How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter in English

Cover letters are an essential component of your application package, helping to sell your skills and demonstrate why you would make the perfect fit for the company.

Cover letters should always be written professionally, and there are certain pitfalls you must avoid to ensure that it reads perfectly.

Avoid Phrasal

Phrasal verbs are frequently employed in informal writing styles reminiscent of spoken dialogue, so their usage may contain slang, idioms, colloquial expressions, abbreviations and contractions that may mislead readers whose native language isn’t English. Such language could prove confusing to newcomers.

Many teachers advise their students to replace PVs with single word equivalents wherever possible for formal academic writing, due to the belief that PVs make text seem too informal or lack clarity.

But not all phrasal verbs are inappropriate for academic writing, such as adhering to or agreeing with. Acceptable examples would include abiding by and acceding to. Furthermore, using a phrasal verb may also help when its meaning cannot be captured with one word alone; put up with and tolerate are among these.

Avoid Cultural Misunderstandings

As writers, it’s crucial to be cognizant of cultural differences when writing. This means avoiding words which have negative connotations in certain cultures – for instance “brilliant”, “fantastic”, and “outstanding”. Additionally, you should be sure the tone fits with the company you’re applying to as well as common cover letter mistakes that might cause confusion for readers from different backgrounds.

Many job seekers use their cover letters as an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and provide details about their past experience, but hiring managers do not wish to read overly-inflated letters that exaggerate self-importance and bragging. Instead, consider how your skills and experience could add value to the company in which you apply.

Avoid generic phrases like, “I am the best.” Instead, provide examples of your work and achievements in your letter so employers can see how well you would fit into their organization and help achieve its goals.

As shown below, this candidate used a conversational tone when explaining their suitability for the nursing position. Within just a few short paragraphs, they confidently listed their professional achievements and expressed interest in applying directly to their hiring manager instead of writing “To whom it may concern” or using other generic greetings.

Avoid Mistakes in Grammar and Spelling

An improper grammar or spelling usage can quickly ruin a well-crafted cover letter. For instance, using “address” instead of “to” could come off as less than professional. Also using punctuation marks incorrectly or leaving out punctuation can throw the entire document off track – making proofreading and use of an online spell checker essential to its success. Having someone review your work also can help.

Hiring managers are usually adept at judging whether or not candidates have done their research. In this example cover letter from a recent college graduate, she makes sure to mention both her enthusiasm for the organization and qualifications for the job in detail. Furthermore, she avoids generic statements like “I strongly endorse your mission”, instead providing specific accomplishments from past internships that meet employer goals.

If you know any contacts at the company, The Muse suggests making contact before sending your letter and asking any pertinent questions about the position or company. This will allow your letter to stand out more from other applications, which can help make an impressionful first impression and potentially land an interview. Furthermore, for added peace of mind if any doubts arise with its tone or structure it would be wise to consult an expert.

Avoid Informal Writing

Writing a cover letter requires professionalism. Utilizing informal phrases or language may send the wrong signal and jeopardise your chances of getting an interview. Furthermore, do not over-explain anything or write lengthy paragraphs; keep in mind that hiring managers likely have other applications to read, so your cover letter should be brief and to the point.

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make in their cover letters is providing irrelevant details. Hiring managers want to know what makes you unique and why they should choose you for the position; now is your opportunity to show them your love of industry and company culture, while emphasizing why the role fits perfectly into your lifestyle.

An effective cover letter should provide a snapshot of your experience, so it is wise to keep details to a minimum. Instead of just listing past roles, highlight their responsibilities and duties instead. Furthermore, avoid discussing hobbies or personal details that don’t pertain to this role.

Finally, it is essential that the letter be addressed to the correct individual. Addressing it incorrectly could send out the wrong signal and may make the hiring manager believe you aren’t serious about the job opportunity. Instead, take the time to research who will read your letter by searching LinkedIn and the company website.