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What are your recommendations to have in a cover letter?
What information should be included, how long should it be, and what is the main goal? #resume #cover-letters
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5 answers
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Kiyoshi’s Answer
Hi Sabine,
The main goal of your cover letter is to expand on your resume and articulate why you are a good fit for the role that you are applying for.
It should be less than one page in length. Your opening paragraph or sentence should explain why you are interested in the role. The body of you cover letter should articulate why you are a good fit for the role. Your closing should always end with a thank you and closing statement reminding them why you are an outstanding candidate.
When thinking about what you should include in the body your cover letter ask yourself these two questions:
- What skills and abilities are needed for this job?
- What skills and abilities do I have that fill these needs?
After you have thought about these questions, it is time to start putting them down on paper in the form of your cover letter. You have identified several abilities/skills needed for the job and matched them with the skills/abilities that you possess to fill these needs. Take the the top two or three of these skills/abilities and write a short paragraph stating what their (the company's) need is and how your experiences and abilities helps to fill that need. When writing about your experience leverage the real life examples that you have included on your resume including previous work experiences, volunteer work, school work, and community activities to articulate your skills.
Close your cover letter with one final sentence with why they bring you in for and interview. Don't forget to always thank the recruiter and hiring manager for the time they have taken to review your cover letter and resume.
Hope this helps!
The main goal of your cover letter is to expand on your resume and articulate why you are a good fit for the role that you are applying for.
It should be less than one page in length. Your opening paragraph or sentence should explain why you are interested in the role. The body of you cover letter should articulate why you are a good fit for the role. Your closing should always end with a thank you and closing statement reminding them why you are an outstanding candidate.
When thinking about what you should include in the body your cover letter ask yourself these two questions:
- What skills and abilities are needed for this job?
- What skills and abilities do I have that fill these needs?
After you have thought about these questions, it is time to start putting them down on paper in the form of your cover letter. You have identified several abilities/skills needed for the job and matched them with the skills/abilities that you possess to fill these needs. Take the the top two or three of these skills/abilities and write a short paragraph stating what their (the company's) need is and how your experiences and abilities helps to fill that need. When writing about your experience leverage the real life examples that you have included on your resume including previous work experiences, volunteer work, school work, and community activities to articulate your skills.
Close your cover letter with one final sentence with why they bring you in for and interview. Don't forget to always thank the recruiter and hiring manager for the time they have taken to review your cover letter and resume.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Honestly, cover letters aren't usually necessary. It's main goal is to summarize why you want the job and why the company should want to hire you. It's best to keep these short and to the point. Try to keep these at four to five sentences at most.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Sabine, the scope of the cover letter is to tell to the employer why he should pick you, why you are the best option for them.
The cover letter should not have more than 5 phrases and it should be personalized for each position. It's normal, because each position has its own particularities.
Think that at least another 100 people like you will apply to that job and you need to stand up.
In the first phrase you may add some information about yourself and your academic background.
You should include also your strenghts and the most important achievements in exact figures (ex. I have increased the sales by 20% in three months I have reduced the back log by 30% in 2 months and so on, etc).
Hope this helps you and wish you best of luck !
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sabine!
Recommendations for a Cover Letter
Creating an effective cover letter is crucial in the job application process. It serves as your introduction to potential employers and should complement your resume by providing additional context about your qualifications, experiences, and motivations. Below are detailed recommendations on what to include in a cover letter, its ideal length, and its main goal.
1. Structure of the Cover Letter
A well-structured cover letter typically includes the following sections:
Header: Include your name, address, phone number, email, and the date at the top of the letter. If you are sending it via email, you can skip the address but still include your contact information.
Salutation: Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”). If you cannot find a name, use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Committee.”
Introduction: Start with a strong opening statement that captures attention. Mention the position you are applying for and how you found out about it. You might also include a brief sentence about why you are excited about this opportunity.
Body Paragraphs: This section should consist of one to three paragraphs where you elaborate on your qualifications:
First Paragraph: Highlight relevant skills or experiences that align with the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Second Paragraph (optional): Discuss additional skills or experiences that further support your candidacy. This could include achievements from previous roles or unique qualifications that set you apart.
