Cover letter template 2016
Begin with a concise opening that highlights your enthusiasm for the position. Mention the company’s name and the role you’re applying for, aligning your experience with the key requirements listed in the job description. Personalize the message to reflect your genuine interest in their specific work environment and mission.
Next, focus on your qualifications. Use specific examples that show how your skills directly match the job’s needs. Highlight relevant achievements and contributions from past roles that demonstrate your ability to perform well in the position. Tailor your wording to reflect the company’s values and culture.
Conclude with a strong closing statement. Express your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the team. Politely invite them to contact you for further information or an interview. Keep the tone confident but respectful, reinforcing your excitement about the opportunity without being overly assertive.
Cover Letter Template 2016
A well-crafted cover letter should highlight your skills while matching the company’s expectations. Keep it clear, direct, and tailored to the job. Here’s a template to follow:
- Your contact information
Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top of the letter. Make sure this section is aligned to the left or centered, depending on your preference. - Employer’s contact information
Below your details, write the hiring manager’s name, company name, and address. If you don’t know the specific name, address it to the hiring manager or use a general title like “Dear Hiring Manager”. - Greeting
Use a formal greeting. If you know the recipient’s name, use “Dear [Full Name],” otherwise stick to “Dear Hiring Manager” to keep it professional. - Opening paragraph
Begin by stating the position you’re applying for and how you found the job posting. Be clear about your interest in the position and mention briefly why you’re a strong candidate. - Middle paragraphs
Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Use examples to demonstrate your qualifications, and link them to the company’s needs. Mention any personal traits or knowledge that make you stand out. - Closing paragraph
Reinforce your enthusiasm for the job and express your interest in discussing your application in more detail. Provide a call to action, such as “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.” - Signature
End with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. If submitting a hard copy, leave space for your signature.
Customize each cover letter for the job you’re applying for. Be concise, confident, and professional throughout.
How to Tailor Your Letter to Specific Jobs
Focus on the key requirements listed in the job posting. Highlight skills and experiences that align directly with the role. Start by reading the job description carefully and identifying keywords related to responsibilities and qualifications. Use these same keywords in your letter to show that you’re a strong match.
Customise your opening paragraph. Mention the position you’re applying for and briefly explain why you’re interested. Link your background to the company’s values or mission to show you’re a good cultural fit.
In the body of your letter, focus on 2-3 key achievements or experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for this specific position. Use examples that clearly show how your skills can solve the employer’s needs. Avoid generic statements and instead, provide concrete evidence of your success in similar situations.
End with a closing paragraph that reaffirms your enthusiasm for the position and invites the employer to contact you. Keep it concise and to the point–let them know you’re looking forward to the next steps.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Read the job description carefully, identify key responsibilities and qualifications. |
| Step 2 | Use relevant keywords from the job description in your letter. |
| Step 3 | Tailor your achievements to match the job requirements with concrete examples. |
| Step 4 | Conclude with a strong, concise closing paragraph inviting further contact. |
Choosing the Right Tone for Your Cover Letter
Tailor the tone of your cover letter to match the company culture and the role you’re applying for. If the company is formal, use professional language and a more reserved tone. If it’s a creative company, a relaxed and friendly approach works better.
Be confident but not arrogant. Show enthusiasm for the job, but avoid over-exaggerating your skills. Focus on your strengths and how they align with the company’s needs without sounding like you’re boasting.
Use a conversational yet respectful tone. You want the employer to feel as though they’re having a one-on-one conversation with you, not reading a generic, robotic letter. Avoid jargon and overly complex language that could come across as insincere.
Match the tone to the job: A technical role may demand a more direct and straightforward tone, while a customer-facing position might call for a warmer, approachable style. Adjust your phrasing accordingly, ensuring it reflects the environment you’ll be working in.
Keep it polite and professional, but don’t be afraid to show personality where appropriate. The right tone can help you stand out and demonstrate that you understand the company’s values and the role you’re applying for.
Key Elements to Include in the Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should immediately capture the reader’s attention. Begin with a direct reference to the job you’re applying for and where you found the listing. Clearly state your interest in the position and show an understanding of the company’s mission or values. This creates an instant connection and shows you’ve researched the role.
Make a Strong First Impression
Start with a clear, confident statement about why you are a great fit for the position. Highlight a key skill or achievement that aligns with the job requirements. Keep it concise, but impactful. Avoid vague phrases like “I am passionate about this role.” Instead, focus on your expertise and how it will benefit the company.
Build a Connection
Incorporate a brief reference to the company or its recent accomplishments to demonstrate your enthusiasm. It’s a way to show you’re not just applying to any job but are specifically interested in this opportunity. Mentioning something unique about the company can help make your application stand out from the rest.
Structuring the Body for Maximum Impact
Focus on clarity and precision. Begin by addressing the specific needs of the employer, showing that you understand the role and how your experience aligns with it. Clearly highlight your qualifications and the tangible skills you bring to the position. Use concise sentences and avoid over-explaining. Each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose: introduce a skill or achievement, provide a relevant example, and link it back to how it can benefit the company.
Be specific about what you have accomplished. Instead of vague claims, demonstrate with numbers or detailed examples. For instance, instead of stating you “improved sales,” specify “boosted sales by 20% over a six-month period.” These figures make your achievements concrete and memorable.
In the next paragraph, explain why you are a good fit for the company culture. Avoid generic statements about being a “team player” or “hardworking.” Offer a specific instance where your values or working style complemented the goals or mission of a past employer. Show how these qualities will transfer to the new role.
End the body with a confident statement about your interest in the position and your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute further. Keep the tone friendly and confident, but not overly casual. Avoid restating your resume; instead, provide insight into how you can add value in the role, focusing on the unique aspects of your background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2016 Templates
One common mistake in 2016 cover letter templates is using a generic greeting. Avoid starting with “To whom it may concern.” Instead, address the hiring manager by name, if possible. This personal touch makes a significant difference and shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company.
Overuse of Templates
Using templates without customization can make your cover letter appear impersonal. Tailor the content to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Employers appreciate seeing how you fit the specific job requirements, rather than reading a generic statement that could apply to any role.
Poor Formatting
Another mistake is neglecting formatting. Templates can sometimes create awkward spacing or uneven alignment. Ensure that your cover letter is clean, easy to read, and well-structured. Consistent font size and style are key for a professional appearance.
Spelling and grammar errors can easily slip through when using a pre-made template. Always double-check for mistakes before sending. These small errors can undermine an otherwise strong application.
Lastly, don’t forget to include a clear call to action. Make it easy for the employer to contact you by providing your phone number and email address at the end of the letter. This simple step ensures they know how to reach you quickly for follow-up.
How to End with a Strong Call to Action
Be clear and specific about what you want the reader to do next. Use direct language that encourages immediate action. Instead of vague phrases, specify what steps to take and how to proceed. For example, invite them to schedule a meeting or review your portfolio. Make it easy for them to take the next step by including links or providing contact details.
Keep your tone positive and confident. Avoid any hesitations or doubt, and focus on how the next action benefits both parties. If you’re suggesting a phone call or meeting, ensure your availability and highlight how it will lead to meaningful outcomes.
Close with a brief, compelling sentence that reinforces your message. This reinforces urgency without overwhelming the reader. The goal is to prompt them to act right away, feeling that the next step is straightforward and valuable.