How to Write an Impactful Cover Letter: Tips and FAQs Answered

Many people may ask: what is the importance of a cover letter? In simple terms: it is your best foot in the door to a job opportunity. If a recruiter/hiring manager likes your letter– they are more inclined to review your resume– which can land you an interview. Scroll down to the ultimate cover letter format and how to write a cover letter successfully.

How to start a cover letter

Those looking to start off strong should be aware of the proper way to address the cover letter. It is not recommended to start the letter with “to whom it may concern.” First, the phrase is considered old-fashioned and impersonal. Gone are the days of mailing job applications and experiencing uncertainty about the recruitment process. Employers want to see the job applicant aware of the company and who works for them. Even if it is unknown, it would be better to say “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Talent Acquisition Team.” However, reaching out to ask who you would send your resume to is a favorable gesture.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be at most one page long. Its purpose is to flatter the recruiter and hiring manager. The most effective way to do this is by making it short and sweet. If the job requires a lot of information, condense and expand page margins in the cover letter format.

What words/phrases should not be used in a cover letter?

To stand out and be impactful to the hiring manager, applicants should find ways to stand out, which calls for ditching common and bland keywords.

• “Good”
  • This word is too vague and not as descriptive. Using words like skilled, talented, and competent showcases a higher level of experience and proficiency. 
• “Hope”
  • Simply put, the hiring team does not care what you “hope” for. Instead, they would rather hear a confident tone about what you can offer them.
• “Drawn”
  • Companies are not motivated by hearing how you are attracted to them for one reason or another. “Match” or “compliment” are appropriate alternatives.
• “Feel”
  • Using this word will display low confidence to the recruiter due to its causal and bland tone. Additionally, the word takes away the focus on your qualifications and points to your opinions.
• ‘Detail-oriented”
  • This term is overused and considered cliche. Instead, be more descriptive and utilize more specific keywords that can vary depending on your occupation/field.

Cover Letter Format

First paragraph

The opening paragraph is your chance to catch the recruiter’s attention. While keeping it short and sweet, introduce yourself and express your excitement about the opportunity. A pro tip is to include keywords from the job description so the recruiter and/or the talent software can find a match. 

Body paragraphs

Utilize body paragraphs to expand on your accomplishments, experiences, and how you would be a perfect fit for the company. While doing this, showcase your research into the company and provide compliments. Then, draw comparisons between your work ethic and values to the company’s. Given the amount of points you can cover, a response consisting of 2-3 paragraphs should be sufficient. 

Closing paragraph

The cover letter format requires a proper closing statement from the applicant. The purpose of this space is to thank the employer for their time and consideration. Also, it is in your best interest to finish strong! Summarize your main points in the letter and why you would be an asset to the company. To close, a complementary word like “sincerely” or “regards” is appropriate due to its formal yet friendly tone.

Cover Letter Example

We recommend that you reach out to your college career center for advice and review job descriptions to begin your format. Especially in terms of relevance to our sales positions, it would be beneficial to review this example.

AI Cover Letter Generator

Unsure of where to start? Sites like Grammarly offer AI tools that can generate a cover letter for you. Simply upload your resume and provide a short description of the job you are applying to. Relevant keywords and achievements are also helpful for the AI. It is important to note AI is simply a tool and you must add your unique touch to make it stand out.

Ready to dive into your entry-level career? Barton Associates hires entry-level individuals who are money-motivated and ready to work hard to accelerate their career. Check out our website to learn more.