Hiring managers usually get hundreds, if not thousands of applications for job openings. So how can you make your resume stand out from the masses? A compelling cover letter can make all the difference.
In fact, in a recent survey, 83% of respondents indicated that cover letters play a significant role in hiring decisions.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to create a cover letter that gets attention and can land you a job.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that is sent alongside your resume when applying for a job. It provides an introduction to who you are, highlights your relevant skills and experiences, and explains why you are the best candidate for the position.
Why is a cover letter important?
Before we discuss how to create a cover letter, it’s important to understand why a cover letter is so important.
A well-written cover letter can make all the difference in landing a job interview. It allows you to showcase your personality, passion for the role, and specific qualifications that may not be evident on your resume.
Employers often use cover letters to determine if a candidate is genuinely interested in the position and has taken the time to research the company. Anyone can submit a resume without doing much research on the company. A thoughtful cover letter demonstrates that you’ve set aside time to understand both the job itself and the company behind the job.
A strong cover letter also helps set you apart from other candidates by adding a personal touch to your application. It gives you the opportunity to tell your story in your own words, explaining how your career goals align with the company’s mission and values.
Additionally, it shows employers that you’re proactive and detail-oriented, qualities that are highly valued in any role. It demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s needs and are genuinely enthusiastic about contributing to their success.
Whether highlighting specific achievements or addressing potential gaps in your resume, a cover letter allows you to control the narrative and present yourself as the ideal candidate.
Key elements of a strong cover letter
When it comes to how to create a cover letter, there are a number of key elements that should be included.
Professional formatting
Your cover letter should be clean, neat, and professionally formatted. Don’t use any odd fonts or anything that would distract the employer from the contents of the letter itself. Stick to a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial and make sure the text is justified to the left. Use a professional-looking email address, preferably one that includes your full name.
Personalized greeting
Addressing your cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” can give off a generic and impersonal vibe. If possible, take the time to find out who will be reading your cover letter and address them by their name. This shows that you’ve researched the company and are genuinely interested in the position.
Introduction and attention-grabbing opening
In your introduction, mention which role you’re applying for and why you are interested in the company. Use this opportunity to grab the reader’s attention by highlighting a specific achievement or experience that relates to the job.
If you have a mutual contact who referred you to the job opening, make sure to mention that in this section as well.
Relevant skills and experiences
Your cover letter should expand upon your resume, not simply repeat it. Highlight specific skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the position. Provide concrete examples and results to demonstrate how you have successfully utilized these skills in previous roles.
For example, if the job requires strong communication skills, mention a time when you led a successful presentation or collaborated on a team project. If the job description mentions the ability to multitask, give an example of how you managed multiple tasks efficiently and met deadlines.
Company knowledge and enthusiasm
Employers want to see that you’ve taken the time to research their company and are genuinely excited about working for them. Mention specific details about the company that appeal to you and explain why you believe you would be a valuable asset.
For example, you could mention a recent company accomplishment or a particular project that caught your attention. This shows that you are not only interested in the job but also invested in the success of the company.
Quantifiable achievements
Numbers and metrics are powerful tools to showcase your achievements. Use specific, quantifiable examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. You could include things like increasing sales by a certain percentage, improving customer satisfaction ratings, or reducing costs.
Employers want to see tangible results and showcasing your achievements in numbers will make you stand out as a highly effective candidate.
Personal qualities and values
In addition to skills and experiences, it’s important to highlight your personal qualities and values that align with the company’s culture. This could include traits such as adaptability, creativity, or teamwork.
Provide examples of how these qualities have benefited you in previous roles and explain how they would contribute to the overall success of the company.
Confident closing paragraph
End on a strong and confident note by reiterating your interest in the company and enthusiasm for the position. Let the employer know that you’re looking forward to discussing the opportunity further and ask for the next steps in the hiring process.
Thank them for their time and consideration, and express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the position.
Formal sign off
Finally, close your cover letter with a formal sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards”, followed by your full name and contact information. Make sure to proofread your letter for any grammatical or spelling errors before sending it out.
How to create a cover letter with Picsart
The good news is that Picsart makes it incredibly simple to create an eye-catching, compelling cover letter.Â
To get started, go to the Picsart cover letter templates. From there, select the one that best fits your aesthetic and start editing it. You can also use the Picsart cover letter maker to get you started.
We also have dozens of resume templates as well if you’re looking to spruce up your resume. Â
Examples of effective cover letters
If you want to know how to create a cover letter, take inspiration from these ones:
1. Modern cover letter design
This cover letter features a bold design, including a large header and creative use of text. It’s perfect for those looking to make a strong visual impact.
2. Classic cover letter design
For a more traditional approach, this cover letter template showcases a simple, clean design with elegant fonts and formatting. It’s great for industries that value professionalism and straightforward communication.
3. Clean professional design
With a minimalist layout and sophisticated color palette, this cover letter template exudes professionalism and attention to detail. It’s perfect for those in fields such as finance, law, or technology.
4. Creative cover letter design
This cover letter template is perfect for showcasing your creativity and unique skills. It features a playful design with eye-catching graphics and fonts, making it stand out from traditional cover letters.
5. Simple and effective design
Sometimes less is more, and this simple yet effective cover letter template proves just that. With clean lines and minimal text, it allows your qualifications and experience to speak for themselves.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to create a cover letter that gets attention, the next step is to get started! Your dream job is out there, waiting for you. Don’t settle for a mediocre cover letter that won’t make you stand out. Follow these tips and use our templates to craft a killer cover letter that will grab the attention of hiring managers and land you an interview.Â
