With ATS-compliant resumes and hiring through online job boards, many of you might feel that cover letters have become redundant and old-fashioned. However, let us tell you—they are still very relevant.
Cover letters remain in demand by recruiters and hiring managers and can help you stand out from the competition. But simply writing another generic cover letter won’t cut it. There is an art to crafting an effective cover letter that can make your CV shine.
How do you write a cover letter that can help you land your dream job?
First, your cover letter is not your resume. It’s an additional document that you attach to your resume and is usually one page long. Whether you’re applying to a staffing agency in the UAE or another organization, your cover letter acts as a self-endorsement, where you tell the company and hiring manager why you are the right person for the role and how you can contribute to the organization’s success.
An effective cover letter isn’t a summary of your resume; rather, it’s an opportunity to explain any unique points or nuances in your CV.
Here are some things an effective cover letter can convey:
- A personal introduction that reveals your personality
- Why you’re eager to work with the company and why you’re the best fit
- Explanations for situations like employment gaps, over-qualification, or under-qualification
Template for a Simple, Effective Cover Letter:
- Contact information (Name, email address, phone number)
- Hiring manager’s name and title
- A greeting
- An opening paragraph with a hook
- Body paragraph
- Concluding paragraph
- Sign-off
Remember, an effective cover letter is personalized for the specific role and company.
We’ve gathered advice from our expert recruiters to create this step-by-step guide on how to write the perfect cover letter for any job. Read on:
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Effective Cover Letter
1. Learn About the Company and Hiring Manager
Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to research potential employers, including their latest projects, culture, and management team. This helps you tailor your cover letter accordingly.
LinkedIn can also help you learn about the hiring manager, allowing you to reach out with smart questions about the role. You can reference this when beginning your cover letter.
Even if you don’t get a reply, addressing the hiring manager by name can add a personal touch.
2. Open With an Engaging Hook
An effective cover letter should grab the recruiter’s attention within the first two lines.
Instead of just saying, “I am Jasmine, applying for the role of an IT Specialist,” you might start with, “I am an Oracle-certified IT professional with over five years of experience, looking to apply my skills and contribute to your organization’s success.”
It’s usually best to avoid humour, as it can be subjective and may not resonate with every recruiter.
3. Address the Hiring Manager by Name
Which approach sounds more effective: “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Salma Ahmed”? Using the hiring manager’s name builds rapport and adds a personal touch. A generic greeting like “To whom it may concern” can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
4. Show Why You Are the Right Person for the Job
To write an effective cover letter, don’t just explain why the role suits you; focus on why you’re great for the role.
Carefully review the job description to understand the responsibilities, expectations, and challenges. Then, demonstrate how your qualifications and expertise align with these requirements.
Keep it concise—avoid lengthy descriptions or excessive self-praise. You might also add a memorable compliment from a former colleague or client.
For example:
“When I led the merger and acquisition for my previous company, my manager described my meticulous attention to logistics and operations as ‘legendary’—saying she’d trust me to plan a Mars mission!”
5. Finish Strong
The closing paragraph is your last chance to make an impact. Instead of a generic “I look forward to hearing from you,” try, “I’m excited about the possibility of relocating for this opportunity.”
Or, say, “I believe my skills and enthusiasm align with the goals of XYZ Co., and I would love to meet soon to discuss the value I can bring as an Associate Director of Sales.”
6. Revise
It’s human to err, so double-check everything before sending. Verify spelling, grammar, and information, and consider asking a friend or relative to review it.
How 6 Pence Can Help
An effective cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview call or being overlooked. Make sure you know the best ways to write an impactful application letter.
6 Pence is a leading staffing agency for reputable companies in the Middle East, operating in Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Dubai. Visit our careers page to submit your CV and cover letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an effective cover letter?
An effective cover letter highlights your understanding of the role and organization, showing how your skills and qualities are the right fit for the company.
How to end a cover letter?
A strong closing is essential. Your conclusion should be confident and enthusiastic, expressing your interest in the role and aligning with the company’s goals.
What are the four key parts of an effective cover letter?
The four key parts are:
- Contact information
- Introduction paragraph
- Body paragraph
- Concluding paragraph
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