How do you end a cover letter?

You’ll often need to write a cover letter when applying for jobs. It’s a one page letter where you express your interest in the job and how your experience fits with the job requirements. This article will detail how to structure your cover letter to maximise your chances of success.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a letter to a prospective employer, explaining why you’re interested in the role you’ve applied to and how your achievements make you the right fit for the job. If the employer likes your cover letter and CV, you’ll either progress to the next stage of recruitment, be invited for an interview, or even offered a job.

It’s important to understand the difference between a cover letter and a CV. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document which provides information about your education history, qualifications, work experience and any other academic achievements. While cover letters tailored to each institution and written formally in paragraphs, CVs are more generic and are written in short sentences.

How do I start my cover letter?

When starting your cover letter, be sure to state which role you’re interested in, as the firm may be recruiting for a number of different positions. You may also wish to include how you found out about the position, for example at a networking event or if you know an employee.

Then, briefly explain why you’re a perfect fit for the firm. Include something that makes you stand out, for example if you’ve started your own business or have a leadership role.

How do I end my cover letter?

The final paragraph of your cover letter should be a final pitch to the employer, showing them that you’re passionate about the job and that you’re the right person for it. Highlight again the unique skills you would bring to the job, and the value you bring as an employee.

Furthermore, employers are looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about the company, so be sure to express your passion for not just the industry, but for the specific company as well.

How do I sign off a cover letter?

Once you’ve finished your cover letter’s closing paragraphs, you’ll need to put a polite send off. Although you don’t want to sound overly formal, you also don’t want to sound too casual. Some good send offs include: Kind Regards, Thank you and Sincerely.

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What else should I include in my cover letter?

Be sure to include specific factors about what attracted you to the company. For example, if you particularly loved a specific campaign of theirs, talk about that and how it inspired you to apply. Furthermore, make sure you talk about the skills you’ll bring to the job, and provide examples of these skills in action.

For instance, you could talk about how your experience as a newspaper editor for your student paper has strengthened your writing skills and attention to detail.

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