A cover letter typically refers to the email body content when sending your resume, or the self-introduction you need to fill out when applying for a job via job platforms. Therefore, the cover letter determines whether your resume will be opened by the HR team!
So, how do you write a good cover letter? This article will introduce the importance of the cover letter, the logic and structure for writing it, and provide selected cover letter templates and examples to help job seekers write an eye-catching job application letter!
Content:
- Why write a cover letter? Does it help with job hunting?
- The 3 Key Points of Writing a Cover Letter
- Full Cover Letter Example:
Why Write a Cover Letter? Does It Help with Job Hunting?
A cover letter is the first impression others have of you. Writing a cover letter also tests your ability to convey a strong application motivation in a concise and succinct way, and to use the keywords required for the position to prove that you are the talent the company needs. In summary, a good cover letter can achieve the following:
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Convince the company that you fit the job requirements
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Help you clarify your application motivation, boosting your confidence in the subsequent interview
Here is the English translation of the passage:
The 3 Key Points of Writing a Cover Letter
In summary, a cover letter is essentially like an opening remark when initially contacting a company. Conciseness and precision are the two key points of a cover letter. We will divide the cover letter template into three key sections:
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Opening: Write with warmth and establish a great first impression
Here you can write about the applicant's personal background and motivation:
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Who are you?
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How did you learn about the company/job opening?
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Why are you applying to this company?
The most important part of the cover letter opening is to let the company know who you are. Briefly introduce your educational background, industry experience, and explain where you learned about the company and job opening. If you were referred by a friend or colleague, you can also briefly mention that to build more warmth and increase the company's interest in you!
Next, explain your application motivation - what attracted you to apply? It could be the company culture, your experience with the company's products or services, or sharing from the founders or senior executives that has piqued your interest to learn more and contribute your value to the company. You can share these details in the opening to give the company and you a pleasant start!
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Main content: Highlight your strengths and demonstrate your fit for the role
The main content of the cover letter is the key part of the whole letter. Concisely write down the traits and abilities that the company values the most!
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What is the job description (JD)? How do your experiences relate to it?
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What qualities and skills do you have that precisely match what the company requires?
Here, you don't need to list all the experiences and abilities from your resume. Instead, focus on connecting the company's and the job's most emphasized requirements with your own experiences or qualities, and list them out so the company can immediately see the keywords and determine that you are their "soulmate"!
For example, if the job requires social media marketing skills, you can quantify your relevant achievements in the main content of the cover letter, such as "during my studies, I took an e-commerce practicum course and managed a fan page, achieving XXX fans and a 20% growth in revenue within two weeks."
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Conclusion: Leave contact information and express gratitude to build rapport
Finally, you should summarize the above points and express that you are the perfect candidate for the company.
Don't forget to attach your resume as well as your contact information to make it easier for them to reach you. Also remember to thank the reader for their time, and express your anticipation for their reply, giving them the space; let them know that you are a thoughtful person.
Full Cover Letter Example:
Writing a good cover letter requires attention to many details. Job seekers can use the three key points mentioned above to create a cover letter template for themselves, and customize the content based on the specific company and job description (JD).
Remember that the cover letter does not need to be too lengthy. Its purpose is to pique the company's interest in you, so that they will open your resume - that is the definition of a successful cover letter!
Below, we have integrated the content from the previous cover letter template examples to provide a complete cover letter sample for your reference:
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is [Your Name], and I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I learned about this opportunity through [source, e.g. your friend, the company website, a job board, etc.], and I am particularly drawn to [reasons why you are interested in the company and role, e.g. the company's mission, products/services, culture, etc.].
With my background as a [your relevant experience or qualifications], I believe I am an excellent fit for this role. Specifically:
[Highlight 1-2 key requirements from the job description and explain how your experiences/skills directly match them]
I am confident that my skills and passion for [relevant industry/function] will allow me to excel in this position and contribute significantly to the [Company Name] team.
Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can be an asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me at [your contact information, e.g. phone number, email address]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
