The Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that typically forms a key part of a successful job application, and candidates use it to introduce themselves to an employer. This introductory letter should influence a hiring manager to learn more about the applicant through their other documents. Key components in the cover letter include a statement of interest in the position, skills and experience that meet employer requirements, values and interests that suit the company, and suggestions for next steps in the hiring process.

Learn more: How to Write a Cover Letter?

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to motivate the hiring agent to consider your job application by reading your resume and any other supporting documents. There are several advantages in writing a cover letter, such as:

• It can generate a positive impression on the hiring manager. A properly structured and well-written cover letter can grab the attention of a recruiter, interest them in your application, and make them want to know more about you.
• It can distinguish a candidate from other applicants. Usually, recruiters read many cover letters during the hiring process, and there is a lot of competition for the best jobs. Employers have expectations for each job opening. An effective introductory document can help you to stand out from other applicants by communicating details that meet employee expectations. When struggling to select an employee among candidates with the same levels of education or industry expertise, a cover letter can help in differentiating an applicant.
• It can give the recruiter insight into who you are. While your resume lists your education, skills, and experience, a cover letter can showcase your personality. Many employers value soft skills in employees because they are more difficult to teach than hard skills. You can use your cover letter to demonstrate the personal qualities, such as motivation, conscientiousness, and resourcefulness, that suit the company culture, job demands, and corporate values.
• It highlights your communication skills. Most employers seek the ability to use verbal and written communication to communicate effectively in employees. Writing a cover letter is an excellent method to show the hiring agent you’re an efficient communicator.
• It indicates your ability to make a persuasive presentation. A correctly written, addressed, and formatted cover letter demonstrates your ability to make formal presentations. This is a skill that most professionals need in various situations. For example, when making a recommendation to the management, finalizing a completed project, or asking for a hardware upgrade, presentation skills are essential.
• It can lead to an interview request. Upon receiving a persuasive cover letter that introduces your qualifications, a hiring agent is more likely to read your resume and ask you to interview for the position.

Learn more: How to Write a Resume

To develop a cover letter that works for you, there are several items you should include, such as:

• A header: Format your cover letter with a personalized header that includes your name, email, phone number, and address. Based on the position and job description, you can also include links to your online professional profile and portfolio. To maintain consistency, you can use the same header for your cover letter and resume.
• A salutation: Begin your letter with a formal salutation that addresses the hiring agent by name, and avoid simply referring to their designation. If this information is not included in the job listing, take the to call the HR department if necessary. When you find the recruiter’s name, make sure to write it correctly in your letter. An example of a cover letter salutation is, ‘Dear Mr. Roberts.’
• Introductory paragraph: In the first paragraph of your letter, you should start by mentioning your name and the position you’re applying for. Additionally, include a statement of interest in the job. If you have a professional relationship with the recruiter or if you were referred to the opening by a company employee, briefly include this information in your opening sentences.
• Introductory paragraph closing: In the last sentence of the initial paragraph, give the recruiter an overview of your suitability for the job by summarizing any qualities, training, or experience you have that match the requirements in the job listing. Through this item, you can motivate an employer to read your resume in which your have detailed these qualifications.
• Letter body: This section can span several paragraphs, and the recommended structure is writing between three and seven of them. Through the letter body, you can introduce your qualifications that best suit the soft skills, hard skills, education, training, and experience that an employer has asked for in the job description. Your resume contains all the technical details, so choose only the most relevant points for your cover letter. In this section, you can include your major industry achievements and key metrics that show your suitability for the job.
• Paragraph on complementary values: In this section, which is a part of the body of the letter, discuss your values that match those of the employer. Before writing this section, use your research skills to find out about corporate interests and values. Then, show the recruiter that you’re a good fit for the job and the company culture by articulating shared interests.
• Call to action statement: This statement should conclude the last paragraph of the body of your letter. It should emphasize your suitability for the position and provide the hiring agent with a call to action for taking the next step in the hiring process. For example, you can express your interest in talking more during an interview or ask the employer whether they need any further information.
• Letter closing: Close your cover letter with a formal closing phrase and include your typed name in an email or your signature in a printed letter. Examples of closing phrases are, ‘With thanks,’ ‘respectfully,’ ‘sincerely,’ or ‘best regards.’

Learn more: Should You Use ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ on a Cover Letter?

Dear Ms. Smith,

My name is Elizabeth Channing, and I’m happy to write in response to your job listing for the Java programmer position at Synergy Inc. With my extensive background in building apps for computers and websites and my robust educational credentials in Java programming, I believe I have what it takes to be an asset to your company in this role.

I offer experience in correcting and improving code written by other programmers, achieving a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores while working for my previous employer, and using a robust strategy for improving and maintaining coding accuracy. During my two years with Tech Solutions, I was responsible for designing Java applications for mobiles, laptops, and online platforms; supervising junior programmers; evaluating apps developed by other programmers; and working effectively in various team settings. Additionally, my bachelor’s degree in computer programming has equipped me with the technical skills needed to perform the necessary job duties.

I believe that my industry training in debugging and my track record in meeting consumer demands with innovative software can complement Synergy’s current targets for improving output quality and customer service. As a programmer, I’m eager to use my skills to meet your business objectives.

One of my major strengths is going above and beyond expectations. For example, during my experience at Tech Solutions, I used my market research skills to develop surveys for getting feedback on each of my Java products. I organized my time and obtained responses from people who fit the client’s consumer profiles. Then, I analyzed the data and used findings to improve the relevance of my output to my customers and end consumers. This research-based approach to programming earned me a commendation from my previous employer.

I have several proposals on using Java apps for quality management and customer loyalty programs, and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak to you about my ideas on contributing to your operations. Thank you very much for your consideration. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Elizabeth Channing