How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Landing your dream job starts with nailing the perfect cover letter, but let's be real - it can feel a bit daunting, especially if you're worried about those gaps in your resume.

After a decade of coaching young professionals, I've seen firsthand how the right cover letter can make all the difference and grab a hiring manager's attention.

That’s why I’ve put together a simple, effective structure to take the guesswork out of the process for you! This approach ensures your cover letter not only looks great but also makes the impact you’re aiming for 🌟

In this article, I'll walk you through everything step by step, and by the end, you’ll be able to download a free template to kickstart your cover letter with confidence!

How a Cover Letter Template Can Boost Your Entire Job Application Process

Clarity and Structure:

A template gives you a clear roadmap, helping you focus on what matters most to employers. You’ll know exactly what to highlight and why, making it easy to convey your strengths with purpose and precision. So much easier than having to figure it all out by yourself.

Professional Presentation:

With a polished format, your cover letter will not only look professional but also communicate your qualifications effectively, leaving a powerful impression on hiring managers.

Support Beyond the Cover Letter:

This integrated structure lays the foundations for success, guiding you through towards the job interview. To be honest, it can even help you settle and succeed in your new role as you're clearly outlining the essential tasks and skills you’ll need. Awesome, right?

1. Presenting a Professional Format

The first element of perfecting your cover letter is to make sure it actually looks like a professional letter. This way you will be taken seriously from the outset.

Start with Your Information:

Begin with your name and contact details at the top. This not only makes it easy for the hiring manager to reach you but also signals that you understand the conventions of letter writing. This is pretty important, especially when you're applying for a professional role because people expect you to know how to write a letter professionally enough.

Include the Date and Employer’s Details:

Add the date, followed by the recipient’s name, title, company, and address. This shows attention to detail and helps the recruiter follow the standard layout they expect in a formal letter.

2. Addressing the Hiring Manager Personally

As far as humanly possible, you should find the hiring manager's name and address the cover letter to them personally. Most of the time job ads don’t list the hiring manager's name, but a bit of detective work will help you 🔍

LinkedIn Search:

Check the company's LinkedIn page to find the relevant manager.

Company Website:

Sometimes, staff directories or company news sections can provide this information.

Phone Call:

You might need to make a polite phone call to the company or recruiter to inquire, which might be a bit uncomfortable, but you can do it!

Addressing the letter to "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]" rather than a generic "To Whom It May Concern" demonstrates that you've done your homework and adds a personal touch.

3. Clearly State the Position and Source

Begin your letter by clearly stating the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. This helps the recruiter quickly understand the context of your application:

Job Title:

Mention the exact job title as listed in the ad.

Source:

Indicate where you found the job (e.g., LinkedIn, company website, job board).

Example: "I am writing to apply for the Project Manager position as advertised on LinkedIn."

The recruiter is going to be looking at thousands of applications potentially for dozens of jobs at the same time. Mentioning where you saw the job ad isn’t essential, but it’s helpful for the recruiter when they do their own analysis.

These kinds of introductory things make your letter professional and easy to read. You're trying to put in front of the recruiter what they're expecting to see so they can easily follow the normal pattern of a letter. The entire goal is to make it as easy as possible for them. And so giving them that little bit of extra information it's helpful. And that's what we want to do. We want to create a good, strong, first impression that sets the stage for the rest of your application process.

4. Introduce Yourself and Highlight Your Fit

Now it’s time to paint a picture of who you are and why you're the right person that they should absolutely interview. Introduce yourself, giving them a sneak peek of who you are and why you're a strong candidate, focusing on:

Your Professional Experience:

Summarize your relevant experience and skills.

Your Unique Qualities:

Highlight your personal qualities that make you an ideal fit for the role.

Be concise, keep this section short and to the point to maintain the recruiter’s interest.

5. Present Key Selling Points

Use the body of your cover letter to describe three major points about why they should interview you, and make sure to structure these points to align with the job requirements presented in the job ad.

Tell them that you've enclosed your resume/CV, which contains your:

1. Relevant Experience:

Highlight a specific experience that is directly relevant to the job. Point to a particular thing that you've done that makes it obvious to the recruiter it’s fitting to the job you're applying for. For instance, if applying for a marketing role, mention a successful campaign you led.