Third Paragraph (optional): Convey your understanding of the company’s mission or values and explain why you want to work there specifically.
Conclusion: Summarize your interest in the position and express enthusiasm about discussing your application further. Include a call to action, such as requesting an interview.
Closing: Use a professional closing statement such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
2. Length of the Cover Letter
The ideal length for a cover letter is typically one page—around 250 to 400 words. This allows enough space to convey important information without overwhelming the reader. Aim for concise sentences and clear language to maintain engagement.
3. Main Goal of the Cover Letter
The primary goal of a cover letter is to persuade hiring managers that you are an excellent fit for their organization and that they should consider you for an interview. It should showcase not only your qualifications but also your personality and enthusiasm for the role and company culture.
By effectively communicating how your skills align with their needs and demonstrating genuine interest in their organization, you increase your chances of making a positive impression.
In summary, ensure that each component of your cover letter serves its purpose: introducing yourself professionally, highlighting relevant experiences, expressing enthusiasm for both the role and company, and encouraging further communication through an interview request.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Balance Careers
Harvard Business Review
Indeed Career Guide
God Bless You!
JC.
Recommendations for a Cover Letter
Creating an effective cover letter is crucial in the job application process. It serves as your introduction to potential employers and should complement your resume by providing additional context about your qualifications, experiences, and motivations. Below are detailed recommendations on what to include in a cover letter, its ideal length, and its main goal.
1. Structure of the Cover Letter
A well-structured cover letter typically includes the following sections:
Header: Include your name, address, phone number, email, and the date at the top of the letter. If you are sending it via email, you can skip the address but still include your contact information.
Salutation: Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”). If you cannot find a name, use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Committee.”
Introduction: Start with a strong opening statement that captures attention. Mention the position you are applying for and how you found out about it. You might also include a brief sentence about why you are excited about this opportunity.
Body Paragraphs: This section should consist of one to three paragraphs where you elaborate on your qualifications:
First Paragraph: Highlight relevant skills or experiences that align with the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Second Paragraph (optional): Discuss additional skills or experiences that further support your candidacy. This could include achievements from previous roles or unique qualifications that set you apart.
Third Paragraph (optional): Convey your understanding of the company’s mission or values and explain why you want to work there specifically.
Conclusion: Summarize your interest in the position and express enthusiasm about discussing your application further. Include a call to action, such as requesting an interview.
Closing: Use a professional closing statement such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
2. Length of the Cover Letter
The ideal length for a cover letter is typically one page—around 250 to 400 words. This allows enough space to convey important information without overwhelming the reader. Aim for concise sentences and clear language to maintain engagement.
3. Main Goal of the Cover Letter
The primary goal of a cover letter is to persuade hiring managers that you are an excellent fit for their organization and that they should consider you for an interview. It should showcase not only your qualifications but also your personality and enthusiasm for the role and company culture.
By effectively communicating how your skills align with their needs and demonstrating genuine interest in their organization, you increase your chances of making a positive impression.
In summary, ensure that each component of your cover letter serves its purpose: introducing yourself professionally, highlighting relevant experiences, expressing enthusiasm for both the role and company, and encouraging further communication through an interview request.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Balance Careers
Harvard Business Review
Indeed Career Guide
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
What you SHOULD include: (make sure everything is a high level summary - you can share more detail in your resume, or during the interview)
your experience that is relevant to the role you are applying for.
Names/high level projects that you have worked on in that area.
Make it role specific - pull buzz words from the job description of the role in which you are applying.
Accomplishments - use quantitative data to show your impact (if applicable)
What NOT to include:
Personal information (SSN, hobbies, etc.)
Not too many soft skills
your experience that is relevant to the role you are applying for.
Names/high level projects that you have worked on in that area.
Make it role specific - pull buzz words from the job description of the role in which you are applying.
Accomplishments - use quantitative data to show your impact (if applicable)
What NOT to include:
Personal information (SSN, hobbies, etc.)
Not too many soft skills