How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

A superb cover letter will not only astound your potential employers, it will also distinguish you from other applicants, and even land you your dream job.

Whatsoever you do, never write a substandard cover letter. Do all you can to learn how to write a winning Cover Letter and start receiving several invitations from your potential employers. All that you need to know about writing a good cover letter is encompassed in this article.

What is a Cover letter

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

A cover letter Is simply a one-page document that explains why you are the perfect fit for the role. Wikipedia defined it as a letter of introduction accompanying another document, a C.V.in this case. A cover letter is considered great if it introduces you effectively to the hiring manager, shows why you will make a good fit for the role, and conveys your passion to work at the company.

What should be in your cover letter

  • Contact Information: A basic cover letter must include the employer’s contact details as well as yours. Be very careful not to put a wrong address, it could reduce your chances of being called in for an interview.
  • Salutation: Never make the mistake of writing “To whom it may concern”, neither should you write “dear sir/ma”. No one likes to be addressed as such. Saluting a potential employer in such a barbaric manner makes you look unprofessional, nonchalant and old-fashioned. Instead, find out the name of the appropriate personnel even if you have to do a bit of research. You can find this piece of information via the company website, or LinkedIn. If you do not find it online, place a phone call asking for the name of the hiring manager.
  • The “Intro” Paragraph: Let your introductory paragraph present you as a passionate person. No dulling. It may contain a personal introduction and a brief detail on how you discovered the job opening. Talk about how you have always loved to grow in the company and how your degree, area of expertise, relevant experience and career goals, are in alignment with the goals of the company. for example;

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

  • The Second Paragraph: The second paragraph should respond directly to the description of the role you are applying for. Explain convincingly how your previous experience, abilities and skills, will allow you fit perfectly. You should read the job description thoroughly and lift SOME words from there. Don’t rush this section, it may require a lot of mental work.

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

  • The Third Paragraph: In the third paragraph, describe how you can be a part of the the company’s vision and mission. Explain clearly how you can move the company forward, achieve their goals and help them reach new heights.

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

  • Call-to-Action: This lets the hiring manager know when you will be available to attend an interview. In your CTA, let the employer that you would love to come for an interview. Let them know you will reach out to them if you do not hear from them. Don’t forget to thank them for reading your cover letter, and for the anticipated interview. Be firm but avoid being pushy

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

  • The Sign-off: A cover letter should close using of “Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Best Regards,” plus your name and signature.

Layout and Structure of a Cover Letter

Although content is key, do not downplay the importance of elements such as margins, font style, font size, and alignment while writing your cover letter

Here are a few tips

  1. Use a margin of 1” – 1.5”. this would prevent your work from being too crammed up.
  2. Don’t use a small font size. You do not want to strain the eyes of your potential employer, do you? Size 12 is perfect.
  3. The is not strict rule regarding Font style. it is a matter of choice. But choose a style that is professional like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri
  4. Sustain an even alignment. We recommend keeping all paragraphs Justified.

How Long is the Ideal Cover Letter

The purpose of your cover letter is to sell yourself effectively to a busy hiring manager. A long cover letter could diminish your chances, and a very short cover letter could make you come across as lackadaisical.

So an ideal cover letter should be about 200-300 words with three to four paragraphs, all wrapped up on one page. This is enough to help you introduce yourself, market yourself, and inform the hiring manager of your interest in the role.

Now that you have learnt to write a killer cover letter, here are a some jobs to apply for ASAP

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