoid typos, grammatical errors, misspellings
  • Avoid unnecessary flattery or going off-topic

Important Sections to Add to Cover Letter

  • Candidate's Full Name, Address, Contact Details
  • Contact Person's Name, Designation, Company Name, Contact Details (Not required for electronic mail)
  • Subject
  • Proper Salutation
  • Opening Paragraph (Include how you learned about the position)
  • Middle Paragraph (Include summary of background and key skills that make you qualified for the position)
  • Closing (Show interest in communicating further in person and your anticipation for a response, also mention your sincere regards and thanks)

Free Cover Letter Templates: Edit & Download

Sample 1 | Click on the template to edit and download your own cover letter. (Check the video tutorial posted above)
Sample 1



Sample 2 | Click on the template to edit and download your own cover letter. (Check the video tutorial posted above)
Sample 2

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is cover letter PDF or Word?

PDF is the format for sending the cover letter as it is widely accepted and also looks professional. PDF also ensures changes in the formatting or illustrations and it can be opened with all operating systems.

2. Is cover letter more important than resume?

Both a Cover Letter and a Resume are equally important for any employer to determine if the candidate is fit or eligible for the job role or requirements.

3. Is a cover letter handwritten?

No, Cover Letter must be handwritten. The cover letter should be prepared digitally and saved as a PDF or printed to use a hard copy. However, one can definitely draft a handwritten cover letter to ensure avoiding mistakes and editing to improve if needed.

4. How many paragraphs should a cover letter have?

There must be a total of 3 paragraphs in a cover letter as follows:
  • Introduction: The first paragraph must give a brief introduction of the applicant.
  • Pitch: The second paragraph must highlight the applicant's interests in the target role focusing on selling their skills, degrees, certificates, achievements, etc.
  • Conclusion: The last paragraph must include the applicant's interest in getting a positive response from the employers. Also, it mentions the attachments, if any.
5. Is a cover letter just an email?

While sending digitally or electronically, the cover letter should be sent as an email body putting only the main message in the mail body. However, a cover letter can be sent as a printed hard copy if it is required to be sent physically.

Related:

Check Resume: Tips & Templates and CV: Tips & Templates to write a Job Winning Resume or CV and Interview Tips & Preparation to ace interviews like a pro.

In the comment section, you are welcome to share suggestions that you may have for me to discuss or share.
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