Did you know that 53% of employers in today’s highly competitive job market need a cover letter in addition to a resume? Because there is such a strong demand for cover letters, it is essential to write one that is exceptional and can help you land your ideal job. A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer and gives you a chance to highlight your skills, background, and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality and unique abilities that set you apart from other applicants.  

In the following blog, EZResume experts will provide you with five helpful tips to help you write an impressive cover letter that will make a lasting impression on employers and greatly improve your chances of getting an interview. Whether you are an experienced pro or a fresh graduate, keep reading to learn the best techniques for writing a cover letter that will wow hiring managers and increase your chances of getting the job you want.  

Five Important Tips to Write a Cover Letter  

Tip 1: Understand the Purpose and Structure of a Cover Letter   

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to understand the purpose and structure/format of a cover letter. It is a one-page document that accompanies your resume, providing a personalized introduction to your application. Its primary goal is to persuade the employer to consider you as a strong candidate for the position. To achieve this, a cover letter typically follows a specific structure:  

• Contact Information: It is important to begin your cover letter with your contact information, which usually includes your name, phone number, email ID, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). To make it simple to find this information, put it near the top of the document.  
• Salutation: Address your letter to a specific individual whenever possible. If the job posting doesn’t mention a name, do some research to find the hiring manager’s name or use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”  
• Opening Paragraph: Grab the reader’s attention with a strong opening paragraph. State the position you have applied for and mention how you discovered the job opportunity. Consider highlighting a specific achievement or personal connection that piqued your interest in the company.  
• Body Paragraph: Use the body paragraphs to showcase your expertise and qualifications and demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate for the role. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Provide examples to illustrate your points and make your cover letter more memorable.  
• Closing Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by expressing your interest in the position and further discussing how your skills can contribute to the company’s success. Request an interview and provide your contact information again for convenience.  
• Closing Salutation: Use a professional and polite closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.   

By following this structure, you can ensure that your cover letter flows logically and effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.  

Tip 2: Tailor Your Letter to the Job  

One of the key factors to consider while writing a cover letter in 2023 is tailoring it to the specific job you mean to apply for. Avoid using a generic cover letter template that you send out to multiple employers. Instead, take the time to customize your letter to match the requirements and culture of the company you are targeting. Here’s how you can tailor your cover letter effectively:  

• Analyze the Job Description: Carefully read the job description and highlight the key skills, experiences, and qualifications required. Make a list of these points to guide your writing.  
• Match Your Qualifications: In your cover letter, address how your skills, area of expertise, and experiences align with the job requirements. Provide concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.  
• Research the Company: Conduct thorough research on the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent projects. Incorporate this knowledge into your cover letter to show your genuine interest and fit with the organization.  
• Show Enthusiasm: Express your interest in the position and the company. Employers appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with them. 

By customizing your cover letter, you demonstrate your commitment and show that you have taken the time to understand the company and its needs.  

Also read: A Guide to Writing a College Resume with Examples for 2023  

Tip 3: Use Strong and Specific Examples  

One common mistake many applicants make is simply restating the information from their resume in their cover letter. Instead, use your cover letter as a platform to provide specific examples that showcase your achievements and skills. Consider the following tips for using strong and specific examples in your cover letter:  

• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers, percentages, or other quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact you have had in previous roles. For example, rather than saying you “increased sales,” specify that you “increased sales by 20% within six months.”  
• Highlight Relevant Experiences: Choose experiences that directly relate to the job you are applying for. If the position requires project management skills, discuss a successful project you managed and the results you achieved.  
• Be Concise: Keep your examples concise and relevant. Employers appreciate brevity, so focus on the most compelling and relevant examples that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.  
• Connect the Dots: Clearly explain how your examples relate to the requirements of the job. Connect the dots for the employer, showing them how your past experiences make you an ideal candidate for the role.  
• Using strong and specific examples in your cover letter helps you stand out from other candidates and provides tangible evidence of your abilities and accomplishments.  

Tip 4: Showcase Your Personality and Passion   

While a cover letter should maintain a professional tone, it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personality and convey your passion for the position. Employers value candidates who not only have the right qualifications but also demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Here are some ways to inject personality into your cover letter:  

• Show Your Authenticity: Be yourself and let your true personality shine through your writing. Avoid using generic phrases or copying cover letter templates directly.  
• Reciprocate the Company’s Tone: Adapt your writing style to match the company’s culture. If the company has a more formal tone, maintain a professional approach. If they have a more casual or creative culture, feel free to inject some personality into your letter.  
• Demonstrate Passion: Express your enthusiasm for the sector, the objective of the company, or the particular role, and give a strong justification for it. Tell a brief personal story to demonstrate your genuine interest.  
• Use Engaging Language: Make your cover letter more engaging by using active and descriptive language. Don’t bombard the letter with technical terminology or jargon because they could confuse readers who are not experts in the field.  

By showcasing your personality and passion for the job, you make your cover letter more memorable and show the employer that you are genuinely invested in the opportunity.  

Tip 5: Proofread and Edit Carefully  

Finally, no matter how well-crafted your cover letter is, it’s essential to proofread and edit it carefully before submitting your application. Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies can create a negative impression and undermine your credibility. Consider these steps for effective proofreading:  

• Take a Break: After writing your cover letter, step away from it for a while. Returning with fresh eyes will help you spot errors more effectively.  
• Use Spellcheckers and Grammar Tools: Utilize spelling and grammar checkers available in word processors or online tools. However, don’t rely solely on these tools, as they may not catch all errors.  
• Read Aloud: Read your cover letter aloud to identify awkward phrasing, missing words, or any other issues that may have been overlooked.  
• Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your cover letter. Fresh perspectives can help identify areas for improvement.  
• Double-Check Formatting: Ensure your cover letter is properly formatted with consistent fonts, margins, and headings. Use bullet points and subheadings, where appropriate, to improve readability.  

By meticulously proofreading and editing your cover letter, you demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.  

Crafting an effective cover letter is a crucial step toward landing your dream job. By following these top five tips on how to write a cover letter in 2023, you will be well-equipped to create a compelling document that highlights your qualifications and captures the attention of hiring managers.   

Use the EZResume Resume and Cover Letter builder if you require more help in producing a compelling cover letter. EZResume can assist you in creating a polished and customized cover letter that will impress any employer thanks to its user-friendly interface and customizable templates. Don’t pass up this opportunity to boost your cover letter.  

Start crafting your winning cover letter today with EZResume and increase your chances of securing your dream job!