Guide to Writing a Cover Letter for a Job Application

How to Write a Cover Letter to Accompany a Job Application

A cover letter is a one-page document that is as an introduction to a job applicant’s work history, professional skills, and interest in applying for the job.
It can be used to demonstrate your interest in the job and working for the company, as well as the impact you’ve had in previous positions. The cover letter offers an opportunity to present a clear, concise, and persuasive writing sample that shows off your personality and ability to convey ideas.
Essentially, the aim of the cover letter is to expand on your achievements detailed in the accompanying resume, showcase personality, and explain why you are an ideal candidate for the position.
The cover letter is your introductory sales pitch, and the ideal opportunity to make a positive first impression to the recruiter.

What to Include In the cover letter and basic structure

Cover letters should include a distinctive introduction, your relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong closing with a call-to-action. It should all be on one page only.
The cover letter should use the following basic structure:

Contact details:At the top of your cover letter, you should include:

• Your first and last name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Your mailing address (Optional)

Under your contact details, add:

• Current date
• The name of the person you’re writing to, or the relevant department
• The company’s address
• The company’s phone number
• The hiring manager or company’s email address

Introduction

The introduction has to get the attention of the recruiter and explain why you want the job.

Opening Salutation

Start by addressing the recruiter by their name.
If you are not sure who to address the letter to try checking the company website, calling or emailing the reception or human resources to ask. If you are unable to find a name to address your cover letter, here are some tips:

• If you don’t know the recruiter’s title eg, Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. just write their full name, for example, “Dear John Smith”.
• You can address the department director by name instead.
• If you can’t find anyone’s name, the letter can be addressed to the department. For example, “Dear Finance Department”.

Here are examples of opening salutations

• Dear John Smith
• Dear Mr. Smith
• Dear finance Department
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter

Introduction Paragraph

Get the attention of the recruiter with a strong opening paragraph that shows your enthusiasm for the position and working for the company. The cover letter introduction should include the following:

• Job position: The name of the position you’re applying for
• Company name: The name of the company you’re applying for
• Intention to apply: Write enthusiastically that you’re applying for the job

Here are examples of strong opening lines:

• ’I’m delighted to be applying for the marketing manager position at JT Company Ltd.’
• ’It’s been an ambition of mine to be and engineer for JT Company Ltd, which is why I’m so excited to apply for this position.’
• ’I’m excited to be applying for the sales position at JT Company Ltd. I’m an enthusiastic and motivated sales person, which is why I’ve been so successful increasing the sales at my last company and I’d love to do the same for your brands.’

Body paragraphs: 

The body paragraphs are an opportunity to demonstrate that you’re the ideal candidate for the job
There should be at least two paragraphs detailing your relevant education, skills, work experience, and suitability for the job.

Here are some basic pointers to write the body paragraphs and sell yourself as the ideal candidate:

• Be bold, but not boasting. You should convey confidence, but don’t make fact less claims about your abilities and put that evidence in the cover letter.
• Be honest, and don’t embellish. Never lie or embellish the truth about your experience, skills or qualifications.
• Include only relevant information. Tailor the letter to the job and company you’re applying for.

Use work history and achievements to show that you have the skills for the job position you are applying for. Include any of the following as evidence of your suitability:

• Professional achievements: Evidence of meeting/ exceeding targets for production, sales, revenue, profit, customer satisfaction, or any other business objectives.
• Professional accolades: Evidence of received compliments from management or colleagues.
• Professional awards: Evidence of awards received for your work, eg Employee of the Month

Here are some examples of how to express achievements:

• In my previous company I made on average 50 ‘effective’ telephone sales calls a day to decision makers. During my time, I introduced a new telephone sales strategy increasing the sales conversion rate by 30% within 6 months.
• In my current company, I’ve consistently performed 30% higher than targets . Last year, I was awarded Employee of the Year. With my skills and motivation, I’d be an ideal candidate to drive the sales for JT Company Ltd and significantly contribute to the company’s success.

Recruiters will also assess the cover letter by looking for other qualities, for example:

• Academic and other qualifications or achievements: For example do you have a university degree or professional qualification with exceptional grades or received academic awards.  
• Hobbies and interests: For example, are you involved in volunteering, clubs, sports, music, arts, or other activities.
• Self-motivation and goal setting: Illustrate your short and long term goals and explain how the job you’re applying for is part of your ambitions.

Remember to explain how the information included is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Conclusion: 

The conclusion should be a concise ending that emphasises your strengths, and asks the recruiter to contact you.
It should include the following:

• Thank you to the recruiter for reviewing your application
• Summarize briefly why you are the perfect candidate
• Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity to work for the company
• Ask politely for an invitation to interview

Here’s an example:
‘Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I  believe that my qualifications, skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the marketing manager position at JT Company Ltd. I would like to join your marketing team and look forward to discussing this opportunity in an interview.’

Closing Salutation

End the cover letter with a professional closing salutation. Here are some examples:

• Yours Sincerely
• Best
• Regards
• Kind regards
• Best regards
• Thank you
• Respectfully

Sign Off

Finish by adding your full name and if possible, scan your written signature under your typed name.

Proof read before sending

Always re-read your cover letter before sending to make sure that there are no spelling errors or typos, and that it is a concise review of your suitability for the job.