Did you know that Cover Letters are one of the most important documents in your job application? Unfortunately, they are also one of the hardest to write! It can be difficult to know how to write a cover letter successfully.

Once you get the hang of it, writing a Cover Letter can be a simple step towards securing a position in your future career. With a few quick tips, you’ll be sure to grab the attention of any employer who reads your Cover Letter. Keep reading to find out more about how to write a cover letter!

Thoroughly reading the job listing is a crucial initial step. Often, a job listing will provide guidance on the desired skills sought by the employer. This may involve addressing inquiries about your interest in a specific industry or recounting previous experiences that have influenced your career path.

It is crucial to adhere to given instructions and include essential information typically found in any other Cover Letter, while also maintaining a concise and focused approach. Let’s move onto the basics of what every Cover Letter should feature:

  1. Your name and contact details displayed clearly at the top of the document
  2. The current date
  3. A polite greeting with an introduction of who you are, your age, education, and background in the industry
  4. A Second paragraph with details about what drew your attention to the position
  5. A Conclusion describing your enthusiasm towards becoming a part of the team/company, and
  6. A polite farewell with your name and preferred phone number.

Now, for a bit more detail on how to write a cover letter:

1. Contact details: 

Always make sure that you have your name and contact information (e-mail, preferred phone number and current address) at the top of the page where a recruiter or employer can clearly see.

2. Show your excitement for becoming a part of the team: 

Use phrases such as, ‘I am looking forward to developing and advancing my skills with you and your team/company.’ Including lines like this in your Cover Letter will effectively demonstrate to the recruiter or employer your strong desire to become an integral part of their team.

3. Be formal, polite and assertive: 

It’s important that your Cover Letter has clear and concise language so the recruiter or employer can understand who you are. Through a quick scan of your Cover Letter, the recruiter will see why you are interested in the position they’ve posted. Formal language shows professionalism and respect which can go a long way in trying to secure a position in your desired career industry.

Once you become more familiar with how to write a cover letter, you’ll ask yourself why you struggled in the first place. Words have power and the most important thing to remember in the process of writing your Cover Letter is to use them to your advantage wherever possible. For more tips on the job application process, read our article about Graduate Job Applications!

And don’t forget to proofread!