How To Write a Good & Eye-catching Cover Letter

Cover letters are very much necessary, and in a competitive market they can give you a serious edge if they are written and presented effectively, says a study by the New York Times.

You need to know how to write a good cover letter.

A cover letter is a medium by which you get the chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager in different ways, in ones that are memorable and leave a mark on their minds. This also means that a cover letter needs to be unique with every job application. You cannot pass off the same introduction to a dozen jobs you’re applying to. It’s simple, because every time a company changes, you need to re-draft your introduction basis the company goals and choose a format that will suit them.

Perfect (or so, we can call them) cover letters need to have the following—an introduction that’s unique, relevant experience supported by examples and a compelling conclusion with a call to action. It needs to be kept short in length because it’s actually meant to be a short summary of your resume. Keep it to a page, ideally. It’s normally included along with the job application and is always sent across unless it’s specifically mentioned not to.

The cover letter is an important piece of document as it used to convince the hiring
manager of your worthiness for the job applied. The best way to do this is to include elements of the job description to curate the content of your cover letter. Choose a particular tone of voice and stick to it. You may choose to be informal too if it’s a creative job you’re applying for. Stick to a formal tone if it’s any other jobs that you’re applying to.

Research the company really well, online. It will help you align the company’s objectives with your skillset. This will help you in drafting a blueprint for the cover letter. Being honest is your best bet. Lying about any skill or achievement is going to just worsen your position in the interview when you’ll have to answer questions on it.

Recruiters receive a dozen resumes every day and along with it, a dozen cover letters. Choosing a template is okay, but you need to modify it and personalise it otherwise it’s going in the bin. Make sure you’re putting your creativity to good use and make the cover letter look good!

1. Cover Letter Openers

The opening line is going to get all the attention. Agreed, you’re not a writer but you need to give the hiring manager a reason to read beyond the first line. You need something exceptional. What should you begin with? Let’s look at 3 different ways!

2. Open with the Company News

Opening with the company news clearly shows you have done an ample amount of
research on the company and that you’re abreast with all what the company is up to. You may use it to your advantage by tailoring your skills with their most recent
developments or molding your pitch according to the latest growth market they have tapped, etc.

3. Open with a Quote

Quotes resonate with the innermost feelings of an individual. A quote will just show what the person believes in and strives to be. Because it often says a lot in a few words, quotes are a very smart way to open a cover letter. There might be a few life philosophies you might go by. Try to incorporate them into quotes and present them in the cover letter. Try to encompass your passion for doing work and living by the philosophy, in that quote.

4. Open with a Joke

The recruiter will appreciate a good laugh for sure. Puns, jokes or a funny line may catch him off-guard (because he will be expecting a pre-written line) and could be a great way to leave a strong impression. Of course, try being as natural as possible. Don’t google jokes and add them. Make it situational, and about what you’re feeling, or about the job role etc.