How To Format a Cover Letter (Outlines and Examples)

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Cover letters are often overlooked or ignored during job applications. They are essential tools in helping you stand out from other candidates.

Cover letters are usually included in the application package sent to potential employers. The purpose of these letters is to highlight why you should get the job instead of another candidate.

Cover letters are important because they provide information about you that cannot be found anywhere else. This makes them valuable assets for both recruiters and hiring managers.

You need to spend some time writing cover letters if you want your chances of getting hired to increase.

In this article, we will discuss how to write cover letters and give examples of good cover letter formats. We have also included several ideas and tips on how to make sure that your cover letter stands apart from others.

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What Is A Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document you send along with your resume when applying for a job. While it doesn’t always make sense to write one, there are many things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired.

Your cover letter can tell companies about you. Your resume tells them about you but it does not include any personal details.

Personal detail such as hobbies, interests, family history, and much more helps to establish who you really are. Thus, your cover letter should contain all the relevant information about you.

A well-written cover letter helps you stand out among the competition and increases the chances of being called for an interview.

What should you put in your cover letter?

A cover letter is made of multiple parts. Each part plays a specific role in getting you noticed. 

The following are some things that you should consider when writing a cover letter:1) Make Sure That Your Cover Letter Contains All The Necessary Information About You

You need to ensure that the cover letter contains all the necessary information about yourself. Here are some items that you must include in your cover letter:

– Contact information

– Education History

– Work experience

– Skills and abilities

– References2) Do Not Use Generic Letters

When applying for jobs, it is crucial to tailor the letter to each employer. However, there is no reason to use generic letters for all the different positions that you apply for.

Use the same cover letter for each job that you apply for. If you do not, then you might end up looking unprofessional. It is also difficult to keep track of all your applications and cover letters.3) Focus On What Makes You Unique

A great way to stand out from other applicants is by highlighting what makes you unique. Think about what sets you apart from other people and try to incorporate your strengths into your cover letter.

For example, you could talk about your leadership skills, ability to multitask, or passion for customer service. These are just some of the ways through which you could showcase your skills.4) Be Brief And Concise

While writing a cover letter, you should avoid using too many words. Keep the letter short and concise. Try to pack all the information that you want to convey into one paragraph. Also, try to limit the number of paragraphs.5) Proofread Before Sending Out Applications

It is easy to lose focus while writing a cover letter so proofreading is essential before sending off your applications. When making corrections, be sure to look at the whole document and address spelling errors.

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Formatting your cover letter

A well-formatted cover letter can make a huge difference in whether you receive an interview call or not. If your cover letter isn’t properly formatted, it could cause potential employers to overlook it or even disqualify you from consideration.

In fact, how you format a cover letter is almost as important to whether or not you’ll land the job as what you write in the letter itself.

If your cover letter looks sloppy or is difficult to understand, it could easily disqualify you from consideration.

Here are some general guidelines to follow when formatting a cover letter.

• Have A Clear Objective Statement

Your objective statement tells the reader why they should hire you. It’s usually the first thing that you type on a cover letter.

Some examples of objective statements are: “I am seeking employment with,” or “My goal is to work for .”

• Include Only One Objective Statement

Do not have two or more objective statements in your cover letter. This will only confuse the reader and may turn them away.

• Avoid Using Passive Language

Avoid using passive verbs like “was hired” or “have been laid off.” Instead, opt for active verbs such as “hired” or “laid off.”

• Don’t Use Exclamation Marks!

Exclamation marks get attention, but they aren’t necessary.

• Make Your Sentences Short & Straightforward

Keep sentences short and straightforward. Avoid long run-on sentences.

• Limit Paragraphs

Limit each paragraph to three lines. Do not exceed this maximum; otherwise, it would appear disorganized and confusing.

• Indent Properly

Indenting is used to add space between certain pieces of text. If you don’t indent correctly, it may seem messy or inconsistent.

• Write In The Third Person

Sometimes, you need to refer to yourself as someone else. For example, if you are asking for a raise, you could say something like “I wrote a detailed proposal outlining my accomplishments last year and I’m prepared to discuss it with you today.”

• Use An Attractive Font

The font in which you use should complement the content of your letter. Choose a readable font that is also professional looking.

• Address All Recruiters Equally

Make sure you list every company that has requested an application by name. It doesn’t matter if you’re applying to a large corporation or a small business, include every name.

Here is an example of a written cover letter:

Dear Mr. Brown,

I wish to apply for the Sales position advertised on Monster.co.uk.

I wish to apply for the Sales Position advertised on Monster.com. I am very interested in working for Acme Corporation because it is my dream job. 

I believe that I possess the skills necessary to succeed in this role. My experience includes selling products to customers in retail stores and catalogs. 

In addition, I worked as a customer service representative for a large telecommunications company. This allowed me to interact with clients on a daily basis. 

Furthermore, I have been trained in the use of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Finally, I have excellent communication skills. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Molly Smith

Conclusion

Cover letters often get overlooked due to their relatively small size. However, many job hunters mistakenly assume that a cover letter should be much longer.

All companies are looking for the same things–a strong grasp of English grammar and vocabulary, along with stellar communication skills.

That being said, you want to make sure that your letter stands out among all the others. And there is no better way to do this than to tailor your letter specifically to each company to that you’re applying.

And if you need help with crafting a well-formatted cover letter that will ensure you land an interview, our expert professionals can definitely help you out.

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