Crafting a memorable cover letter: Advice from leading recruiters
- vsavastin
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
In the previous article discussing the importance of cover letters, we outlined the reasons for including them with your resume. Now, we move on to the next chapter on this crucial subject: creating the cover letter itself. We will provide you with key details on the optimal structure, the essential information to include, and how to present yourself most effectively.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter should be a concise document, no more than half a page, accompanying your detailed resume during the application process. It is directed to the hiring party, expressing your interest in the position, your understanding of it, and how your qualifications align with the selection criteria. A thoughtfully crafted cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates in the evaluator's view, potentially leading to your selection for the role from the entire candidate pool.
Quick fact: What’s the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?
You may wonder if a cover letter is identical to a motivation letter. A cover letter is typically required when applying for a position within a company or project, whereas a motivation letter is generally used when seeking admission to a university, student program, or voluntary work with a non-profit organization. The focus of each letter also differs. A cover letter highlights examples of how your past professional experience and qualifications align with the job opening. In contrast, a motivation letter emphasizes your personality, interests, and reasons for applying.
The best structure for a cover letter
A compelling cover letter should be limited to half a page and include personal information at the top, such as your name, address, and contact details (email and phone number). Begin with an engaging opening paragraph and use the closing paragraph to express your hopes for a positive result. The middle paragraphs, typically two or three, should highlight your significant achievements and experience relevant to the job you are applying for, focusing on education, professional experience, and both managerial and soft skills.
How to write a cover letter – steps to follow
Appropriately address the hiring party – if the name of the person responsible for recruitment is not mentioned in the advert, feel free to use one of the standardized salutations such as “Dear Hiring Manager”, “Dear Sir or Madam”, or “To Whom It May Concern”.
Specify the position – you should mention the role that you are applying for between the salutation and the first paragraph.
State why you want to join the company – this is the perfect moment to share in what way this position aligns with your professional aspirations!
Tailor the document to the role description – you can use some job-specific keywords for this. Nonetheless, do not do this as well as rewriting your resume as this might be very time-consuming!
According to research by ResumeGo, 81% of hiring managers give preference to a tailored Cover Letter instead of a generic one.
Tailor the content wisely – try to avoid using the same wording as was used in the advert but be as close as possible to show that you’re a good fit.
Spotlight your achievements – make sure you list any great results or quantifiable achievements whenever possible, especially if they are relevant to the domain of activity of the company.
Professional formatting – you might like to consider sizes 11-12 of a classic font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and a justified text setting.
Polite and motivational close – show your openness for the provision of any additional detail, and emphasize your keenness for a future interview.
Proofread the document before sending it – even the most brilliant application risks being rejected if there are grammatical errors!
A thoughtfully written cover letter allows you to convey to the reader that you possess the essential qualities desired for the position, which is why it is vital to put effort into creating your own.