What should I include in my cover letter for a job?

A cover letter is a vital part of any job application. It’s an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your skills and experience, and demonstrate why you want the job.

A well-written cover letter helps you stand out and increases your chances of getting a remote job interview. Let’s answer your question, what should I include in your cover letter? Here are some essential elements:

What should I include in your cover letter?

Header: The header of your cover letter should include your name, address, phone number, and email address. It’s essential to make it clear and easy for the employer to contact you.

Date and recipient information: Add some personalization: Instead of using a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern,” try to find the name of the person reading your cover letter.

Addressing them by name will make your letter more personal and show that you’ve done some research on the company.

Try and find the hiring manager at the company on LinkedIn.

If you don’t have a specific person to address, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

Introduction: Your cover letter’s opening should grab the employer’s attention and explain why you’re applying for the job.

You can start by mentioning where you found the job posting and why it caught your attention. For example, you might say, “I was excited to see the job posting for the remote marketing specialist on LinkedIn, and I’m confident that my skills and experience make me a great fit for the role.”

Body: The main section of your cover letter is where you can showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. It’s essential to tailor your letter to the specific job and company, so research and ensure you’re addressing the employer’s needs.

Start by explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements. Use specific examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate your accomplishments. For example, suppose you’re applying for a remote project manager position.

In that case, “As a project manager with five years of experience, I have completed 15 projects on time and under budget. I’m experienced using project management software such as Trello and Asana, and I’m confident I can manage remote teams effectively.”

Highlight skills and experience: When explaining why you’re applying for the job, highlight your relevant skills and knowledge. This will show the employer that you’re a good fit for the position and that you’ve done your homework on what they’re looking for.

Enthusiasm: In addition to showcasing your skills and experience, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. Please explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and how it fits into your career goals.

For example, you might say, “I’m passionate about marketing, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team to help grow the company’s customer base.”

Closing: The closing of your cover letter should summarize your qualifications and share your interest in the job. You can also mention that you’re looking forward to hearing back from the employer and include a thank you statement.

For example, say, “Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team, and I look forward to discussing why I am a good fit for your company in an interview.”

Signature: Include a professional sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and your name. You can also have a digital signature if you submit your cover letter electronically.

Keep it concise: While including all necessary information is essential, your cover letter should be brief, focusing on the most critical details. This will help the employer quickly understand why you’re a good candidate.

Important questions to answer

In your cover letter, you should aim to answer the following questions:

Who are you? Introduce yourself and explain your background and experience. Provide a brief overview of your skills and how they relate to the role you are applying for.
Why are you applying for the job? Explain why you are interested in the position. Discuss the specific aspects of the job that caught your attention and why you are excited about the opportunity.
What are your skills? Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you a good fit for the job. Be specific and provide concrete examples of how you have used these skills in previous positions.
What can you bring to the company? Explain how you can contribute to the company’s goals and add value to the team. Discuss any unique skills, experiences, or perspectives that you bring to the table.
Why should the company hire you? Summarize your skills and experience and explain why you are the best candidate. Highlight any specific qualities or experiences that make you stand out from other applicants.

By addressing these questions in your cover letter, you can effectively communicate your experience and enthusiasm for the remote job and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Remember to tailor your letter to the remote job and company and proofread it before submitting it.