Over the years, the purpose of the cover letter has undergone significant changes to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the job market and recruitment practices.
Let’s take a look at how the cover letter has changed and what job seekers should include in theirs when applying for a job.
Think of a cover letter as a sales pitch for yourself. It is your professional introduction to a potential employer that complements your resume that highlights your key skills, qualifications and experiences explaining why you're the ideal candidate for the job.
In the past, a cover letter’s primary function was to give a more intimate introduction of the candidate behind the resume. It served as a personal introduction that provided a glimpse into their personality, character and motivations, which added a human touch to the otherwise factual resume.
In recent times, the form and content of cover letters have evolved to fit the preferences of employers. Cover letters are now much shorter and concise, focusing on information, achievements and relevant experience to show the value that the applicant can deliver.
The cover letter has also taken the format of an email body or LinkedIn message instead of a separate document.
Through the years, the fundamental purpose of a cover letter remains the same: to get the employer to consider an applicant’s resume. A well-written cover letter can effectively pique the hiring manager’s interest to delve deeper into your profile.
Let’s now go through the steps to writing an effective cover letter that will get you one step closer to your dream job!
Even though a cover letter is not a must during the job application process, there is still an expectation to submit it with the resume, especially for employers who receive hundreds of applications in a day.
As a job applicant, you need to understand how a well-crafted cover letter can work in your favour. According to Forbes, cover letters are best used to address potential hurdles such as career gaps, transitions, lack of experience or to gain a competitive edge.
Before we jump into writing one, it is important to first prepare the information you need to include in it.
A strong cover letter should be concise, tailored to the specific job, highlight your most relevant qualifications and include your contact details for further communication.
As a rule of thumb, your cover letter content should be approximately 300 words long to capture the employer’s attention. A concise letter can help you seize the opportunity to highlight your qualifications without losing the reader’s interest.
The most important information and key elements to include in your cover letter are:
Avoid the temptation to include every detail of your career as your full experience should already be included in your resume. Instead, focus on impactful accomplishments and skills that showcase your suitability for the position.
By strategically tailoring your cover letter to address specific needs mentioned in the job description, you demonstrate your strengths and understanding of the role and position yourself as the ideal candidate.
Writing a good cover letter requires research and a thorough understanding about the job role and company. Familiarise yourself with their goals, objectives and culture to tailor your application effectively.
Here are some steps you can take to craft a perfect cover letter for any job:
First impressions are important, even on paper.
Start off on the right foot by addressing the hiring manager directly by their name. Avoid titles such as “Mr.” and “Mrs.” unless you are certain of how they prefer to be addressed. It reflects a level of sensitivity and respect that you have for individual identities.
If the hiring manager’s name is not known to you, avoid informal language like “Hello” or “Hi” as well as outdated salutations like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom it May Concern". Instead, you should use formal greetings such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team”.
Choosing the right and respectful salutation showcases your professionalism and sets the tone for the rest of your correspondence with them.