How to Write a Cover Letter: Complete Guide for Beginners

You can also add these given below:

Under your contact details, you should add the following information:

Here’s an example of how that might look, depending on the template you choose:

Also, remember to keep your cover letter professional.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, use the name of the department in the address section. For example – XYZ Marketing Department.  

Use Appropriate Greeting on Your Cover Letter  

In case you are wondering – who to address the cover letter to? You address it directly to the hiring manager, who’ll read it. 

The greeting of your cover letter or the salutation is usually the first thing the hiring manager notices. That makes it one of the most critical parts of a cover letter. However, there’s a great, foolproof strategy to make your greeting catch the recruiter’s attention. That is using their name. Start with – 

Dear Chandler Bing, 

Why? Because when we hear or see our name, it catches our attention. Also, when the hiring manager sees their name, they know that it’s personalised. That is a good thing!

For some people, using the first name might be too informal, but a full name is okay. The following are some good examples of opening salutations in a covering letter.

Not sure whether to use the recruiter’s first or last name? 

It largely depends on the company culture. If you’re applying for a position in a relaxed and casual company, use the first name. But for corporate cover letters, it’s safer to go with the last name. Also, never start with ‘Dear Sir or Madam.’

How can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

Do some research. There are many ways to find out who your hiring manager is.

Check the company website or make a phone call to find out who ‘Whom’ is. Be the one who takes the extra step. It shows your attention to detail. 

Who to address the cover letter if you can’t find the name of the hiring manager?

If you can’t find the name by any means possible, opt for one of the following. Also, avoid starting your cover letter with ‘To whom it may concern.’ Here are some ideas for you to start the cover letter:

To summarise, how to address a cover letter – 

After writing the header and greeting, it’s time for the central parts of your cover letter. Go for a three-paragraph cover letter format as below –

However, you may want to add a fourth to include a call to action and closing remarks. While writing this section, always keep the following question in the back of your mind: “Why should we hire you?” Be as convincing and confident as possible in your cover letter to get that interview you want.

Write a Compelling Opening Paragraph

A strong introduction is what gets the hiring manager hooked. It would help if you made your cover letter introduction captivating enough to hold the hiring manager’s interest. Because these few sentences at the beginning of your covering letter will determine whether the hiring manager will read on.

Bring out the storyteller in you. If possible, tell a story. Explain how you came to learn about this company creatively. Answer what brought you here? Try to engage in a way that makes you stand out from the rest. 

Below are some examples of intro paragraphs.

Why is it an okay opening? Because it provides no real value. The bottom line is basically saying, “I’ve already done this job, so I think I’d fit in.” But that’s not what the hiring manager is looking for in a candidate. 

That’s a properly written cover letter opening example. Also, the response to the latter cover letter first paragraph will be more positive.

However, there are a few different yet effective strategies for a cover letter opening. You can highlight your achievements or show how well you know your prospective employer’s needs. You may also choose to base the intro on your enthusiasm for the position. Demonstrating your strengths in a few powerful lines is also a good idea. Which path you want to take depends mostly on your personality.

Explain Why You’re The Perfect Candidate 

Every employer wants to know what attributes make you the perfect candidate for that job. But remember that your cover letter is not a trophy case. So a job posting from your dream employer means you don’t just show off your best assets.

It would be best to get the hiring manager exactly what she’s looking for, if not more. You must show that you meet all the job specifications. Also, you satisfy the company’s specific needs.

That’s why you must tailor your covering letter as per the job requirements. But don’t just tell them you can. Prove it. Tie a job requirement to your experience and achievement. For example, if a company needs a marketing manager, tell them what you are bringing to the table. 

In the first sentence, show that you’re good at what you do but without bragging. Then you can explain how your previous experiences will help you make positive contributions to your future employer.

When you’re applying to new positions, it’s likely you’ll not have the same experience requested. As a job seeker, you can impress employers by identifying your transferable skills related to new positions.  Because employers would rather know how your previous experiences will shape your future decisions.  

Tell Them Why You’re Eager to Join  

If an employer is willing to hire you, it’s because they think you’ll satisfy their requirements. But they also want you to fit in with the company. They want to ensure that you will feel rewarded enough to stay there for an extended time. 

You must show the hiring manager why you want this particular job. This is especially important when writing an entry-level cover letter. Enthusiasm and passion prove that you’ll hit the ground running.

Remember that generic cover letters don’t win jobs; tailored and targeted ones do!

Here’s an easy way to do it:

Pro Tip: If you’re really eager to work for a specific company, but there is no vacancy, try writing a letter of interest for a job. That way, you can uncover unadvertised vacancies. 

Make Your Offer in the Closing Paragraph

A cover letter ending is one of the most decisive parts of a covering letter. Generally, it should amplify the impression you’ve made so far. It has to make the hiring manager intrigued as she starts reading your resume.

But how can you make the best cover letter ending? By providing value!

Finish with a call to action (like asking for an interview or a meeting). Tell the recruiter that you’re looking forward to meeting in person and discussing how your experience and knowledge can help your future employer reach their goals.

Like in this cover letter example:

Some mistakes you should avoid in the final paragraph of your covering letter are:
Don’t come off as needy 

Instead of focusing on how much you want the job, focus on what you have to offer.

Don’t be a cliché

Just repeating clichéd phrases like “Thank you for your consideration and your time” doesn’t help you stand out. The hiring manager wants to see what sets you apart from other candidates.