A cover letter is a first impression in writing. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure that our first impressions in person are perfect. Whether it be a fresh haircut for that special date or a new suit for that meeting with a big client. So, why not do the same with your cover letter?

Cover letters help employers screen candidates to see how interested, passionate, and knowledgeable you are about the position or industry. By writing an eye-catching cover letter, recruiters are more likely to read your CV, and hopefully, contact you for an interview!

Is your cover letter ready to go? Log in and easily upload it to Hosco. (There are instructions on how to upload your cover letter at the bottom of this article.)

If you feel like it could use a boost, then keep reading to find out how to get craft an engaging cover letter that helps you stand out.

6 Steps to Cover Letter Success

Even though every cover letter should be customized for the job in question, there are several elements all of them should include:

1. Header. Always include your contact information at the top of the page. It’s a chance for the recruiter to see and hopefully remember your name.

2. Greeting. Begin by addressing the company or hiring manager. Dear “Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or their full name would be ideal. If you don’t know their name, “Dear Hiring Manager,” works just fine.

3. Attention grabber. Here’s where you become a standout candidate. Open with a relevant achievement that’s exciting and engaging to read. Write one or two sentences describing how your skills, interests, or experience make you a perfect fit for the position and company. Make it memorable and a touch of your personality.

4. Introduction. Now you’ve caught the recruiter’s attention, it’s time for the formalities. State the job you’re applying for and explain where you heard about it.

5. Body. In just one or two paragraphs explain why you’re a great candidate. It should mention specific qualifications and skills along with tangible examples that show these traits in action. Describe how you can help the business grow, what unique skills you bring to the table, and explain why you’d love to have the job in question.

6. Closure. Conclude by restating in a concise way how the skills you mentioned above make you a strong fit. Thank the recruiter for their time and say that you’re looking forward to hearing about the next steps.

✅ Does your cover letter tick all these boxes? Take a look at how you can supercharge your job hunt on Hosco! 

Things to Keep in Mind

• Always write a cover letter. Even if the company doesn’t ask for a cover letter in the job description, we highly recommend that you include one anyway.
• Don’t repeat what’s on your CV. The purpose of a cover letter is to catch the eye. Use it to draw attention to the specific skills and experiences that make you the perfect candidate for the job.
• Prove you did your homework. A personalized cover letter demonstrates you did your research. The Hosco company directory is a great place to start as you’ll find insights about 7.000+ companies. Pick out key points and integrate them in to the body of your cover letter.
• Tailor it to the specific job. Match your qualities with the values and mission of the company. Also, try to back up your experiences with solid examples.
• Keep it short, clean, and straight to the point. We know, it’s difficult to mention everything above in just a few paragraphs. However, your cover letter should be around 250-300 words. After you’re done writing it, proofread everything, three times. Spelling and grammar mistakes make you look sloppy and show a lack of attention to detail.

Uploading Your Cover Letter to Your Hosco Profile

On your Hosco profile, you have the option to upload attachments, like your cover letter, certificates, or any other relevant documents. Don’t worry, these files are only visible to you and recruitment companies. You can upload your cover letter any time after you complete your profile. Take a look directly under the “Skills” section and you’ll find the “Upload other documents” box, this is where you can attach it.

Remember, many jobs receive hundreds of applications so you need to write a cover letter that excites, engages, and impresses. Ensure that you stand out by writing a unique introduction and highlight how your expertise matches the requirements of the position you want. Now, if your CV and cover letter are ready to rock, then let the job hunt begin!