- By Chris Castelino, Certified Resume Writer
Crafting a standout cover letter can be the difference between getting your foot in the door and missing out on an opportunity. To create a compelling cover letter, start by understanding its purpose - to showcase your personality, communication skills, and value to the organization.
What's a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document that job seekers send to prospective employers along with their resume. It introduces the applicant and explains why they are interested in the position and what makes them qualified for the job. Unlike a resume, which summarizes an applicant's work history and skills, a cover letter allows applicants to personalize their application and showcase their communication skills. A well-written cover letter can help job seekers highlight their unique value proposition, stand out from the competition and increase their chances of landing an interview.Here are some practical tips to help you write a winning Cover Letter
Tailor your cover letter to the specific job position
Customize your cover letter to the job you're applying for. This shows the recruiter that you've done your homework and that you're genuinely interested in the position.
Research the company and the role
Before you write your cover letter, spend some time researching the company and the job you're applying for. Look at the company's website, social media profiles, and any recent news articles or press releases to get a better understanding of its values, goals, and priorities. Use this information to tailor your cover letter and show the employer that you have a genuine interest in their company and the role.
Explain any significant gaps in your employment history
If you have any long gaps in your employment history, be sure to explain them in your cover letter. This will show that you're proactive and that you take responsibility for your career.
Always use a professional tone
Keep your tone professional and avoid slang, emojis or overly casual language, as this can undermine your credibility. Ensure that your language is engaging and compelling to entice the reader to continue reading.
Highlight your personality and communication skills
The cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and communication skills. Use it to demonstrate how you can add value to the position and contribute to the organization's success.
Avoid generic cover letters
Avoid using the same cover letter for multiple job applications. Tailor each one to the specific job and company to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
Use a cover letter template
Use a cover letter template to structure your content effectively. This can help ensure that you cover all the necessary elements and make your cover letter easy to read.
Highlight your relevant skills and experience
Make sure to highlight the skills and experience that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This will help the employer see how you can add value to their organization and contribute to its success. 
Use specific examples
Rather than just listing your accomplishments, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. This will make your cover letter more engaging and memorable.
Keep it concise
A cover letter should be no more than one page long. Be sure to get straight to the point and do not copy/repeat information that's already in your resume.
Proofread and edit
Before submitting your cover letter, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. This will ensure that it's free of spelling and grammar errors and that it presents you in the best possible light.
In summary, a cover letter is an essential component of any job application. By tailoring it to the job, using a professional tone, highlighting your relevant skills and experience, and keeping it concise, you can craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your value to potential employers.
At Maple Road, we offer a range of comprehensive career services to help our clients achieve their professional goals. Our expert CPHR-certified recruiters and CPRW-certified writers specialize in writing professional, ATS-optimized tailored resumes, impactful cover letters, and engaging LinkedIn profiles from the ground up, to significantly increase the chances of getting hired and stand out from other candidates.
In addition, our one-on-one Job Interview training, Career Insights and Job Search Guidance will further prepare you to navigate the job market with confidence. Let our qualified professionals help you take the first step towards your dream job and achieve success in your career journey!
