How to write a cover letter is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider, especially when you want to secure a job.
Your cover letter can make a huge difference for you as it can give your hiring managers a strong reason as to why they should consider you for the job.
To know how to write a cover letter is to set yourself up for winning that mega job opportunity you’ve always dreamed of.
WHY SHOULD I WRITE A COVER LETTER
A good cover letter is like your opening page, where you draw the attention of your hiring managers. Knowing how to write a cover letter helps to distinguish your application from everybody else and puts you in the good graces of anyone that would be reviewing your application.
Your cover letter is a head-start for your application to be reviewed ahead of others, and that’s an added advantage.
STEPS ON HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER (HOW TO GO ABOUT THEM)
1. Do A Really Good Background Check.
Before you begin writing your cover letter, you should try to do a really good background check on the company you’re sending your application to. Apart from your job description, you can know what a company stands for from your background check.
Go through their websites and check what they’re about, look up their managing director or any high-rank executive and get to know what they post. Check their Twitter feeds, LinkedIn profiles, or any of their relevant social media handles.
You’ll need all the information you can get to know how best to write your cover letter.
2. Bring Your Strong Points.
How you start to write your cover letter matters a lot. You should bring out your strong points and let the organization know that you know what you’re doing.
You can start by letting them know why the job interests you and what your presence in the organization will achieve. Next, you can now list your previous achievements and experiences as you deem fit.
With such a strong tone of voice that exudes confidence, your cover letter is sure to stand out among others.
3. Sell Yourself Enthusiastically.
Be proud of your achievements and state them also. Make your hiring manager(s) believe that you are really the one for the job and that you want it badly. Your tone of writing should be that of enthusiasm, excitement, and appreciation.
Sell yourself enthusiastically when writing your cover letter! A lot of applications get rejected simply because the cover letter lacks enthusiasm and creativity.
4. Don’t Go Overboard.
In a bid to sell yourself successfully, you should not make the mistake of going overboard with flattery or anything you don’t really mean.
Most hiring managers can sense desperation when they see it, and it wouldn’t speak well of you when writing your cover letter.
So, a balance should be created and maintained when writing your cover letter. A general rule to follow is to “put yourself in your manager’s shoes.” Would you accept your application if it were you?
You can get your trusted friend or another fellow to review your letter and see if you’re not overselling yourself unknowingly. It helps to keep you in the safe zone.