What is a cover letter?
A cover
letter, also known as a covering letter or application letter, is a document
that introduces you and your CV when applying for a job.
Why is it important to send a cover
letter?
The main purpose of a cover letter is to capture the recruiter’s attention in a few lines and get them to read your CV. It also allows you to introduce yourself and demonstrate your interest in the company.
What is the best way to send a cover
letter?
You can write your cover letter in a separate file and send it as an attachment together with your CV unless you are instructed it is not advisable to do so. It will save you and your recruiter time if you write the cover letter in the body of your e-mail. Moreover, send a blank e-mail does not make a good impression.
TIP by GITS: Personalize each cover letter according to the potential client you are contacting. Make some research and reflect this on your e-mail.
How long should it be?
It does not need to be long. Ideally, the cover letter should consist of the header, three paragraphs, and a sign-off. In that case, each paragraph should have between 4-5 lines. In fact, you only need to write a concise and well-written letter in a few lines with all the necessary and relevant information.
What information should be included?
- Subject
Line: Write a good subject line that includes your language pair and the
position you are applying to.
- Header:
Address the e-mail to the person or company you are contacting. This shows that
you have done some research about the company. Avoid generic salutations, such
as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern”. Instead, use “Dear (Name of
the company) team”, “Dear (Name of the contact person in a company or hiring
manager)”.
- First
paragraph: Provide basic information about who you are and
the reasons why you are interested in working for that particular company or
participating in that specific project. Make reference and expand on some aspects
of the company (languages, services, areas of expertise, objectives) or the
project you are applying to.
- Second
paragraph: Here, you have to show that you are the ideal candidate
for that position. Explain why you are a good fit for that company or project,
providing the recruiter reasons to hire you. You can briefly mention some of
your qualifications or previous similar projects you have worked on. You can
also briefly describe how you can contribute to the company and help them
achieve their goals, or how you can successfully complete that project.
Remember to omit some information to make the hiring manager read your CV.
- Call
to action: In this paragraph, you should thank the hiring manager for taking
the time to read your cover letter. You can ask them to consider your resume, add
you to their database or contact you to complete the next steps in the hiring
process. Also, let them know that you are available and provide the best way to
reach out to you (make sure to be available and check your phone or e-mail
frequently) to discuss the application in detail. You can also say that you
will be looking forward to hearing from or working for them soon. It’s a good option
to add links to your profiles in professional social networks (LinkedIn,
Twitter, Proz, etc.).
- Professional signature: Close your letter with a professional closing phase (such as “Sincerely”, “Respectfully”, “Best regards”), and your signature or written name.
Always
proofread your cover letter to make sure there are no spelling or grammar
mistakes. A cover letter is essential to make a good first impression, so it
needs to be flawless.
Do you have
any other suggestions for a perfect cover letter?
Leave a
comment below!
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