{"id":2647,"date":"2023-10-17T20:46:35","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T03:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/addison.lwh.dev\/insights\/how-to-write-a-winning-cover-letter\/"},"modified":"2024-07-17T19:27:01","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T02:27:01","slug":"how-to-write-a-winning-cover-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addisongroup.com\/insights\/how-to-write-a-winning-cover-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Winning Cover Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cover letters \u2013 they\u2019re like a recurring guest star when filling out job applications. Sometimes a cover letter is required; other times, they\u2019re optional or not needed at all to move forward in the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since cover letters aren\u2019t always needed for a job application, many people might not have a complete picture of what goes into writing them. At Addison Group, we\u2019ve seen our share of good and not-so-good cover letters. We\u2019re here to help you with the ins and outs of writing a winning cover letter. Read along to learn why cover letters can be useful and some inside tips into writing a captivating one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are Cover Letters Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Resumes are the main way an employer gets to know you before an interview and weeds out qualified versus unqualified candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though they\u2019re not always required for an application, cover letters offer another opportunity to share more details about your work experience outside of the technical skills you highlight on your resume. It also allows you to show the hiring manager who you are aside from your skills and qualifications. Cover letters give you a chance to explain why your professional experiences make you a good fit for the position and how you can add value to their organization. Another option to convey this information is to include it in the summary portion of your LinkedIn profile. A cover letter can be a great opportunity to explain any gaps in employment or why you might be exploring a new role or industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An important note: if a cover letter is not listed anywhere on an application, don\u2019t submit one. First, it\u2019s extra work for yourself. Secondly, sending more paperwork than required could be seen as a red flag from a hiring manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips and Tricks to Write a Winning Cover Letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve outlined the value of cover letters, here are some good tips for writing a winning cover letter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Formatting: <\/strong>Formatting is essential when writing a cover letter. First, if possible, tailor your heading to address the hiring manager. If you can\u2019t find the hiring manager’s name, stick with something more general like \u2018Dear Hiring Team\u2019<\/a>. Finally, your cover letter should not exceed a page.<\/a> Ideally, you should make it around three to four paragraphs and under 400 words.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Know what you\u2019ll write about: <\/strong>When deciding what you\u2019ll write about, break it down by what type of information you would include<\/a> in each paragraph.  \n