How to Write A Cover Letter for Your Dream Job

When applying for a job, a thoughtfully written cover letter can greatly enhance your odds of securing an interview. Your cover letter will likely be the first thing a hiring manager sees when they view your application. As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”, so it’s absolutely vital to get it right.  

At the same time, writing about yourself is challenging and it can be tricky to know where to start. If you are in the process of job hunting and need to refresh your knowledge on how to write a cover letter, then this guide might be the ideal place to start. Read our guide below to discover how to write the perfect cover letter for your dream job.

 

 

What Is A Cover Letter? 

 

Whereas your CV aims to provide accurate and relevant information about your experience and qualifications, a cover letter acts more like a sales pitch. A well-written cover letter will connect the dots between your CV and the job requirements while also showcasing the value you could bring to the role. 

 

Statistics about Cover Letters

 

• 72% of recruiters expect cover letters even if they’re ‘optional’. (Source: ResumeLab)
• 61% of hiring managers consider a customised resume the No. 1 tactic for applicants trying to boost their chance of getting a job. (Source: LiveCareer)
• 53% of employers prefer candidates who submitted a cover letter (Source: FreeCodeCamp)
• 36% of hiring decision-makers read a candidate’s cover letter before they review the resume. (Source: ResumeLab)

 

Why Are Cover Letters Necessary?

 

Unless otherwise stated in the job description – yes. 

 

You should always include a cover letter as part of your application. Yet, 60% of job applicants don’t send a cover letter even if one has been requested. As such, sending a cover letter is one way to ensure that your application isn’t immediately thrown onto the slushpile. 

 

However, you will not need to supply a cover letter if you are working with a recruitment consultant. Rather, they will handle the majority of direct communications with the company on your behalf, thereby greatly cutting down the amount of work required on your side.

 

Benefits of Sending a Cover Letter

 

Providing a cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself and set yourself apart from the competition. You can tailor your application to the role by demonstrating how your experiences, skills and achievements match the requirements. Cover letters also provide an opportunity to add a touch of personality as it gives you a chance to explain your motivations for wanting to join the organisation. 

 

 

Who Do You Address the Cover Letter to? 

 

If there is a name provided in the job description, then you can simply address the cover letter to this person. In most sectors, their first name will be fine. However, if you are applying for a role in a more formal sector (e.g. academia, law) then you may want to stick with Mr/Ms/Dr etc. 

 

If a name hasn’t been provided, then you can try to find the name of the hiring manager on LinkedIn or on the company website. If this search proves fruitless, you can simply address the letter to the department to which you are applying. 

 

You should never start your letter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern,”. Not only are these greetings outdated, but they also indicate that you are using a highly-templated format. 

 

How Long Should it Be?

 

“No weapons are more potent than brevity and simplicity.”

~ Katherine Cecil Thurston, Irish Novelist 

 

As a rule, your cover letter should fit on an A4 page. We recommend writing about three to four short paragraphs (aim for a total of 250 – 300 words). Try to keep your writing style concise and to the point, i.e. use short sentences and clear, simple language. For help on this, you can run your text through the Hemingway Editor. 

 

What to Include in a Cover Letter 

 

• Your name
• The role you’re applying for and its reference number 
• How you first heard about the job
• Showcase your most relevant qualifications, skills and work experience 
• Why you want to work at the organisation 
• Your contact details & availability 
• The value you would bring to the role 

 

What Not to Include in a Cover Letter

 

• Personal information about yourself or your family
• Salary (unless the company asks for your salary requirements)
• Questions about the job, the salary, working hours, or benefits (you can ask about these at a later stage) 
• Images of yourself

 

Cover Letter Breakdown

 

The Start 

In the opening paragraph, you will need to introduce yourself and explain the reason you are getting in touch. You should also mention how you heard about the job in the first place. 

 

The Body

This section will provide your sales pitch. Show that you are a strong technical match for the role by highlighting your most relevant skills, qualifications, experience and interests. Refer to the job description for ideas on what to include. 

 

This is also a good place to showcase any relevant achievements. If possible, provide concrete, data-driven examples of success. If you can’t quantify your successes, perhaps you could quote some positive feedback you received instead. 

 

You will also want to show that you are a good cultural fit. You can achieve this by explaining why the role and/or organisation appeals to you. For ideas on what to write, read up on the organisation’s values. You can also incorporate news stories about the organisation. 

 

This section should be no more than two paragraphs. 

 

The Conclusion 

Your concluding paragraph should indicate your readiness to move onto the next stages of the process. Show your willingness to answer more questions or provide additional materials. Provide your contact details and mention your availability for interviewing. Pre-empt a positive response by saying something along the lines of “I look forward to hearing from you.” Finish off with an appropriate sign-off such as: 

• Warm Regards
• All the best
• Sincerely 

Tips for Writing Cover Emails

 

These days, it is far more likely that you will be emailing your cover letter rather than sending a hard copy. When sending an email cover letter, there are a few extra things that you will need to remember. 

 

First, you will need to decide whether you will be putting the cover letter in the body of the email or sending it as an attachment. If you choose to send it as an attachment, you will need to include a brief introductory note in the email body. You should also make sure that the cover letter file cannot be edited by the receiver (e.g. PDF, Read-Only Word file). 

 

While you may be used to informal communication online, the tone of the email will need to be professional. Make sure that you are using a professional email address and avoid the use of emojis and text speak. 

 

Write a subject line that clearly conveys the contents of your mail. Here are three possible options: 

1. Cover Letter – Job Title – Your Name
2. Cover Letter: Your Name for Job Title
3. Your Name Cover Letter: Job Title

 

10 Do’s & Don’ts of Writing Cover Letters

 

1. Do proofread your cover letter to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
2. Don’t use a template.  Less than 5% of the applications hiring managers receive are tailored specifically to the job opening. 
3. Do double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name. 
4. Don’t use clichés and buzz words. 
5. Do focus on the value you can bring to the role. 
6. Don’t simply repeat what’s on your CV. 
7. Do match the tone of the job description. 
8. Don’t be dishonest. 
9. Do research the organisation before putting pen to paper. 
10. Don’t use an unprofessional-sounding email address. 

 

 How To Write A Cover Letter For Your Dream Job: Consultant Tips