The job application process is unavoidable in our lives. Everyone has to apply for a new position sooner or later. And whatever application it is, it should contain one essential element – an application letter. Also known as a cover letter, it is a written piece that describes your interest in a position and outlines the list of skills that will come in handy for the company once the employer hires you.
Like any official and formal piece, an application letter must follow a set of rules, meaning it must be accurate and straight to the point. Importantly, it must be written in a formal language, excluding contractions, slang and other inappropriate expressions. However, using the right language isn’t enough to compose a top-notch application letter. In coordination with the application writing service, we have put together several practical tips to write an impeccable and compelling cover letter.
Open correctly
Usually, letters intend to be read by a recipient. And in your case, your receiver is a company or its department, HR manager or manager. So, it is critical to kick off your writing with a proper salutation to establish courtesy. To open the letter correctly, check the employer’s website and its contact information. If you can find out who your receiver is, along with their name and surname, you might start the letter with Dear Mr. or Ms. Otherwise, stay neutral and choose one of the following openings:
- To whom it may concern
- Dear Sir or Madam
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear [Firm Name] HR Manager/Recruiter
Highlight relevant skills
It is necessary to admit that every application requires a unique cover letter. If you are sending several job applications, keep in mind that you’ll have to work on every application letter from scratch. The reason is simple: every company requires a different experience pertinent to the position. While one firm can require having solid skills in, let’s say, using Google Analytics, another company can ignore it completely.
Therefore, a good rule of thumb is to learn the application and its requirements and research before delving into a job application letter. That’ll let you determine which abilities the company expects its applicants to have. And once you know that, you can put them in the right order so that the HR department doesn’t question your competence.
Undoubtedly, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a secondary list of skills. On the contrary, you are encouraged to do that. However, make sure they are worth mentioning and might be of use, i.e., they are related to the position at least peripherally.
Explain the position’s importance
Needless to say that many people look for a new job because they aren’t satisfied with the paycheck they get in their current or previous position. And that’s fine; many recruiters realise it. But it can’t be the one reason for you to seek a new job. There must be something else. For example, you might apply for a specific position because you have dreamed about working with your friends. Or you have heard that the company treats its employees well and lets them develop, which is what you desire to do. Whatever your reason is, include it in the letter.
Sell your application
Given the fierce competition in every field, a cover letter is your chance to make the recruiters say, “That’s the one candidacy we’ve been looking for!” A cover letter is your opportunity to point out your skillset, so don’t shy away from jumping at it! If you have some experience working in the field – add it. Explain your duties and how effective you were. Make sure to be as descriptive as possible because if you don’t do that, someone else will.
Among other things, include your advantages over others and explain why your expertise is the one the company needs. Remember to back up your words and provide solid examples. Otherwise, the letter will end up a nothing-burger.
Close properly
It is impolite to leave the letter unclosed, for it may leave the recruiter under a negative impression of you, showing that you haven’t paid enough attention when composing the piece. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. A simple Sincerely along with your handwritten or typed name–depends on whether the letter is printed or email–will suffice.
