A cover letter also known as an application letter, is a document that introduces a job seeker’s work history, professional skills, and personal interests when he or she wishes to apply for a job. One of the most tricky parts of any job-hunting process is the part where you have to write an effective cover letter.
I always explain that there are documents expected of you during job applications and one of these documents is the cover letter. The cover letter explains to the management of the company you are applying to, why you think you are the best candidate for the job. Therefore it is essential to choose the format that is best appropriate for that specific position or company.
5 Elements of a Cover Letter?
The basic elements of a cover letter are mostly your contact information. If you are writing a cover letter ensure that you add your contact information correctly on how the prospective employer can contact you at the top of the letter. The elements are;
- Applicant Name: Add your full name.
- Your Home address: State the address where you currently live and also include your city as well as state.
- Your Email address: This is only needed for written cover letters; for email cover letters, the email itself serves as a record of your email address. Be sure to include a professional handle for your email contact information, preferably a variant of your name or initials.
- Your preferred method of contact: This is most likely the most important part of the cover letter. It will look bad if after the HR goes through your cover letter, he or she finds it difficult to contact you. I will advise you to list the surest ways by which you can be contacted and reached, it can be means such as your mobile phone number, email, or any of your social media handles.
- Company Name and Address: This should be the address and name of the recipient’s company. I usually suggest listing the HR manager who is in charge of hiring as the receiver. You can call the company’s customer care line or visit the company in person and ask the receptionist to whom application letters are addressed.
3 Types of Cover Letters
Most organizations accept all types of cover letters from job applicants, as long as they include a good description and opening, outlined past job experiences, a list of your skills, schools and professional qualifications, and a sound summary. However, to look more professional, I think it is appropriate for you to know the most common types of cover letters and know where and when to tender any of them. They are;
1. Application Cover Letter
I like to always suggest and recommend this type of cover letter first for any job application. It is the most common form of a cover letter when an applicant wants to apply for a specific job role. This is not the type of general cover letter that you write to cover all open roles. It is specifically designed for a single-job role. It makes your chances of getting hired, higher, since you took the time to draft the cover letter specifically for the single job they are looking to fill. All you have to do is make sure you state good reasons why you are the best-qualified candidate for the job.
2. Referral Cover Letter
If you’re applying for a job someone has referred you for, make sure your letter mentions the name of a person who has endorsed you and (unless it’s obvious), establish that person’s credentials or relevance to the company.
A referral cover letter is a job application document that mentions a mutual contact you share with the hiring manager. This shared connection can be a friend, networking acquaintance, or employee at the company where you’re applying for a job.
When writing a Referral Letter, Begin your letter with a salutation followed by the hiring manager’s name. Mention your referral in the first paragraph of your cover letter, with a brief explanation of your connection. Show your interest. Next, mention what interests you about the position, and why you’re qualified for the job.
3. Letter of Interest
This type of cover letter also known as a ‘letter of intent,’ ‘prospecting letter,’ or ‘letter of inquiry’, sounds more generic as they are applied when you would love to work for a particular company, but you aren’t sure whether there is a specific job opening at the moment at that company. It is perfectly fine to send this type of cover letter out to organizations as they are an effective means to secure a job opportunity for yourself at a company in advance and get your name in front of hiring managers at organizations even before any open role that might fit your skills and qualifications.
