How to Write a Cover Letter to Make an Excellent Impression

The cover letter you write and format will serve as your first impression with a prospective hiring representative.

If you want detailed information on how to write a cover letter to communicate your value, check out the top cover letter writing tips.

How to Write a Cover Letter to Stand Out

Presentation and Design

The first thing someone will notice about your cover letter is how it looks before they even read the content. Type your application letter using standard font size and style. Although you may want to show off your writing expertise, getting overly extravagant is not professional.

Print the letter off on resume bond paper that matches your resume.  Make sure you have a matching envelope; attention to detail is necessary. Keep an electronic copy to adjust the letter to target individual positions quickly.

Triple Check The Cover Letter for Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation

Submitting a letter containing spelling or grammatical errors will make the interviewer think you don’t have the expertise, experience, or education you claim to have. Even if you think you’re a meticulous writer and have few or no mistakes, always have your letter proofread. Someone else may see errors that you overlooked. Don’t use large or unusual words. Keep it plain, simple, and to the point. The easier they can read your letter, the better chance you have against the competition.

Write a Cover Letter With Relevant Content

It’s important to write a cover letter so that it flows well and makes complete sense. Make a detailed list of what you want to include in your letter, and organize it logically.

The interviewer isn’t looking for a personal profile, so don’t add any personal items. List only what’s relevant to the job. Look at it from their point of view. If you were a recruiter interviewing to fill this position, what would you be looking for in an employee?

Work history, education, accomplishments, and qualifications should be located in your resume and application form. The cover letter is a chance to let the interviewer get a quick overview of you as a person.

Items to Include in Your Cover Letter

Communicate Why You Applied to Their Company

Research the company to learn their vision, values, products, and services. When you write a cover letter, mentioning why you like their values will make a bigger impression on the interviewer than the candidates who don’t.

Share What You Can Contribute

Explain what you think you have in experience, knowledge, and methods that would benefit the company. Explain why you think your experience and expertise fit the description of the type of employee they want.

Can You Truthfully State You Are Innovative In Your Cover Letter?

Communicate you are a creative problem solver and can put that innovation to work. Many qualified professionals are looking for a job, and companies can be selective in hiring. Minimum qualifications and experience are always required to secure a position. The hiring authority will look for unique attributes and outstanding relevant accomplishments to identify top talent.

Can you show them you have those extras?

Give examples of how your innovation has helped to advance company profits or enhance your performance at past positions.

Extra, Relevant Skills Are a Plus

Do you have any unique skills that the company would consider beneficial? Do you speak a second language or have exceptional technology skills? Any special useful skills will push your name to the top of the list of candidates.

Need additional help writing a top-notch cover letter? Reach out to Candace, a certified resume writer, for assistance!