Writing a Cover Letter for a Job Application – That Works!

What is a job application cover letter?
The cover letter is attached to the first page of the resume in order to introduce yourself and your interest in the said job.
No resume is completed if no cover letter accompanies it.

Why it is important to write a good cover letter when applying for a job?

Be the hiring manager for a moment, and think about skimming over lots of job applications. Which resumes would you read? Would you read the ones with cover letters or resumes with no cover letters?
Most likely, you read resumes with cover letters that ‘convince’ you to go on and read the resume.
This is why having a well written cover letter is so important.

But first, be sure that your resume is 100% complete before you start writing the cover letter for any job application. Needless to say, your resume should demonstrate how you suit the jobs you’re applying for.
For the resume writing task, please refer to the index page – Resume Writing Examples| Resume Writing Tips.

Cover Letters for Job Applications – Where to start

While you look for a job, you probably will find some interesting job openings. Write down the following details:

1. Job position.
2. Job description and main job requirements.
3. Company name, location and some details about the hiring department etc.
4. Your main/key competencies for that specific position – why are you a good match?

Then, do some basic research to verify some essential info about the company and the job.

You should be ready to apply for the job after having completed the 4 aforementioned steps..

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application that works

The cover letter may include (some or all) of the following details and actually ‘speaks to’ the recruiter.

Here is the structure/template:
Introduction –

• Your details
• The job details: Job title and number + where you saw the job opening.

Body –

• Who you are and why you want the job –   What type of professional you are. How do you match the job requirement?
• Tell the employer about your work status – What you are doing now etc.
• You may include information about – Why you want to switch jobs and apply for the said job. You can also mention your key skills.
• Be yourself – As opposed to the resume, in the cover letter you can add your personal touch. It is the best opportunity for you to express your personality. Therefore, tell the reader why you are interested in this particular job and why you like to join the company in question.
• Ending: Final statement – A statement that will motivate the reader to read the resume.

Keep in mind that your objective when writing the cover letter is to get the employer to read your resume, appealing to him selects YOU for the job interviewing stage.

Further reading: how to write a cover letter for a resume.
The article discusses in detail the approach you may take for different types of job applications & cover letters.

Writing a cover letter for a job application – Samples

To select the proper template when writing your cover letter, refer to:

1. Resume cover letter samples – The article provides sample cover letters for a job application. It gives you 3 templates you can customize to write your own cover letters when submitting job applications.

2. Cover letter for job application submitted by email – Email Cover Letter Samples for Job Applications.

3. Cover letter for career changers applying for a new job – Career Change Cover Letter Samples.

4. Some recruiters require/instruct you to include your salary requirements in the cover letter. Obviously, unless it is required by the employer, you shouldn’t provide these details so early in the game. Read more on how to tactfully handle this issue – Cover letter with Salary Expectations.