How to Write an Effective Cover Letter
Cover letters are among the requisites that must be submitted to companies by job seekers. These letters contain some basic information about the applicant such as his persona details, key strengths, and professional summary. Having the right cover letter format is necessary as it contributes to the success of the applicant in landing the job.
In order to write an effective resume cover letter, some cover letter guidelines dictate that the document must have three essential elements. Each element must be written perfectly for the applicant to give a positive impression on recruiters or interviewers.
How an Effective Cover Letter is Different From Normal Cover Letter
Certainly, there are two types of a cover letter – one is effective, and the other is normal. Their differences are discussed below:
- Tone – An effective cover letter is characterized by a formal or professional tone. The use of the right words, the construction of each sentence and its phrases, and its delivery is far from what has been considered as plain or ordinary.
- Content – An effective cover letter template contains must-haves details which are arranged in a chronological manner. Unlike resumes and curriculum vitae, the cover letter must have a limited set of details only.
- Format – Unlike normal cover letters, an effective one can be easily pointed out because it follows a certain format that is business-like or block style. You may check cover letter template in Word as a reference.
Steps to Write an Effective Cover Letter?
Writing a cover letter effectively entails a series of steps which are specified below:
- You must choose the right cover letter format for you. You may check cover letter examples for your resources.
- You must choose which personal details of yours should be included in your content, and which are those for resumes or curriculum vitae.
- You must observe the proper letter writing especially when it comes to letter parts such as salutation or greeting, context or body, closing, and signature.
- Most importantly, you must make sure that your addressee is the right person to be reading your cover letter. Company address and details must be verified as well.
Common Mistakes in Cover Letter And Do’s and Don’ts of an Effective Cover Letter
Just like other guidelines, there are some do’s and don’ts to be observed when writing an effective cover letter sample, and some are as follows:
- You must send the original copy straight to the concerned person or addressee.
- You must use a clean and professional-like sheet and letter envelope.
- You must not submit your documents without giving it a double or triple check. Readers might not become interested in your application if your cover letter contains a number of typographical errors.
- You must not exceed more than one page for your cover letter.
- You must use words that are concise, specific and professional in tone. Slang and idiomatic impressions must not be applied. You must also eliminate some unnecessary words or phrases such as cliches.
- You must write in a tone that is engaging, informative, and interesting, as it would definitely show your personality.
These are a few samples of what have to be observed when writing an effective letter. For further references, you may check free cover letters and sample cover letters. However, most importantly, you must not send a cover letter without your resume or curriculum vitae.
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