Writing a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. It should be one page long and use a simple and professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, with a size of 10 to 12 points. The card should be aligned to the left with a single space and margins of one inch. The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person's first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Mrs.
Jane Smith” or simply “Dear Mrs.”. But to avoid accidentally using an incorrect title or, even worse, inadvertently confusing a person's first and last name also works well. And if “Dear” feels too stiff, try “Hello”. The cover letter is usually the first article the employer reads about you.
Your letter should immediately state what position you are applying for and then provide information that shows why you should be considered for the position. Don't repeat all the information contained in your resume. Instead, highlight or explain the elements of the resume that are directly applicable to the position you're applying for. When writing your cover letter, it's important to include certain key elements that will help you stand out from other applicants.
These elements include your contact information, a brief introduction, a summary of your qualifications, and a call to action. Establish the spacing and margins of the cover letter to maintain a good balance between text and white space, and limit the length of the cover letter to one page. Don't add the rest of your social media, profile URLs, and portfolio information with your contact details like you did to your resume, unless the cover letter template you choose includes an area for them. It's also important to make sure that your cover letter is tailored to each job you apply for.
Don't even think about sending a 100% generic letter - employers can spot this from miles away! Make sure that you include specific details about why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for it. Finally, write an impressive final paragraph of your cover letter summarizing everything briefly and add a call to action proposing a meeting or phone call. This will show employers that you are serious about the role and eager to discuss it further with them. Writing a great cover letter can be daunting but with these tips in mind, you'll be able to create an effective one that will help you stand out from other applicants and get noticed by employers.
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