The job seeking industry is more competitive than it has ever been before, and it’s surprising that the application system still runs on the same principles as it always has done.

How to write an outstanding cover letter

In short, to make the best first impression with your potential recruiters, you need to master the art of writing two key documents: a resume and a cover letter.

There is a tonne of articles online on how to perfect your resume, but have you paid much attention to your cover letter?

Whereas most people think a cover letter is simply an attaching document that highlights the relevant points of your resume, they are actually so much more than that.

To help give you everything you need to secure your next job interview by standing out from the crowd, here’s all there is to know about writing the perfect cover letter.

Research the company first

Before you sit down to write your cover letter, take a look at the website or social media pages of the company you’re applying for.

Take a look at the sort of style their content is written in and what kind of language they are using.

You can then use this information when writing your cover letter as it will match exactly what the company is looking for and therefore increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Match your resume formatting

One of the key things to remember when writing your cover letter is to keep the exact same formatting as your resume.

You don’t want the recruiter to believe that you’re inconsistent with what you do so make sure you keep the same header styles, the same font (and size), font colour and overall style.

Highlight your resume

Contrary to the introduction, your cover letter does give you the opportunity to explore some aspects of your resume in greater depth.

However, choose which bits you want to elaborate on wisely, so your reader doesn’t just think they’re reading an extended resume.

“Choose a handful of points that match the job you’re applying for and then go into detail how those skills or traits will benefit their business or suit the job role,” shares Alan Johnson, a cover letter writer for Academized.

Use online tools for perfection

Just like your resume, you’ll want to check over and read through your cover letter to make sure that it’s free from errors.

Showing that you don’t have an attention to detail could cost you the interview.

Here are some tools that can help you with this process:

State of Writing & My Writing Way: These are two blogs full of cover letter writing guides you can follow to make writing easier and more professional.

Resumention: A website is full of resume and cover letter building templates to help you write in a professional format.

Do My Assignment: A writing agency that can help you with any writing-related queries or questions you may have. You can see the full review of this service at Essay Services reviews.

Then vs Than & Grammarix: These are two blogs full of posts and articles to help you improve your grammar skills.

Essayroo: A writing agency that can write and create a cover letter on your behalf.

Cite It In: A free online tool for adding citations and references to your cover letter in a professional format.

Boomessays: An online writing service, as recommended by the HuffingtonPost in “Write My Essay” article, that can edit and proofread your cover letter for you.

Easy Word Count: A free online tool for actively tracking and monitoring the word count of your cover letter.

Tell a story in your cover letter

When it comes to your cover letter, the main goal that you have is to grab your reader’s attention.

If you can’t grab their attention, you’re not going secure an interview.

Instead of simply reeling off facts in your cover letter, even if they’re amazing facts, add a bit of substance to them to make them engaging.

For example, instead of saying something along the lines of ‘I managed to boost my department’s social media engagement rates’, say something like ‘During my time at the company, I was able to dramatically increase the engagement rates of my department’s social media channels through careful planning and meticulous hard work’.

I hope these tips will help you on your career journey!

What do you think? Have you tried any of them yet? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.

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