Learn How to Write Awesome Cover Letters Today

Why do I need a cover letter, you might ask yourself? I have a CV, so what's the point? Isn't it just repeating what's written in my resume?

If that's what you are thinking, you couldn't be further from the truth. If you're starting a job search in 2021, getting your cover letter right is just as important as perfecting your CV.

So, what exactly do you have to include in a cover letter, and how should you write it?

Here's the lowdown on the main sections of a cover letter and what you need to write.

1. Do your research first

Your priority is to do some research on the company. Look into both the role you're applying for and the company's products and business activities and use this information to tailor your cover letter to the job requirements/description. What does the company do, who is their target audience, and who are their competitors?

Once you've found answers to these questions, you'll be able to make it clear in your cover letter how your skills and abilities match up with what the employer is looking for. Apart from tailoring your cover letter to the post, doing research will impress potential employers and show them that you've got a genuine interest in the job and company.

2. Choose the correct format

Your cover letter should be well-presented, concise, and to-the-point in an easy-to-read font. Keep your paragraphing clear, and the length of your cover letter should be around half a side of A4 or thereabouts. Keep the tone neutral and be careful with the level of formality in your writing. Too formal can seem distant, rude, or cold, and too informal is definitely not a good idea. You are writing to someone about a job, not inviting your friend to the pub!

3. Write a new letter every time you apply

First of all, you should write a new letter every time you apply for a job. The letter should showcase your skills and experience relevant to the position you are applying for, and it needs to zoom in on the critical parts of your CV that the employer values the most.

4. Starting/Finishing letters

You should always choose an appropriate salutation and what you use depends on how well you know the recipient. If you don't know the person's name, surname, and gender, then be polite and keep it formal and start with the salutation:

'Dear Sir/Madam'.
If you know the surname only, then it's fine to use it like this:
'Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms. Jones'

In the unlikely event you know the person you are writing to, and you are on first name terms with them, then feel free to include this at the beginning:

'Dear Jane/John',

Finishing letters means choosing the correct way to sign off. Use 'Yours faithfully' if you don't know the person and their surname, 'Yours sincerely' if you know their family name, and 'Best regards' if you have an informal relationship with the recipient.

5. The different parts in the body of the letter

Paragraph 1

Start by clearly indicating which job you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised. For example,

'I am writing to apply for the position of Sales Manager as advertised in'….

Paragraph 2

Next, showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments and explain why you are suitable for the job and how you can meet the company's needs.

'As indicated on my CV, I have over five years' experience'…

Paragraph 3

Here's where you emphasize what you can do for the company. Express your interest in the role and explain why you would be the right fit for the company. Outline your career goals (making them relevant to the position you're applying for) and focus on key points in your CV – including examples to back up your claim to suitability as a candidate.

For example: In my current job as Sales Manager, I have been responsible for increasing our sales volume, and we have grown by 20% year on year since 2017.

Fourth paragraph

Reiterate your interest in the company, summarize why you are the right fit for the post, and let the employer know you'd like to meet for an interview.

For example:

'Considering my experience and expertise in sales, I feel confident that I can succeed in the role, be a valued member of your team, and help you build both your client base and reputation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further.
Yours sincerely,
Donald Davies'

Never forget, recruiters will have a lot of candidates to choose from in 2021, and the job market has never been so competitive. And you only get one quick chance to impress with your cover letter. So, make sure your cover letter matches what they are looking for. These five tips can definitely help you, but nothing can replace a professional native speaker teacher or copywriter to help you craft that awesome cover letter.

For more information on writing brilliant cover letters, get in touch with us @ BBLC today.

+7 495 626 0473

Anthony Kent is the owner/director of BBLC and has 22 years of experience teaching business English programmes in Moscow to the biggest Russian and multinational companies.

Anthony's email: director@bblc.ru