What does a cover letter look like?

While cover letters are not always required from job seekers when it comes to applying for a specific job posting, it is always a good idea to provide one. Recruiters and hiring managers are likely to look unkindly at applicants who do not provide one because cover letters are a way for job seekers to introduce themselves and their skill sets. By providing a one-page introduction to yourself and your skills, you can start the process of convincing a potential employer that you are the right person for the job.

Whatever cover letter format you choose, it is important that it is in step with your CV. If you use an infographic based CV to apply for a job posting in a creative industry, the body of your cover letter should follow the same style. If you work in a traditional industry and you apply to a job posting in human resources or law, for example, a simple, professional format and appearance may be best. Therefore, a great cover letter is like a great CV—they should both be appropriate to the job application they are intended to support.

 

If you want assistance in building a great cover letter, you can make use of CVHelp’s cover letter builder.

If you want to write a cover letter, there are five key components you should include in the basic cover letter format along with your full name, phone number and links to professional social media like your LinkedIn profile.

 

They are:

1. Address the hiring manager directly Your salutation is one of the first things a recruiter or hiring manager will see, so it’s important to get it right. Address the hiring manager by name if you can.

 

Using the hiring manager’s name is a simple way to grab their attention, whereas a general address like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” can feel too vague and generic. 

 

2. Fill the gaps in your CV If you have any noticeable gaps in your work experience, address them in your cover letter. Likewise, if you lack formal qualifications for certain required skills but have used the skills in a professional environment, you should mention this in your cover letter. The best cover letter is one that supplements your CV rather than repeating its points. 

 

3. Choose the right font and margins Even a generic cover letter can be elevated by the right formatting. As such, you should take care to choose the right font and margin sizes. A simple, readable, professional-looking font like Arial or Calibri will make your cover letter look good and increase readability. The margins of your cover letter should generally be one inch all around but no less than a half-inch. 

 

4. Include the right keywords Just as your CV should mirror the language of the job posting, your cover letter should do the same. The presence of important keywords (skills and experiences that match the job description) will help your CV scan well for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. The right keywords will go a long way toward convincing a potential employer that you are the perfect candidate for the job. 

 

5. Give examples When you give examples of your skills and certifications in action, you should be as specific as possible and use the STAR method (which is commonly used for job interview behavioural questions) to format the answer in a concise and complete way.  On top of these things, you should also make sure to put the company name and job title you are applying for in your opening paragraph.

 

Likewise, try to sum up the points you have made in your closing paragraph while providing a call to action to the hiring manager or recruiter reading your cover letter. If you want to write the perfect cover letter, you can check these cover letter examples for inspiration.