How To Write An Effective Cover Letter In English

A cover letter is a formal document that is sent with your enclosed or attached resume when you are applying for a job. Many people underestimate the power of an effective cover letter: it provides you with the opportunity to set yourself apart from others. 

Before writing your cover letter, remember it's purpose: to grab the employer’s attention and, ultimately persuade him to review your resume carefully. Therefore, you need to highlight your skills and abilities, demonstrate to the employer how you exceed the standards for the post and how you are different from other applicants. You need to demonstrate your strong interest for the post by doing research on the company and the role, using language that matches the employer’s criteria. Be specific, use examples.

As well as the resume, a cover letter should not be longer than a page. It is not about the length, but how well you express your ideas with clarity. Keep your language simple but formal.

Font

• Use a size 10-12 font
• Use standard one-inch margin.
• Use a basic font: Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Tahoma.
• Use black font

Headers

The headers of your cover letter can be right, center, or left-aligned, but be consistent with your resume. It must also include all your contact information. Here, I’ll show you two different headers that can be used in cover letter.

Example 1:

Example 2: 

Address and Salutation

After the header, you should include the date and the employer’s contact information, in the order mentioned. Never use “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”, do your research, find out who is going to be conducting the selection process and address it to him or to her. If you can’t find any information about the name of the employer, try using: “Hiring Manager/Team” or “Human Resources Department/Director”. When addressing a man using “Mr.” and when addressing a woman use “Ms.”, you can only use “Mrs.” If you are sure this woman is married.

Example 1:

First Paragraph

Begin with a strong opening, try to be creative. This is your only chance to make a good impression. You can start by showing why you are passionate about the job you are applying to, or start highlighting something about yourself that makes your outstanding among others. Don’t forget to mention the position you are applying to, and where you found the posting.

Example 1:

Example 2:

Second Paragraph

In this paragraph, you must demonstrate why you are qualified for the position, by identifying your skills, education, experience and matching relevant information to this position. Explain how you are prepared for the position, you can refer to current or past employment experience, specific tasks you had in these jobs and specific skills needed for the job.

If you also have academic qualifications, separate them from the work experience into two paragraphs. You may want to do this, so you can give these topics their own focus.

Example:

Third or Closing Paragraph

In the last paragraph, you need to express your appreciation for the employer’s time to read your cover letter. Let them know you are interested in a meeting with the employer and are available for it. Lastly, add the best way for them to contact you.

Example:

Example:

Signature

Use a complimentary closing, this is a sign-off phrase that is written prior your signature showing respect and gratitude for the person who is reading your letter. Here are some good ways to close a cover letter.

• Sincerely,
• Best Regards,
• Respectfully,
• Yours respectfully,
• With appreciation,
• With sincere thanks,

Final Tips

• Use the word “enclosed”, “enclosure” when you are sending your resume by mail. Instead, use the word “attached”, “attachment” when you are sending your resume by email or online applications.
• Focus on your achievements rather than your responsibilities. Be an ACHIEVER rather than a DOER.
• Try to illustrate your achievements with examples, but be brief.
• Don’t use grammar contractions or abbreviations.
• Use active voice.
• Be concise, avoid flowery language.
• Be consistent with resume and cover letter format.
• Only the headers can be aligned differently. Rest of letter is aligned to the left.
• There must not be grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.
• All your cover letter must be personalized,

Remember that your cover letter goes with your resume only when you send your resume online or in an e-mail. When you go to an interview, you don’t bring a cover letter because YOU say all that information out loud.

 Hero image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash