Everything You Need to Know About Writing an Impressive Cover Letter

Everything You Need to Know About Writing an Impressive Cover LetterEverything You Need to Know About Writing an Impressive Cover Letter2Is it really necessary to write a titelblatt letter when you apply for a job? Does anyone really read it anyway? In most cases, the answer to both questions is yes. Writing an impressive cover letter gives you an opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are and why you are the best candidate for the job.Cover letters are documents that you send along with your resume to provide additional information about yourparticular skills and experience and to explain why you are qualified to do the job. A cover letter is like a schlussverkaufpitch. If written well, it will catch the eye of the hiring manager and give you a good shot at being advanced to the next round.Basically, employers want to know you understand their company and why you are a good fit. Writing an impressive cover letter means demonstrating your suitability in a detailed but conc ise way that leaves the employer wanting to know more. To make sure your cover letter is the best it can be- and the process as painless as possible- we have put together some great cover letter writing tipsto get you started.Tips onwriting an impressive cover letterResearchBefore you begin writing your cover letter, thoroughly research what the company does, the key characteristics of the job you are applying for, andthe company culture. Understand the tone of the company. A startup might be very casual and down-to-earth while a Fortune 500 company might be more formal.Cover Letter SalutationKnow who you are talking to.Avoid the generic Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom It May Concern, which looks like you didnt make an effort. Instead, do your research to find the name of the person doing the hiring. Between the companys website, LinkedIn, and Twitter, you should be able to find the name you are looking for.Cover Letter BodyThe body of your cover letter should have abeginning, middle, and final paragraph. These persuasive paragraphs should convince the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job and should be invited back for an interview.Beginning ParagraphThe first few sentences of a cover letter are the most important. Hiring managers have a lot of coverletters to read, so make sure yours stands out. In the first couple of sentences, give your reader a glimpse into your background and experience. This is also the place to clearly state which fleck you are applying for and give the name of a contact if you have one. It is a good idea to use keywords from the job posting that describe your skills and qualifications.Middle ParagraphsEngage the reader and explainwhat you have to offer. The middle of the cover letter should demonstrate how you added value to your previous company by stating an accomplishment or including a job title if it is similar to the one you are applying for. Express your excitement and passion for your work, the job, and the organizat ion, and talk about how you can contribute to its mission.Make connections between your qualifications and skills and the job you are applying for. Highlight examples of work you have done and results you have achieved. Draw from your resume but dont recite it word for word. Try using shorter paragraphs or bulleted lists to make the information easier to scan and absorb.Final ParagraphThe concluding paragraph should summarize what you would bring to the position and thank the reader for considering you for the job. This is a good time to be assertive and politely request a call or meeting.ClosingOnce you finish your final paragraph, it is important to close your letter with an appropriate amount of respect to the hiring manager. Your closing should match the tone of the rest of your letter and convey appreciationto the reader. Some great options for closing a cover letter include Regards, Best, Best Wishes, My Best, and Respectfully.Many people believe a well-written and strategical ly targeted cover letter is asimportant as a resume for securing an interview. The cover letter allows you to target the employer in a way the resume can not.Although writing an impressive cover letter is not an easy task and requires a lot of understanding, thought, and knowledge, it is well worth the effort when you are invited to the coveted interview.Check out our blog for more cover letter and job search tips