What Should a Cover Letter Say (But Yours Probably Doesnt)

What Should a Cover Letter Say (But Yours Probably Doesnt) Youre here because you already know you have to send a cover letter with your resumeBecause theyre explicitly asking for it. Or because youve heard it helps.In either case, your cover letter has to say why its you theyre looking for. And not those 250+ other candidates.But how to say it exactly?Youll learn it here.In this article Ill show you:What to say in a cover letter, step-by-step, section-by-section.Tips and examples to help you start, develop and finish your cover letter like a pro.How no to self-sabotage your efforts, i.e. what not to say in a cover letter.Want to write your cover letter fast?Use our cover letter builder. Choose from20+ professional cover letter templatesthat match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.Sample Cover Letter for a ResumeSee more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowWant to see what makes a great cover letter? Read our guide: All You Need to Know About Cover Letter WritingLooking for cover letter examples for different job titles? Visit:Free Cover Letter Examples for Jobs: 20+ Best SamplesPressed for time? Check out: A General Cover Letter that Isn't Generic: Sample for Multiple Positions [Tips]Want to make sure every cover letter you send lands you an interview? Get our free checklist:And now, step-by-step, heres what a cover letter should say: 35+ Job Winning Cover Letter Tips Examples1Create a Professional Header for Your Cover LetterYour cover letter header is the first thing that will catch the recruiters eye. Thats why you have to get it right.What to include in a professional cover letter header?Look at the list of necessities below:Cover letter personal info must-haves:Your nameYour telephone numberYour email addressCover letter personal info nice-to-haves:Your professional titleLinkedIn profileLin ks to your professional websitesYour home addressCity of your residence (add only when your cover letter is meant to be very formal)Cover letter addressees details:Hiring managers name professional titleThe name of the company youre applying toSee the example below:Cover Letter Header ExamplerightSarah MarleyElementary Teacher20904 Mississippi RoadBrimson, Missouri, MO64626816-202-3300sarah.marley@email.uslinkedin.com/in/sarahmarleyBrimson, 2/30/2019Principal John SmithGreenvillage Elementary School3011 Creek RoadBrimson, MO64430Pro Tip: If you cant find the hiring managers name, include the name of the department youre targeting. For instance: ABC Editorial Department.Find out more about addressing cover letters in our dedicated guide: How to Address a Cover Letter: Sample Guide [20+ Examples]2Use a Proper Greeting in Your Cover Letter OpeningHow to properly open your cover letter?Begin with a professional cover letter salutation. The rule is simple: address the hiring manager di rectly. You have two options:If youre targeting corporate jobs, go for the more formal version like Dear Ms. Jones,If youre applying to a more relaxed company, use the recruiters first name, i.e.Dear Anna,When addressed directly, people get immediate interest in the issue. Thats how our brains work.And thats why you have to use the right greeting in your cover letter opening.Plus, thanks to a personal salutation youll prove youve tailored your cover letter to this specific company and no other.If youre serious about getting that job, you have to tailor both your cover letter resume to the job offer. Learn how to do it here: 6 Tips on How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description3Write a Compelling Cover Letter First ParagraphThe first paragraph of your cover letter has to be catchy.Why? If it isnt, the hiring manager wont even read the rest.So, what to say in your cover letter intro paragraph?Put your story in the context of the company and grasp their pending needs. Mention one o r two skills and achievements that show youve got what theyre looking for.You can also do the following:Add a fact about the company to show the recruiter you did your research and you really care.Show your enthusiasm. Recruiters love hiring people who are passionate about what they do.Heres an example of a compelling cover letter first paragraph for an elementary teacher:What to Say in a Cover Letter?First ParagraphrightAs a devoted teacher with 4+ years of experience teaching at first- to third-graders, I was excited to see your opening for an elementary teacher position. Im a great fan of the cooperative teaching techniques you introduce at XYZ Elementary School and Im sure my expertise may contribute to your institution. In my previous position, I designed a course of math and science activities that students performed in small teams. They had an opportunity to support each other and cooperate in a natural and creative way.Now