2. Skills and Impact:

Discuss how the skills and experience you bring to this particular role can benefit the company. Focus on the outcomes you can achieve rather than just the tasks you can perform. How is this and that going to add value to their business?

3. Significant Achievement:

Share a singular, noteworthy achievement that demonstrates your capabilities. This could be anything from bringing in a new customer, a project milestone, an award, or a significant contribution to a previous employer. Point to an explicit achievement, like something that's a nice bounded-up thing by itself. And that's kind of the closing that says that what you’re doing gets the right results. And it’s not just you that says that. Show the recruiter "Look at this evidence that shows" whatever achievement it is.

6. Professional Flattery

Show that you have researched the company and talk about it in a positive light, while expressing your genuine admiration for their work. This section should convey your enthusiasm for the company’s mission and culture, making a strong case for why you’d be a great fit.

Showcase Company Achievements:

Mention specific achievements or initiatives of the company that you find impressive. This shows you’re not just familiar with the company but also really impressed by its impact. For instance, if you’re applying to Danone, you might focus on their leadership in sustainability. One really effective idea to keep in mind here is to go beyond the surface level; do some proper research and find out things from less common sources - it may just impress them enough to make you more memorable.

Aligning Your Values:

Clearly articulate how your own values and goals mirror those of the company. This creates a sense of connection and shows that you’re not just interested in any job, but in a role with this particular company because of what it stands for.

Example Approach:

“I’ve been following Danone’s work in the sustainability space with great admiration. Your innovative efforts in promoting environmental stewardship and creating healthier food options resonate deeply with my personal values.

I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to such meaningful work. I believe we share a common vision for the future, and I’m eager to bring my passion and expertise to your team."

What you’re basically saying is:

“I've seen what you've done here. I believe in the same stuff. I love what you do and I'd really love to contribute to it. I feel we are the same kind of people. So I think we should talk about it and do stuff together."

That's creating that kind of connection, shared purpose, and partnership that can truly progress things forward.

7. Request an Interview

Conclude your cover letter by expressing your desire for an interview and your enthusiasm for the role:

Invitation to Connect:

Mention that you would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your application further.

Professional Sign-Off:

End with a professional closing such as "Yours sincerely" followed by your name.

Can be something along the lines:

I would enjoy having the opportunity to talk with you more about this position, and the value that I would add to an already highly valuable business.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Common Questions and Advice

1. What if I can’t point to a major career achievements?

If you're early in your career and don’t have major achievements yet, focus on smaller, meaningful, and relevant successes. These might include completing a significant project, learning a new skill, or receiving positive feedback.

Remember, early in your career, no one expects you to have signed a multi-million dollar contract or won big awards. Employers are looking for potential and progress, not just big milestones.

Showcase your growth and self-development. Talk about how you've contributed to a team, learned something new, or improved in a specific area. Reflect on your experiences and highlight how they've made you a more capable and well-rounded professional.

2. Should I call it a CV or Resume?

I get this question often and the truth is it doesn’t matter. The terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably. People think that CV sounds fancier and I find that there's a little bit more pretentiousness around the idea of having a CV instead of a resume. But recruiters don’t care about that. So just call it whatever you prefer to call it, but be consistent throughout your application process.

3. What if I’m applying for a job in a new field or role, and I lack the specific experience required?

If you're moving into a new field or role, focus on your transferable skills. Start by closely analysing the job description to identify key skills needed for the role.

Then, match these with the skills you've gained in your past roles, providing specific examples of how you've used them in different contexts. This demonstrates your ability to adapt and succeed in a new environment.

For areas where you lack direct experience, acknowledge them as opportunities for growth and upskilling. Emphasise the common skills, and highlight how your existing abilities align with the new role. This shows maturity, self-awareness, and a proactive approach to bridging any gaps.

By adopting this proven method, you can craft a cover letter that not only grabs the attention of hiring managers but also significantly boosts your chances of landing that interview 🌟

Your cover letter is more than just a formality—it's an opportunity to highlight your unique personality and show off your professional strengths. Make it count!

Ready to stand out? Get The Interview Magnet, my free cover letter template that’s designed to get you noticed - download it here.

Want a sneak peek? Watch this teaser video to see how the template works in action!

How’s your cover letter coming along? Tried any of these tips yet? I’d love to hear what’s working for you—or if you need a little extra help. Comment below and let me know!