Creating a Strong Cover Letter for your Resume

Creating a Strong Cover Letter for your Resume

A critical part of the job application process for every applicant is his/her ability to provide a well-written cover letter. This document serves as an introduction to one’s intention to apply and the corresponding demonstration of skills and capabilities. Familiarizing with the mechanics of a cover letter and its parts increases the potential of employers getting interested. Here are the areas to consider:

Salutation

The salutation or opening involves the candidate writing the name of the contact person the letter is addressed to. A strong cover letter has a named recipient alongside his/her position in the company. Writing this information creates the impression that the candidate made an effort to research about the company and the specific contact person.

Opening Paragraph

The next part of the cover letter is the opening section, where the candidate offers an introduction to the recipient.  This section, which should be concise and straightforward, points out the reason/s for writing the cover letter and a brief statement why the applicant is a viable candidate for the position. General core competencies can also be included in this section.

Second Paragraph

After writing the opening section, the next part should cover the candidate’s competencies that were discussed briefly in the first paragraph. This is often considered ‘the hook’ section because it tries to back up the assertions made in the introduction. Here, the candidate must try to highlight specific experiences that emphasize skills and capabilities. Note that the information presented in this part should also be related to the candidate’s resume. Another suggestion is to provide accomplishments to justify the ability to perform functions successfully.

Third Paragraph

The third paragraph of the cover letter should indicate important insights as to what motivated the candidate to pursue the organization/company. Here, the aspirant should try to research the company and position he/she is applying for. Having this section allows the candidate to showcase considerable effort to understand the organization’s goals. The section also creates an opportunity for the candidate to align career goals with the company’s interests.

Closing Paragraph

The last paragraph provides a brief summary of all the information written in previous sections of the cover letter. This is also the section where one can try to suggest a schedule for interview or call to follow up. A good tip to consider is that when trying to pursue the approach of calling the contact person for follow-up, the time and date should also be included.

These are the fundamental components of a strong cover letter. Candidates should pattern their letter based on these features in order to communicate effectively with their recipient. Of course, it is also essential to create drafts and proofread one’s work because cover letters, like resumes, would only be effective if done properly. Cover letters can also create a good first impression to employers, which can help applicants secure the vacant position.