How to Write a Cover Letter

So you’re applying for a job: you’ve spent countless hours scouring the job databases and listservs, polished your CV or resume…now to tackle the cover letter. Even if the application says a cover letter is optional, it’s really not. When you don’t send a cover letter, that implies a degree of carelessness at best, laziness at worst. A cover letter is the first impression you will give to a potential employer. It gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself, your reason for writing, and highlight your most pertinent qualifications and skills for the job. It will also provide them with an idea of how well you can communicate, especially in a professional way.

Cover letters should vary, depending on the field and position, so you shouldn’t have the same stock cover letter for every job to which you apply. Thesis Editor can help you polish and tailor your cover letter to ensure that you make the best impression possible!

Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your cover letter:

1. Brevity counts. Limit your cover letter to one page. Really.


2. Don’t just repeat what’s on your CV or resume. Use this as an opportunity to tell them some things and highlight relevant skills that aren’t on your CV, along with connecting the dots and letting them know why you’re the perfect match for the position.


3. Draw attention to your strengths and skills, not deficiencies or gaps in your experience.


4. Show them that you’ve done your homework on the company: use the hiring manager’s name, include specific details about why you want to work there.


5. Incorporate keywords from the job description in your explanation of your strengths.


6. Be specific. Don’t just say you like working as part of a team or you have experience managing large projects. Mention specific things you’ve done, like leading several campaigns as head of the marketing team; or how you’ve mentored new members of your staff.


7. Dive in. Don’t waste sentences and space introducing yourself by name – they can read your CV and know your name. Same with listing your education and spending a lot of time on where you went to school. Be succinct with that; all of that information is already listed for them.


8. End the letter with a “call to action.” Don’t tell them you’ll call them to follow up, but let them know you’d be happy to speak with them further, if need be, and you’re looking forward to hearing from them.

Here at Thesis Editor, we don’t ONLY work with dissertations and theses. Did you know we can also assist you with your CV/resume and your cover letter? We have worked with hundreds of clients to help them land their dream jobs – let us help you! Contact us today to learn more.

 

  < Self-Care During COVID-19 EndNote: An Introduction >