take a close look at this:wrongI am writing in regar ds to your opening for an elementary teacher position. I have plenty of experience in teaching early graders. In my daily work I introduce a variety of modern teaching techniques. I also like to enhance kids creativity.Whats so great about the first cover letter intro?It doesnt just say Im the one youre looking for. Apart from the candidates skills and experience, it brings a fact about the school and directly responds to their profile. Plus, theres loads of real enthusiasma must when youre a teacher.The wrong example?This cover letter opening paragraph is packed with generic statements that just dont tell anything about the candidate. It could fit any teaching position. And none at the same time.Pro Tip: Always mention the companys name in your cover letter first paragraph, too. This way youll highlight youve made a real effort to tailor your cover letter to their job posting specifically.Looking for more tips on how to open a cover letter? Go to our dedicated guide: How to Start a Cover Letter: 20+ Great Opening Lines Paragraphs4Prove Youre The Perfect Fit for the PositionOkay, youve got their attention. Time to keep it.Asking yourself what to say in a cover letter body? This and the next section will tell you everything.The second paragraph of your cover letter has to explain how theyll benefit from hiring you. Thats exactly what the hiring manager wants to hear.Follow the steps below and show the recruiter youre the right candidate:Read the job offer closely and identify the companys needs.Review your work history. Pick duties and accomplishments that resonate with these needs.In your cover letter second paragraph, list one or two examples of your relevant experience that fits the job offer requirements.See the example below:Cover LetterSecond Paragraph ExamplerightAt ABC School, I designed state-level lesson plans that combined various curriculum elements and incorporated activities based on modern technology. I prepared a set of involving online tutoria ls and engaged students to prepare digital presentations on local culture and art. I know you value modern approaches and context-based teaching methods. I followed these ideas when preparing students for class testswhich resulted in 20% test scores improvement in half a year.This second paragraph of a cover letter for a teaching position says it all:Theyre looking for a person with a modern teaching approach who is familiar with the state curriculum. The candidate proves this and mentions the teaching methods she used improved the average test scores by 20%.wrongAt ABC School, I followed standard lesson plans, plus I incorporated authorial online classes and activities. I encouraged students to participate in the classes and patiently prepared them for class tests. The test results improved towards the end of the school year.Can you see the difference?This cover letter paragraph is not terrible, but its not impressive either. It doesnt resonate with the schools values, and it lacks quantifiable achievements.Pro Tip: Avoid using clichs. Instead of saying Im the perfect fit for this position, prove that. Quantify your accomplishments using numbers and percentages.A well-composed cover letter can double your chances of winning an interview. But even the best cover letter wont work without a perfect resume.When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.5Explain Why Youre Motivated to Join ThemWelcome to the third paragraph of your job-winning cover letter.What should you say here? Why you want to join this company, and no other.Theres a simple pattern to show your motivation to the recruiter:Mention a fact about the company, e.g. their recent project.Say what you like about it.Tell them how your experience resonates with what they doan d reiterate your value.Check out these examples:Cover LetterThird Paragraph ExamplerightI know that your school has currently engaged in a teaching psychology project that promotes positive reinforcement techniques and helps teachers recognize kids learning needs. What I love about teaching children is that you can support their natural development on a daily basis. Ill be happy to use my background in psychology to create an encouraging learning environment that helps them obtain learning goals at their own pace.This candidate has done her research. Shes passionate about something that is valuable for the school she is applying for.Now how about the example below?wrongI know that your school helps teachers recognize kids learning needs. I always try to support kids natural development and look at each student individually. Im really into psychology, too. I attended various workshops on teaching-related topics, and I believe this could contribute to your schools needs.Similar but le ss to the point. The school principal wont know what various workshops