What’s the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

Since the resumes created today need to conform to applicant tracking system (ATS) software, they tend to be stiff and filled with bullet points. While this format works well for the ATS software, this layout makes it difficult for job seekers to include personal expressions and critical context. The cover letter closes this gap.

In a cover letter, you can reveal significant aspects of your skill set (e.g., collaboration skills) and character (e.g., creativity) that the resume cannot.

What's the Best Format for a Cover Letter?

Whenever you’re applying for a job, your cover letter needs to look professional. Therefore, besides perfect grammar and accurate spelling, the way you format your letter makes a difference.

Page setup:

1. Use a professional font (e.g., Georgia or Calibri).
2. Set your font size to 10 or 12 pt.
3. Set your side margins to 1 inch.
4. Your top and bottom margins should also be 1 inch.

Best cover letter outline:

1. Place your name and contact information at the top.
2. Add the name of the hiring manager and the company contact details.
3. Open with "Dear [hiring manager's name]" (add a comma).
4. Now, create three or four short paragraphs. You should also include a bulleted list in this area.
5. End your letter with a courteous sign-off (e.g., Cordially or Sincerely) followed by a comma.
6. Type your first and last name.

See some real-world examples here.

What if You Don’t Know Who To Address Your Cover Letter To?

When you don’t know who will receive your cover letter, you’ll need to use a more generic name.

Potential names:

• Hiring Manager
• Recruiter

Avoid using "To Whom It May Concern" because this term is impersonal.

6 Tips for Creating Your Cover Letter

1. Start With the Job Posting

Focus on the section that describes what you’ll be doing.

Highlight the first three tasks on the list. These are their main pain points. Now, determine if any of your experiences or skills coincide with these pain points.

2. How Does Your Skill Set and Experience Align With the Job?

Hiring managers probably won’t take the time to make the connections between the job they have available and your skill set. Therefore, you need to make these connections in your cover letter.

You’ll need to spell out how your experience, knowledge, and skill set can translate into the duties associated with the job you’re applying for.

Be brief:

• Since your cover letter is a single page, every word needs to count.
• Match the company's tone and culture.
• Visit the company website and LinkedIn page. You can also visit the company's career page to view their other job posts.
• After reviewing these sites, you should be able to determine the tone and culture of the company.

3. Show the Interviewer You’re Looking for More Than a Paycheck

A hiring manager wants to know that you aren’t just looking for a paycheck. For this reason, you need to find a way to show that you care about the company.

Refrain from using generic information. Instead, briefly mention something interesting you found during your research and connect it to your skill set or experiences.

4. Create a Strong Opening

Try to open using a sentence that your potential employer will remember. This first sentence should be catchy, and it must express that you’re passionate about the position you’re targeting.

5. If Possible, Quantify Your Achievements

You can include some examples of your achievements in your cover letter. Try to back them up with data showing that you’re ideal for the position you’re applying for.

6. Tailor Your Cover Letters

Take the time to tailor your letters for the companies you’re applying to and the roles you’re targeting.

Mention positive personal experiences:

• If you’ve had a positive experience with the company, feel free to include this information in your cover letter.
• Creating Your Final Paragraph
• Create a strong and enthusiastic conclusion for your letter.
• Remember to thank the hiring manager and request to schedule an interview.

AI-Generated Cover Letters

You can use an AI-generated cover letter. However, remember to review it before you send it off to the employer.

AI generators can be helpful with creating content. However, AI-generated content does have characteristics that make it clear you used a generator to create your cover letter.

What to watch out for:

• ‘AI-speak’ (i.e., repetitive language).
• Inconsistencies in style and formatting.
• Generic information that lacks specific details.
• Information that is false or overstated.

Whether you choose to create an AI-generated cover letter or write one from scratch, now you'll be able to create a compelling cover letter. In addition, by following these tips, you won’t waste your time or the hiring manager's time.