Email Cover Letter: What Is It & How To Write A Good One?

In the highly competitive job market of today, distinguishing yourself is paramount to land your dream job. While job seekers meticulously prepare their resumes, many overlook a crucial element that can significantly impact their chances: the email cover letter. Often underestimated, a well-crafted email cover letter can be the key to standing out and capturing the attention of potential employers, giving you a distinct advantage in the job application process.

The email cover letter is the initial impression you make on a recruiter or hiring manager. It holds the power to significantly impact your chances of landing the job. A compelling and effective email cover letter can significantly enhance your candidacy, while a poorly constructed one may lead to your resume being disregarded and discarded. Therefore, it is crucial to dedicate attention and effort to crafting a strong cover letter to accompany your resume.

So, let’s dive into the basics of email cover letters and see how to write an effective email cover letter that will land you your first job.

What Are Email Cover Letters?

A cover letter is a letter sent along with the resume to the prospective employer. It is also called a letter of application or a letter of intent. This letter mainly focuses on introducing yourself and getting the reader to read your resume.

It should be written in a way that encourages the reader to read your resume. Your letter should be able to tell the employer why you are contacting them, what your goals are, and what you can do for the employer. If you are applying for a specific job, your letter should tell the employer why you are the best person for the job and why they should hire you.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Email Cover Letters

Proofreading For Grammar And Spelling Errors

One of the most common mistakes in email cover letters is overlooking grammar and spelling errors. These mistakes can undermine your professionalism and attention to detail. Before sending your email, thoroughly proofread it to ensure proper grammar, accurate spelling, and correct punctuation.

To ensure the quality of your email cover letter, it is beneficial to leverage proofreading tools such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from a trusted individual to review your letter and provide feedback. Having an extra pair of eyes can help catch any mistakes or inconsistencies you might have overlooked.

Avoiding Generic Or Cliché Language

Steer clear of using generic or cliché language in your email cover letter, as it can make your message appear unoriginal and lackluster. Refrain from relying on overused phrases or buzzwords that fail to add real value or showcase your unique qualifications.

Instead, channel your energy into expressing genuine enthusiasm and employing specific, impactful language that highlights your individuality and relevant skills. Craft your cover letter with a personal touch, demonstrating how your experiences and abilities align with the position you’re applying for.

By avoiding generic language and showcasing your authenticity, you can make a memorable impression on potential employers and increase your chances of standing out among other applicants.

Keeping The Email Cover Letter Concise And Focused

Lengthy and rambling email cover letters are unlikely to hold the attention of busy recruiters or hiring managers. It’s essential to keep your letter concise and to the point.

Focus on the most relevant information, such as your qualifications, key achievements, and why you are a strong fit for the role. Aim to communicate your message effectively within a few paragraphs and use bullet points for clarity when necessary.

Personalizing The Letter Instead Of Using Generic Templates

Using generic templates and not personalizing your email cover letter is a significant mistake. Recruiters can quickly spot a generic letter that lacks a genuine connection to the company or position.

Take the time to research the company, understand its values and goals, and tailor your letter accordingly. Address specific points from the job description and explain how your skills and experiences align with their needs. A personalized approach shows your genuine interest and increases your chances of making a positive impact.

Now that you are aware of the common mistakes to avoid, it’s time to explore some helpful tips for crafting an attention-grabbing email cover letter.

Tips For Writing An Attention-Grabbing Email Cover Letter

Using A Confident And Professional Tone

When composing an email cover letter, finding the right balance between professionalism and confidence is paramount. It is important to adopt a tone that reflects your competence and excitement for the role. Strive for a tone that is neither overly formal nor excessively casual, as it may hinder effective communication.

By exuding confidence in your writing, you convey your belief in your own abilities and leave a positive impression on the reader. This demonstrates your capacity to excel in the position and enhances your overall candidacy.

Utilizing Storytelling Techniques To Engage The Reader

Utilizing storytelling techniques in your email cover letter can make it more engaging and memorable for the reader. Instead of presenting a dry list of skills and experiences, crafting your cover letter as a compelling narrative can capture the reader’s attention and create a lasting impact.

By incorporating relevant stories that highlight your journey, challenges you’ve overcome, and significant accomplishments, you create an emotional connection with the reader.

Storytelling demonstrates your ability to handle real-world situations and showcases your unique qualities and strengths in a more compelling and relatable manner. It allows the reader to visualize your experiences and achievements, making your email cover letter more captivating and memorable amidst a sea of other applicants.

Incorporating Keywords And Industry-Specific Language

To make your email cover letter impactful, it’s crucial to go beyond generic claims and highlight measurable achievements and results. Instead of merely stating your capabilities, provide concrete evidence of your past successes.

Quantify your accomplishments by incorporating specific numbers, percentages, or timeframes to demonstrate the actual impact you made in previous roles. By showcasing tangible outcomes, you establish credibility and prove your ability to deliver measurable results.

This approach not only captures the attention of recruiters but also reinforces your qualifications and sets you apart from other candidates who rely solely on vague statements.

Providing Evidence Or Examples To Support Claims

When highlighting your skills and qualifications in your email cover letter, it’s not enough to simply make claims about your abilities. To make a more substantial impact, it’s crucial to provide evidence or examples that support these claims. By offering concrete instances of how you have effectively applied your skills, you demonstrate your expertise and credibility to the reader.

Rather than stating that you are a “great communicator,” you can mention a specific situation where your communication skills played a vital role. For example, you can describe how you successfully led a team meeting, effectively conveyed complex ideas to stakeholders, or resolved conflicts through clear and concise communication.

Pro Tip

How To Follow Up After Sending An Email Cover Letter?

Importance Of Post-Submission Follow-up

The importance of post-submission follow-up cannot be overstated in the job application process. It showcases your proactive nature and dedication to securing the position. By reaching out after sending your email cover letter, you demonstrate genuine interest and initiative, setting yourself apart from other candidates who may not take this extra step.

Following up provides an opportunity to reinforce your qualifications and remind the hiring manager or recruiter of your unique skills and experiences. It allows you to address any questions or concerns they may have had while reviewing your application. This proactive communication also helps you establish a positive rapport with the employer, as it shows your commitment and professionalism.

Timing And Methods For Following Up

Finding the right timing and using suitable methods for following up after sending an email cover letter can significantly impact your chances of getting noticed by employers. It’s essential to strike a balance between giving the employer ample time to review your application and showing your continued interest in the position.

Waiting for approximately one week is generally considered appropriate before initiating a follow-up. This allows sufficient time for the employer to go through the applications and evaluate candidates. However, remember that certain circumstances or application deadlines mentioned in the job posting might require a shorter or longer waiting period. Always take these factors into consideration.

When it comes to the method of follow-up, you have the option to reach out via email or make a phone call. The choice depends on your comfort level and the company’s preferred communication style.

Reinforcing Your Interest And Enthusiasm For The Position

During the follow-up stage, it is crucial to emphasize your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position and company. Take the opportunity to showcase any relevant updates or additional information that enhances your candidacy. Express gratitude for the chance to apply and reaffirm why you believe you are a perfect fit for the role. By reinforcing your commitment, you leave a positive impression and ensure that your application remains memorable to the hiring team.

Conclusion

Your cover letter is a brief of your resume. Here you can present yourself and your skills to a potential employer. It is the first thing that a recruiter sees when they open an email that you’ve sent them, and you can never afford to attach an awful cover letter with your resume. Hence, use the above tips, craft an eye-catching cover letter, tie it with your resume, and you are good to go!

Furthermore, if you have any doubts regarding the above points, we would love to solve them in the comment section below!