on teaching-related topics actually mean.When addressing your potential employers values you always need to be specific.Pro Tip: Wondering how long should your cover letter be? Keep it short and sweet. Cover letters longer than three paragraphs or one page dont get the credit.Your cover letter is almost ready but youve got the impression youre missing something? Use our checklist to make sure your cover letter has it all: What to Include in a Cover Letter (15+ Examples)6Close Your Cover Letter with a Call to ActionWere almost there.Almostbecause you need to close your cover letter in style.What to say in a cover letter ending? Include a powerful call-to-action.Like in the example below:Cover Letter Closing ParagraphrightI would be thrilled to discuss how my strong context-based teaching background and communication skills can further develop your students.Sincerely,Sarah MarleyWant to see more examples of profess ional cover letter endings? Check out this guide: How to End a Cover Letter [20+ Examples of Great Closing Paragraphs]7Use a Formal Cover Letter ClosingYou might think that singing off a cover letter is easy peasy.Well, you can still get it wrong.Heres what a professional cover letter closing looks like:Write Sincerely followed by your full name.Add a hand-written signature below a digital sign-off. Its not compulsory but it looks good on formal applications.Include a cover letter enclosure if applicable.Optionally, repeat your phone number and email address to make it easier for the recruiter to find your contact details.Instead of Sincerely, you can use these alternative sing-offs:Thank you,Best regards,With best regards,Kind regards,Respectfully,Regards,Sincerely yours,Sent your cover letter a long time ago but youre still waiting for a reply? Follow-up! Heres how to do it right: How to Follow up on a Job Application in 6 Easy Steps8Add the PostscriptLast but not least, add a pos tscript to your cover letter.Its not a must but it can be a real game changer.Why?A tasty PS works like a secret note. Its intriguing and makes the recruiter more curios. Fun fact is it may actually be the first thing theyll spot and read in your cover letter.Your cover letter postscript doesnt have to be specifically related to the job ad. It just needs to tease them and show your value as their future employee.ButWhen writing a PS note, dont look too needy. Instead of imposing yourself, say youd be happy to share more details about one more accomplishment of yours.Heres an exampleCover Letter Postscript NoterightPSI would also value the opportunity to tell you how I helped my students win an annual Early Maths Olympiad competition.wrongPSI would also be excited to tell you more about my other career gigs, including a wedding coordinator job and a retail position.See the difference?Make your postscript note exciting.Pro Tip: Your cover letter demonstrates your writing skills. Alway s proofread it before sending your application. Typos and grammar errors will act against you.Applying for a job via email not a job board? Send an email cover letter to remember. Heres how: Email Cover Letter: Sample Proper Format [20+ Tips]9And Make SureNotto Say This in Your Cover LetterYou already know each part of your cover letter has to sell you as their best pick.But dont get carried awaySome things you might be tempted to say in your cover letter will actually work against you.To the point of botching your chances for this job.Heres what not to say in a cover letter:Avoid generic statements like Im looking for a job in an X sector. Are you looking for any job in the industry or you want this one? Show the recruiter that you target this position at this companyand no other.Dont use meaningless buzzwords like goal-oriented, good communicator, team player. These are just words. You need to prove your features with measurable accomplishments.Dont oversell yourself. Im a perfec t fit for the position, You can always count on me, Im exactly what youre looking for are subjective statements that make you look overconfident. You dont want this.Now that you know what should a cover letter sayGo and write a killer one yourself!Key TakeawayHeres a recap of what to say in a cover letter to get any job you want:Create a professional cover letter header.Address the hiring manager by their name and write a strong opening statement.Show your proudest accomplishments and explain your motivation for applying for this specific.Say how you can help the company with their goals.Finish by making an offer (in a call-to-action) and add a tasty PS note with one more achievement relevant to the job opening.And avoid writing clichs. Theyll never work in your favour.Still wondering what to say in a cover letter for a job? Writing a cover letter from scratch? Tweaking the one you already have? Give me a shout in the comments. Were happy to help!