8 Tips and Tricks for Writing Effective Cover Letters for Job Openings

Although a well-structured resume highlights a job prospect's qualifications, a well-written cover letter provides a distinct but complementary offering: the potential to illustrate that you're the best fit for the position on one succinct page. 

Consider the fact that your cover letter is your opening impact. Take advantage of this chance by presenting something that really reflects you. In only 10 minutes, you could indeed give your cover letter a massive boost that is bound to make a significant impact. 

Explore these helpful tips on cover letters for job applications to ensure your letter is in great form and that composing it is convenient and easy. Check out the following suggestions for making your cover letter stand out.

1. Write unique letters for each position available.

Certainly, using the same job application cover letter template you composed for your prior application, changing the firm name, and sending it out is far quicker and more efficient. However, most recruiters would like to see that you're really enthusiastic about the role and the firm, which necessitates writing a unique letter for every position you compete for.

Although it's acceptable to reuse a few powerful lines and keywords from one cover letter to another, don't submit a completely generic letter. The line "I am eager to apply for the job opening at your firm" sends a clear message to recruiters, human resources, and hiring managers that you sent your cover letter to just about every job posting in the area. A personalised cover letter can help communicate your enthusiasm for the role to employers.

2. Focus on the job specifications.

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your talents meet the job requirements. When drafting your cover letter, pay very close attention to the scope of work and specifications mentioned. Use relevant keyword phrases to highlight your accomplishments and excellence. Take into account, though, that everyone can paste basic keywords and buzzwords in their cover letters. Instead of stuffing keywords into your cover letter, be strategic and support your claims with specific examples that correspond with what the firm desires in a candidate.

Do your homework about the firm, its goods and services, and the position. When it pertains to securing available positions, more firms are emphasising cultural compatibility. Thus, knowing a firm's cultural context may help you target your cover letter for the greatest results while also improving your position as the desired applicant.

Read more: Cover Letter Writing Guide 2024: Examples and Tips

3. Prioritize the employer.

Ask yourself, "What is it about the firm that appeals to me and tends to make me want to be employed there instead of at one of the others?"  Begin with these traits and mention them in your cover letter. The goal of a cover letter is to demonstrate how your history, talents, and expertise align with the organizational requirements as they relate to the position you're applying for. 

Keeping it personalised also entails writing to a real person. Use the word "you" throughout your cover letter. This creates the impression of direct conversation and personalisation. Additionally, while locating the appropriate department head or recruiting manager might take some time, doing just that shows effort and ingenuity.

Read more: How to Make a CV for Your First Job (+ Template)

4. Have an impactful opening line.

It is indeed a good idea to indicate the position you're competing for, as the prospective employer may be looking at applicants for a half dozen different positions. A common line you can use is "I am thrilled to apply for [job] with [company]." However, consider beginning with a crisp first phrase that showcases your enthusiasm for the organisation you're submitting to, your love for the task you perform, or your previous achievements. There is no need to start with your name because the recruiting manager can see that on top of your cover letter and in the salutation.

5. Include statistics, numbers, and data.

Stats are attractive to recruitment agencies because they demonstrate that you have had a demonstrable influence on the organisations or firms where you have worked. Here are some questions you can address in your cover letter for a job application:

• Did you increase the company's customer base, and by how much? 

• Have you put together a large variety of events? 

• Have you ever increased the efficiency of business operations? If so, by what percent?

• What exactly was your role in helping the company during a certain crisis?

Quantifying your achievements tells potential employers a compelling story about your abilities.

"Increased sales by 15% within the first year of implementing a new marketing strategy."

"Streamlined the onboarding process, reducing the average time by 20%."

"Identified and eliminated inefficiencies in the supply chain, resulting in cost savings of ₹83.36 per month."

"Reduced product defects by 5% through implementing a new quality control process."

"Successfully managed a team of 5 engineers, delivering all projects on time and within budget."

Read more: How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: 9 Tips (+ Examples)

6. Include a call to action and follow-up.

Adding how you will follow up with the potential employer is essential. Including a call to action not only shows confidence, but also offers the opportunity to demonstrate that you're able to take responsibility. Regardless of whether you indicate that you will call this week to follow up on the status of your resume or convey that you will be continuing to look forward to the next discussion, adding a call to action provides an opportunity to prove that you're dependable.

One piece of advice: If you say you will be following up, remember to do so. Although it is difficult to know what a prospective employer is thinking while reviewing applicants, it's important to be engaged and reliable throughout the entire process.

Read more: How to Create a Basic Resume Format for Freshers

7. Try different templates and formats.

If you are applying to a more conventional organisation, it's generally best to stick to the basic three to five paragraphs structure constituting an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, a fresh approach could be suitable if you're looking for a much more innovative, entrepreneurial job or have to demonstrate to the prospective employer, for instance, how your journey started and has brought you from point A to point B.

8. Make your conclusion impactful. 

It's easy to dismiss the last few words of your cover letter: "I look forward to discussing the scope of work with you." However, your conclusion section is your final opportunity to highlight your passion for the firm as well as how you would be a fantastic choice for the role. You may also utilise the conclusion of your letter to provide vital facts, such as your willingness to move for the position. Consider these conclusion lines for inspiration:

• "I'm excited about [company's] goal and therefore would be delighted to offer my [insert your outstanding skills here] to this job."

• "My proficient ambitions are aligned with [company's], and I'm eager to discover and flourish in its setting."

Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter and Get Noticed

Get started with Coursera

Continue preparing for your next career move with the Interviewing and Resume Writing in English Specialization on Coursera to hone your interview skills with practise questions and other exercises. As part of this five-course series, you'll have the opportunity to improve your skills in Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters and discover How To Land the Job You Want.