Cover letter: Your complete guide to writing one for 2020.
Since a good cover letter involves thinking deeply about the role you’re applying for, it takes a lot of time and effort. If you don’t bother writing one or come up with a generic version, the reader will assume you’re simply too lazy to make the effort and are clearly not worth considering.
Cover letters generally follow traditional letter-writing rules. Start off by writing the date, along with the name and full office address of the person you are trying to contact at the company. Then, start the letter with a suitable salutation before moving on to the first paragraph (see below for advice on this).
Here’s what it may look like: Must-haves include your name, email address, and phone number. Nice-to-haves are your mailing address, branding statement, and a LinkedIn profile. End your cover letter header by inserting the date of writing before moving on.
If you’re using paper with a watermark, make sure it’s facing the correct way relative to your cover letter. When selecting the color of paper you’re using, it’s always a safe bet to stick to white or neutrals. Off-white, cream, ivory and light gray are acceptable for most professional jobs.
Untitled Document. The basic rules of style, brevity and clarity that apply to any covering letter also apply when you're making job applications online. But rather than the formal letter format expected by businesses when receiving tangible mail, online cover letter formats are less structured and you have the opportunity to provide a unique and impactful introduction to what you can bring.
Employers usually have to read lots of applications and usually cannot afford spending all day reading lengthy cover letters. When writing a cover letter, keep to following rules: Write an interesting cover letter that impresses the employer. Emphasise on qualifications and experiences that are relevant for the job.
Use a business letter format. That means putting your name, address, telephone number, email address and the date in the top-right corner of the page.