Need help in writing a cover letter? No worries, I got your back! After weeks of searching, you have finally found the dream job you need to apply for. Your resume is top-notch, and you even asked your family member to help prepare for the interview. However, just as you were about to send out the resume, you remembered that you still needed to write the cover letter.  Now, you are stuck staring at a blank document, clueless about how to start and what to write.

Trust me! I know how it feels when you are in a one-time crunch, feeling like that job will slip out of your hands if you don’t write a cover letter fast. Not anymore. Today, I will teach you how to quickly complete the cover letter, including its format, structure, and outline. Writing it is as simple as it looks. Nothing too complicated! So, come on! Let’s get started!

What is a Cover Letter?

Before diving into the writing tips, let’s recap: what is a cover letter? When looking for jobs, you will see that companies ask you to submit your CV along with a cover letter. Well, it is a 250 to 400-word document that briefly shows your professional background. There are high stakes that a bad cover letter might ruin your chances of getting the job. While some recruiters make it optional, others consider it a key to first impression. This is to complement your CV.

Also, it covers things like gaps, qualifications, and experiences that your resume can’t. I am sure most of you are writing the cover letter for the first time. So, it might sound a bit complicated, but trust the process. You need to follow a trusted structure, outline, and format. Viola! You are good to go. So, come on! Let’s explore these three in detail, starting with the outline.

Cover Letter: Shine with a Solid Outline

Outlining is a key part of your cover letter. Consider it a blueprint that tells the hiring managers the topics you have included.

Not only does it give your letter a clean look but it also helps stay on track, ensuring you don’t miss anything.

Here are some elements you must include in the outline:

• Contact Information: Listing your details is an essential part. Since a cover letter is the first thing employers read. Hence, telling them who you are is necessary. So, in this section, you should include your name, Gmail, phone number, and address (which is quite useless so you can leave it out)
• Greeting: Greet the hiring manager using formal salutations.
• Introduction: Introduce who you are and why you need this role.
• Body Paragraph: Dive into your skills, achievements, and experiences. It tells why you are the best fit.
• Conclusion: Summarise the key points. Furthermore, add a Call to action to invite the hiring managers to call or email you.

Structure of a Cover Letter

Cover letter structure plays a vital role in conveying your message and making a good impact on your hiring managers.

Are you clueless about how to start this letter? Well, no worries! It’s simple! There are four sections: introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and closing.

Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Introduction

Have you ever read something, and the few lines have won you over? If you want the managers to feel the same, starting strong is essential.

Hence, use compelling lines to grab attention. Here are some things you should include in the letter:

• Start by introducing yourself and mentioning the job you are applying to. Make sure your intentions are clear in the beginning.
• Furthermore, be more formal. Tell them where you learned about the job posting. It shows that you are paying attention.
• Next, highlight what makes you interested in this job.
• Also, use your skills or achievements as a hook to make it engaging. Just make sure it resonates with the job description.

Pro tip: If you want the introduction to crack the deal for you, consider seeking help. Many Cover Letter Writers in Australia can assist you with this. They have experience and tailor these letters according to the job description.

2. Body

Done with the body paragraph? Good! Now, move on to the body paragraphs, where you dive into details. Here, you must provide information about your qualifications and what makes you better than others.

But remember not to sound arrogant because hiring managers hate it. Furthermore, break this section into two to three parts.

In the first section, state your past experiences using different examples. Don’t just tell. Instead, show by demonstrating skills and knowledge. Use numbers and data for your accomplishments.

For example, I increased sales by 40% over the past few years. It shows your ability to achieve goals.

The second paragraph must tell the hiring manager what makes you a great fit. Additionally, state the valuable things you bring to the table. Also, show them you have researched their values, mission, vision, and goals.

3. Conclusion

Lastly, summarise your cover letter by highlighting the key points. Show your enthusiasm for the job and role. Also, add a CTA to invite managers to contact you. Furthermore, thank them for their time and express gratitude.

That’s it! You have finally completed writing the cover letter. But hold one, there is still one thing left. Yup! Don’t forget to format.

Let’s discover how to do it.

Cover Letter: Formatting at its Best

If you want your cover letter to appear polished, never skip formatting. It shows the time you spent perfecting it.

Furthermore, it makes your work clear and structured. Here is how to format the letter:

• Using a professional font is important. You can’t opt for the random one. Instead, stick to either Ariel or Times New Roman. Furthermore, the font size must be 10-12, consistent throughout the work.
• Hiring managers have thousands of cover letters to review. So, they will spend hours reading yours. Therefore, stick to the point and keep it to one page.
• Don’t forget to include the header with your contact information.
• Also, formal greetings are essential. So, use that, for example, Dear Mr Smith, etc.

Wrapping Up!

That’s a wrap, folks! Here is everything you need to know about writing a cover letter. From its structure to format and outline, all three elements are essential. Start strong with a good introduction, briefly describe your achievements, and tell why you are a great fit. Lastly, show enthusiasm for the job. So, follow these guidelines, craft a solid cover letter, and get your dream job.