How to Write A Cover Letter In 2024
- Interview Tips
Want to include a Cover Letter on that job application?
Here’s a step-by-step guide of how to complete a cover letter.
Also, what it should and shouldn’t entail.
A cover letter should be a single page letter that you include with your job application.
Thing is, you can always include one, unless the job advertisement clearly says you shouldn’t.
Always remember to keep it short because it should be a summary and not your autobiography.
1. Follow The Rules of Formal Business Letters:
Your cover letter should include:
1. Your name
2. Your phone number
3. Your email address
4. The date of the letter
5. The name of the hiring manager and their title
6. The name of the company you are applying to as well
2. Introduce yourself and the purpose of your letter. It can be as simple as:
Dear. Mr. Matayo,
I am writing to apply for the position of Sales Executive for City Bank as advertised on your website. I have 3 years of experience and believe my skills & experience are a good fit.
3. Review the Job Responsibilities & Qualification:
Truth is, most important requirements for a job opening are usually listed in the job description, or highlighted more than once.
What you do here is align your skills, competencies & qualification with the responsibilities.
Simple example
As a seasoned Sales Executive with over 3 years of experience, I am thrilled about the prospect of joining City Bank to contribute as a key member of the sales team. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated exceptional communication and negotiation skills, consistently exceeding sales targets. My ability to build and nurture client relationships, coupled with a deep understanding of market trends, positions me as a valuable asset to drive revenue growth at City Bank
Ensure you list as many skills and references as pertaining to the job as possible.
If you do not know how to structure them into a sentence, a short bullet list is fine. But make sure what you have listed corresponds to 90% of the job responsibilities.
4. Sell yourself:
You have to let them know why you are right for the job.
Don’t make the mistake of mentioning your skills and competencies without indicating why you are the best fit for the job.
As a dynamic Sales Executive, my proven track record in driving substantial revenue growth makes me the perfect fit for this role.
With a keen ability to build lasting client relationships and a passion for exceeding sales targets, I am confident in my capacity to contribute significantly to City Bank’s success.
I am inspired by City Bank’s mission, and I am eager to leverage my expertise in strategic sales, client acquisition, and market analysis to propel the company forward.
My achievements speak for themselves, including a remarkable 120% increase in company sales, equivalent to Ksh. 200M in Q2. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in training 32 employees on a new and effective company training model.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my results-driven approach and dedication to excellence to City Bank, contributing to the continued success of the sales team and the overall growth of the organization.
5. Conclude your letter and ask them to contact you:
The conclusion can be as simple as:
If you are searching for a competent Sales Executive who has the drive to meet company goals effectively, we should speak. You may contact me at +25471234567890 or [email protected]
Here’s a Recap:
– Heading (Address and Who you are addressing to)
– Salutation
– Opening Paragraph (Who you are)
– 2nd Paragraph (Your skills and Qualifications.)
– 3rd Paragraph (Sell yourself and why you are a fit)
– Closing Paragraph (Ask them to contact you)
– Indicate any attachment.
What you shouldn’t have on a cover letter:
1. Spelling / Grammar Errors
2. Info Not Related to the Job
3. Negative Comments about your past/ current employer
4. Very long paragraphs
5. Wrong Name of the Contact Person
6. Qualifications You Don’t Have
7. Personal information
In many cases, your cover letter can actually make the difference between getting selected for an interview or not.
Hence, it is a good opportunity and avenue to sell your skills, competencies and qualifications to the hiring manager.
All the best.
Icipe Hiring Business Support Officer I (Procurement Officer)
Optiven group hiring human resource assistant, press esc to close.