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When hunting for our next role, we mainly focus on crafting a top-notch resume.
But do you know what often gets overlooked in the job application process? The cover letter! Yep, that often-neglected document can be your secret weapon in scoring an interview for the job you've been dreaming of.
In this blog, we're going to dive into the world of cover letters to explore:
The need to submit a cover letter
Structure of a good cover letter
How to make them ATS-friendly
Tips to write your cover letter in 10 minutes!
So, let's get started!
Why submit a cover letter?
We've been told that 70% of the recruiters and hiring managers don't even read our cover letters. So, why bother with a cover letter at all?
Well, here's a fun fact: According to a 2023 survey by ResumeLab, 83% of recruiters and hiring managers say that cover letters are essential in hiring decisions.
It's your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain why you're the perfect fit for the job, and show your communication skills.
Here are a few more reasons why submitting a cover letter is necessary:
Personal connection: It gives you a chance to connect with the hiring manager on a personal level beyond the facts and figures in your resume.
Tailored pitch: You can tailor your pitch for each job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Address concerns: If your resume has gaps or unusual aspects, a cover letter lets you address them upfront.
Structuring your cover letter
Now that we've established the importance of a cover letter, let's break down its basic structure, which includes:
Header section
Salutation
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Signing off
Header section
The header section of your cover letter is where you provide your contact information. Here's what to include:
Your full name
Email address, phone number, and LinkedIn ID
Portfolio (if you have one)
Salutation
You can use any of the two greetings:
Specific Name: "Hi <First Name>"
General Salutation: "To the hiring team."
Introduction
The introduction is your chance to share your interest in the role and showcase why you're the right fit. Start by introducing yourself, years of experience in particular industries, and your enthusiasm to join the team. It's essential to keep this section brief.
Here's an example:
"I am writing to apply for the <Position> at <Company>, as advertised on <Source>. As a passionate <Your Profession> with [X years of experience] in <Industries>, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to your dynamic team."
Body
The body of your cover letter is where you showcase your enthusiasm for the role/company/industry and provide evidence of why you're a strong candidate. Use this section to expand on your qualifications, top three to five skills, and experience that make you suitable for the position.
While writing about your skills, choose your strengths and those emphasized in the job description. You should provide key achievements as examples for each skill. This is an opportunity to show what sets you apart from other candidates. Mention specific achievements, projects, or experiences that align with the job requirements. Use bullet points for clarity and readability.
Template for opening the body section:
<Company Name> has been of interest to me since embarking on its <Insert Key Achievement> approach in <Industry>. I was also impressed with the profile of your <Role and Person's Name>, whom I read about in the <Article name> a couple of months back.
I'm confident that I am an excellent match for the role of <insert role name>, and here are some examples of my skills, experience, and attributes to help <insert company name> reach your goals:
Here's a sample for highlighting your skills:
"<Key Skill 1> at <Company Name>: Implemented <mention the responsibility> by <mention how you did it> and successfully <mention an achievement, e.g., 'increased engagement on social media by 25% in the first quarter'>."
Conclusion
Reiterate your interest in the company and thank the employer for considering your application.
Here's a template for the conclusion:
"I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join <Company>and contribute to its continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview."
Signing Off
Close your cover letter with a polite and professional sign-off. Use phrases like: Sincerely, Best Regards, followed by your typed name.
Preparing an ATS-friendly cover letter
Did you know many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen job applications? These systems scan your documents for keywords and phrases before reaching a human's eyes!
To ensure your cover letter passes this digital gatekeeper, follow these tips:
Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job posting into your cover letter naturally, increasing your chances of passing the ATS.
Keep formatting simple:
Avoid fancy fonts, graphics, or unusual formatting that may confuse the ATS.
Stick to a clean and straightforward layout.
Instead of lengthy paragraphs, list key achievements or skills with bullet points, making it easier to scan.
Save as a PDF: To preserve your formatting, save your cover letter as a PDF, ensuring it looks the same to the ATS as it does to you.
Note: When I was hunting for new roles, I submitted customized cover letters for 30 companies and got 12 interviews out of that. Also, I didn’t submit cover letters for many job applications, and in most cases, I got rejected. I’m not saying a cover letter will definitely get you an interview, but it does help your application pass through the ATS to the recruiter.
Write your cover letter in 10 minutes
Feeling the pressure of a tight deadline? Here's a little secret: Use ChatGPT or Google BARD!
You can write a decent cover letter in just five minutes if you follow these steps:
Sign in to your ChatGPT or BARD account
Ask it to write a cover letter for a particular role based on the job description for the role
Copy-paste the job description with the question
Once you've got the result, regenerate it for four more times. If you're not satisfied with the results, rephrase the question.
Now, you've got five drafts of your cover letter. Mix, match, edit, and proofread!
Use resume and cover letter checking tools like Jobscan to get the match rate.
And there you have it – a cover letter ready to go in no time!
Caution: ChatGPT, BARD, and other AI tools don't give accurate results as expected, so it's your duty to proofread, fact-check using other sources, and edit the content as required.
So, there you have it, folks – your ticket to stand out in the job market with a little effort and creativity. Remember, the key to writing good cover letters is to keep it personal, highlight your strengths, and tailor it to the job you're applying for. Happy job hunting!
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