English Grammar | Writing a Cover Letter
A cover letter is short introductory email or document that should go with your resume when you apply for a job. It is the first communication you have with a potential employer or recruiter, and as such, it can be as important as your resume. A well-written cover letter can have a positive impact and influence the initial shortlisting and hiring decisions significantly. Good English grammar can help you make this possible!
So, if you’re applying for a job, it is a good idea to give some time and attention to drafting a great cover letter. Here are some tips that may help:
Customize Your Cover Letter
As a general rule, avoid using the same cover letter each time you apply for a job. Instead, use each opportunity to highlight how you are suited to the job for which you are applying. Target the job and the hiring manager in a very specific way.
Use a Personal Greeting for the Hiring Manager
If possible, research and try to find the name of the hiring manager of the organization to which you are applying. It is often better to address the hiring manager by name instead of writing in a general manner, for example: ‘To whom it may concern.’
Do not repeat the contents of your resume
A cover letter should not be a repetition of your resume. Instead, it should be a short summary of your skills and achievements and address what makes you suited for the job. It’s the hook that makes the reader want more!
Introduce Yourself
Introduce yourself to the Hiring Manager in such a way that it catches his or her attention. Your introductory passage could include some accomplishments. For example, if you’re applying for a position at an accounting firm, a cover letter line could be, ‘I am a CA with fifteen years of experience in big-four companies. I have a very diverse and rich experience which I want to utilize for the growth of your company.’ A trainer can write ‘I have conducted Spoken English trainings for many organizations.’
Highlight Your Achievements
The cover letter should highlight your achievements and show how you added value to your current job. If possible, it should contain data and statistics that speak about your capabilities and accomplishments. For example a recruiter can write ‘I have closed 20 open positions in 6 months’. An English teacher can write ‘I teach English including English grammar, reading and English writing to students. In addition, my students have improved their English speaking skills.’
Use Keywords
Go through the job description properly. Determine the KRA’s (key result areas) of the job and use words that indicate to the hiring manager that you possess the skills required for the job. A hiring manager goes through many applications in one day. So, it is important to use keywords that can catch his or her attention even with a quick scan of the letter. For example, if the role needs the incumbent to be a fluent communicator in English, it may be helpful to introduce a reference to ‘English Conversation’ in the letter.
Showcase Your Skills
A cover letter must highlight your skills and show how your skill set aligns with the role that makes you the best suited person for the job. The cover letter should convey to the hiring manager that you are the perfect fit for the job.
Show Enthusiasm
Show enthusiasm for the job and organization. Convey to the hiring manager that you are looking forward to being a part of the organization.
Improve English Grammar
Mistakes and typos can make a bad first impression. Potential employers may think you lack a quality focus and attention to detail. Ensure you use correct English grammar used in your cover letter. Double-check your cover letter for spelling mistakes or punctuation errors. If required, analyze your letter using an online writing checker. EnglishHelper’s WritingAssistant is a very powerful tool used by writers from across the world.
In summary, a cover letter is a way to introduce yourself to the hiring manager. It should clearly state who you are, what you can offer, and how you can add value to the organization. Through a cover letter, you can reach out to the hiring manager and tell him or her how you can add value to the position and the organization. A great cover letter can make you stand out in a crowd.