How to Write a Professional Cover Letter

Have you ever heard of the saying "Behind every CV, there's a good, professional cover letter"? Almost every job application needs a cover letter. They are very essential and they contribute a lot to your application process. Therefore, you need to ensure that your cover letter is clear, concise, and sells your abilities and skills to your potential employers. You need to ensure that your cover letter makes anyone reading it want to meet you.

So, how do you go about writing a professional cover letter? Well, we have outlined some steps below that will surely help you with creating an awesome cover letter. Without further ado, here we go:

FORMATTING A COVER LETTER

As noted earlier, you need to ensure that your cover letter is concise, well-presented, and straight to the point. Therefore, ensure that you use an easy-to-read font, no pictures, no word art, and no comic signs. Also ensure that you write in clear paragraphs and it shouldn't be too short or too long. Your aim should be half a side of an A4 or a maximum of one page.

ADDRESSING YOUR COVER LETTER

Your cover letter must be addressed to whoever is dealing with the applications. This is usually displayed somewhere in the job advert, but if you can't find it there, do not be afraid to make researches and find out. You can check out the company's website for this information or simply call the company and get the details of the person dealing with the applications.

Doing this will allow you to address the letter in the appropriate manner. It will also portray you as someone who is genuinely interested in the role. If you end up getting a name, you can address the letter with "Dear Mr. John/Dear Mrs. Caitlyn". But if you are unable to come up with a name, then you can go with the regular "Dear Ma/Sir”.

STRUCTURING YOUR COVER LETTER

Although there are actually no rules on how to structure a cover letter, you need to ensure that it flows well so as to captivate the attention of the recruiters. Below is our guideline on how to structure a cover letter.

Opening The Letter - The Reason Why You are Contacting Them.

This is obviously your first paragraph and you need to ensure that it remains short and concise. You just need to tell them why you are contacting them. It's also very beneficial to input where you found the adverts, that is, if it's on a website, you can include something like "As advertised on jobs.com" and if it's someone that referred you, you mention the person's name in this section.

Second Paragraph - Why You Are the Perfect Person for the Job

All you need to do here is make a brief description of your professional and academic qualifications. Ensure that the qualifications you are filling this paragraph with are in line with the role you are applying for. Also ensure that you refer to each of the skills mentioned in the job description. 

Read: The Importance of Soft Skills

Third Paragraph - How You Can Contribute to the Company

This is where you lay emphasis on what you can do for the company. You'll outline your career goals and do not forget to let your goals match the position you are applying for. Also ensure that you expand on the important points in your CV and use example to back up your skills.

Fourth Paragraph - A Friendly Reminder

In the fourth paragraph, you'll repeat your interest in the role and why you are the right person for the role. You can also use it as a good way to tell your employer that you'd like to meet them for your interview.

Ending the Letter

If you know the name of the recruiter, you should close the letter with "Yours sincerely" but if you don't, "Yours faithfully" is the right word to use, followed by your name.