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The cover letter is a document that serves to complement the professional resume. Its use, however, is not usually widespread: it is for this reason that doubts arise about what information it should contain and when to present it, for example. This is a simple document that you can write by yourself. You can also hire someone to write cover letter.
With that in mind, we have prepared this article to answer most of your questions on the subject.
What is a cover letter?
In simpler terms, the document summarizes the candidate’s career path and professional goals.
The letter usually contains 3 to 4 paragraphs where the candidate must describe, in plain text, their qualities and experiences most relevant to the desired position, in addition to their strengths, which they can add to the company.
The goal is to invite the recruiter to read the resume, so the language used must be fluid. Therefore, the text needs to be succinct and without spelling errors.
This last highlight can be decisive because a well-written cover letter can prove that the professional has good communication, thinks clearly, and has the fundamental qualities to succeed at work. Also, avoiding mistakes can help you jump the first hurdle and take exams for an interview, for example.
Types of cover Letters
Although there are some data that must be observed in the elaboration of any cover letter, there are several models and types of this document that can be used by the candidate as it suits him best.
- Response letter to a job advertisement: the cover letter is sent in connection with a job vacancy advertisement;
- Spontaneous application letter: in this case, there is no previously published job vacancy, so the professional seeks to introduce himself to the company, demonstrating that he can be important to the organization;
- Letter to the recruitment and selection company: in this case, the cover letter is sent to the database of selection companies and not necessarily to a specific company;
- Letter for Networking: in this case, the professional makes use of his personal and professional contacts, sending them introduction letters that can be forwarded to companies or other professionals;
- Reference letter: this type of document is used in situations where a company or professional personally indicates the worker for a vacancy or institution.
How to make a cover letter?
We have prepared some hot tips to guide you when creating a good letter. They include:
Use a current greeting
Avoid old-fashioned terms like “Dear Sir or Madam” as they are already out of use.
So, if you don’t know the name of the professional who will receive the letter, try more current terms like “To the Human Resources professional “or even start the first paragraph of your letter without directing it to anyone in particular.
Do not send a generic letter
Without a doubt, one of the most common mistakes in sending cover letters is using a generic approach and sending the same letter to multiple companies at the same time. You should mention the specific job you are applying for in your first sentence. Carefully note the features that are described in the job advertisement.
Then explain how your skills, experience, and personal qualities make you the ideal candidate who is sure to excel in a given job.
Avoid errors
Writing a document with grammatical or spelling errors can be a way of “burning your movie”. So it’s worth using spelling and grammar checking tools to spot some problems, but never trust them to catch all your mistakes.
Put a finger on every word, read your letter aloud, and have friends review your communications before forwarding them to companies.
Express your interest in working for the company
As mentioned above, the cover letter is not a common resource in the job market. So use it as an ally. Don’t leave the person who will receive you wondering about your level of interest.
Show genuine dedication to the position, so the employer should be clear on why you are interested in their organization.
Pay attention to the data
You may send the resume or letter to the wrong person or even reference the company wrongly. This is often the case when candidates are simultaneously applying for many positions.
Therefore, it is important to carefully check which company your documents are being sent to. Also, check details such as the salutation at the beginning of the email and letter and the name of the contact you are communicating with.
Don’t be too short or too long
Don’t invest in a letter that’s too short. It can send the wrong signal to employers about your work ethic or level of interest in the job.
In addition, with this attitude, you may also miss the opportunity to approach recruiters differently and lead them to a positive view of your application.
The opposite, however, is also annoying: a long letter can overwhelm the reader and make him lose interest and jump to the next resume. The same is true for paragraphs that are too dense.
Be objective: the ideal is to write a letter with an average of 3 to 5 paragraphs, with no more than 6 lines each.
Don’t include too much information
This point can be a “shot in the foot”, as it has the reverse effect: it can harm your chances of getting an interview. Avoid giving employers more information than they need to know.
Detail the concrete results achieved by your work
Expressing hollow opinions about your strengths may not convince recruiters of your suitability for the job.
Provide data that supports statements about your accomplishments by referencing a job or role where you have successfully employed this force.
For example, instead of saying, “I have strong writing skills and an excellent work ethic,” try “My excellent writing has brought me over 100,000 hits on Company Y’s social media, as well as many positive comments praising the content.”
Keep your cover letter up to date
As well as your resume, to be more successful and take advantage of good opportunities in your area of activity, it is important to keep your cover letter updated in relation to your qualifications and courses.
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