Do I need a cover letter? Yes, generally cover letters are necessary. A well-written cover letter can complement your resume, explain your fit for a position, showcase your written communication skills, help overcome a lack of experience and provide context for unusual circumstances.
What makes a good cover letter? A good cover letter expands upon the information in your resume, providing context for your skills and accomplishments. The best cover letters also give employers insight into your personality so they can determine if you’d be a good cultural fit for the company.
Here’s how to go about it!
List your contact details in the header
Your cover letter’s header should include your name and contact information so the hiring manager can easily reach out to you if they’re interested in interviewing you. Make sure the following information is prominently displayed at the top of your cover letter:
- Email address
- Phone number
- City and state (optional)
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
- Portfolio or website (optional)
- Pronouns (optional)
Greet the hiring manager
After your header, include the date and the company contact information in this format:
- Cover Letter Address Format
- Name or job title of the person or team you’re writing to
- Company name
- Company’s street address
- Company’s phone number
- Hiring manager’s email address
Next, address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name if possible. This personal touch shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a professional cover letter salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department Name] Team.”
Avoid outdated or overly formal greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam,” as these can make your letter feel impersonal and old-fashioned.
Cover letter greetings:
Dear Jane Smith,
Dear Ms. Smith,
Dear [Department] Team,
Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team,
Write an opening paragraph that hooks the reader
Your opening paragraph is your chance to capture the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading. Start your cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Briefly mention how you learnt about the job opening and why you’re excited about it. You can also use this paragraph to highlight a key achievement or skill that makes you an ideal candidate.
Explain why you’re qualified in your body paragraph(s)
Your body paragraphs should convince employers that you’re the right person for the job. Use this opportunity to market yourself by discussing your relevant work experience, skills, achievements and enthusiasm for the job.
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First body paragraph: Make a clear connection between your qualifications and the requirements of the job. Carefully review the job description and identify the skills and experiences the employer is looking for.
Second & third body paragraphs: In the following paragraph(s), demonstrate how your background aligns with these needs. Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they relate to the position you’re applying for.
This approach shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in adding value to the company, not just securing a job for yourself.
Two body paragraphs in a cover letter with the company’s needs and the applicant’s relevant expertise, work experience and accomplishments highlighted.
Finish with a concise closing paragraph and sign-off
The final paragraph is the “call to action” portion of your cover letter. When ending your cover letter, be polite and confident and continue to market yourself as the best candidate for the job.
First, restate your excitement about the job opportunity. Then, encourage the hiring manager to interview you. Remember to mention when you’re available and thank them for their time.
Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a professional closing salutation. The standard closing is “Sincerely,” but here are some more options:
Best wishes, cordially, respectfully, kind regards, best regards and more.
Cover Letter Sample
Here’s a cover letter for a young graduate intern job at UNICEF:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
“I am writing to express my strong interest in the Young Graduate Internship Programme at UNICEF. As a recent graduate in [your field], I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people around the world.
“During my studies, I developed a deep understanding of the importance of UNICEF’s work in promoting the rights and well-being of children globally. My academic experiences have equipped me with skills in [relevant skills, such as research, data analysis, or communication]. I am excited about the opportunity to apply these skills in a real-world setting and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
“I am particularly drawn to UNICEF’s commitment to innovation, equity, and inclusivity. My own experiences have shown me the power of collaboration and teamwork in driving positive change, and I am eager to contribute my skills and energy to help UNICEF achieve its mission.
“This internship would provide me with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a global organisation, learn about the inner workings of UNICEF, and develop professional skills in a supportive and dynamic environment. I am confident that my passion, creativity, and strong work ethic would make me a valuable asset to the UNICEF team.
“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the needs of UNICEF.”
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Remember to customise the letter to fit your own experiences and qualifications and good luck with your application.
Need a CV review? Send an email to info@cedencareers.ng or send a WhatsApp message to 09160876777 with the words “CV REVIEW.”
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