Autocreate

Sign inGet started

Autocreate

Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out: Step-by-Step Guide

A cover letter is an essential part of any job application, and if written well, it can help you stand out from other candidates. However, crafting a cover letter that truly stands out can be a daunting task. In this guide, we'll give you step-by-step instructions to help you write a cover letter that will grab the attention of the hiring manager.

Blog author image

Sim Tzu Jye

March 04, 2023

Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out: Step-by-Step Guide
After weeks of hard work searching for a job, and polishing up your resume, you’re almost ready to take that big leap.You’ve short-listed the job opportunities you're most interested in, got a friend to help prepare you for your interviews, and you're pretty sure you've nailed every detail - until you remember the job ad specifically asked for a cover letter.Now you’re thinking, how am I going to write one? But don’t worry, it’s actually easier than you’d think.Creating a good cover letter for a job is a lot like baking a cake: you need to make sure you have all the right ingredients, in the right quantity, and follow the steps correctly.In this guide, we’ll show you the ropes to writing a cover letter that’ll get you the job you deserve.

What is a Cover Letter and Why is it Important?

When it comes to job applications, your cover letter is kind of like the first date. It's crucial to make a good first impression, in order to get the HR manager curious enough to read your résumé and go on a second date. After all, a one-page document can be the difference between a great career opportunity, or never hearing back.A well-crafted cover letter should be comprehensively detailed but succinct - typically around 250 to 400 words. It should include both professional and personal information, to illustrate why you're the most suitable candidate. Just like any good date, the more creative and thoughtful you are the better chance you have of leaving them wanting more.On the other hand, a bad cover letter can be your application's kiss of death. So, if you want to land the job, make sure your cover letter makes the right impression on the HR manager and shows that you're confident and qualified for the role.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Great Cover Letter

Alright, let's lay a foundation and walk you through the process of crafting a compelling cover letter, one step at a time.

Step 1: Research the Company

Before you can effectively write a cover letter that stands out, you need to understand the company or job you are applying to. Research the company’s background, its mission statement, and recent news to learn more about the company.This information can help you form an understanding of what kind of qualities the company values in its team members, allowing you to highlight similar skills and experiences that make you a good fit.You can also use the company’s language and brand to make your letter stand out in a positive way — think of it as creating a bridge between you and the company. Tailor your letter to the specific job you’re applying for, to show the hiring managers how you are the perfect fit for the job.

Step 2: Begin with a Greeting

A great way to make a good impression on your future employer is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager directly.Don't settle for a generic "Dear Sir/Madam"-- these are too overused, and don't show that you're truly enthusiastic about potentially working for this team.If you're not sure who the hiring manager is, one easy option is to search on LinkedIn.For example, if you're applying for a position as a Communications Specialist at Autocreate, chances are you'll be looking for the head of that department.A quick browse through the site will give you your answer before you know it. Alternately, you can check out the company's "Team" page and track down the right person from there.

Step 3: Craft a Captivating Intro

First impressions make a huge difference when it comes to job searching, and recruiters get flooded with hundreds of resumes and applications.It's key to hook the reader right away; the #1 issue is usually that opening paragraphs are typically so generic. A lot of them look something like a boilerplate: bland, lacking substance, and easy to skim over.What you need to do is almost show off a bit by listing 2-3 of your best achievements, showing the reader straight up what makes you special. Pick the ones that are most on point for the job, and let them do the talking.

Step 4: Present Your Qualifications

Ok, so step four is where you gotta sell yourself and make it clear why you're the ultimate pick for the job. Think of all of your qualifications that would make you the best fit and then explain them all in a single paragraph.If you need a starting point, you can start off by bringing up one or two strengths that are particularly relevant to the position you're applying for. That should give the hiring manager a good peek at who you are and what you bring to the table.Once you've laid out your most noteworthy qualifications, try to tie your experiences, skills, and knowledge back to the specific role that you're applying for.Explain how your background is a great match and demonstrate why you'd be a valuable addition to the company. Make sure your qualifications are relevant and persuasive.Next, try to make some connections between the requirements of the role and the results of your previous work. If possible, give concrete examples on how you've used certain skills or abilities to great success in the past.End your paragraph with a powerful conclusion that sums up why you should be their top choice for the position. Show off your enthusiasm for the role and emphasize how you'd be an asset to their team.Make sure to phrase your statements in a confident and authoritative yet humble tone.

Step 5: Identify Why You Are a Good Fit

When it comes to the HR manager choosing a new hire, it's not simply about whether the applicant has the skills to do the job. They're also seeking out somebody who meshes well with their organization's personality and work environment.Ultimately, it's a significant investment for companies when poor-fitting employees end up departing. You need to demonstrate to the HR manager that you're truly enthusiastic about taking on this role and being part of their team. Convincing them of your enthusiasm could be the difference between getting that job offer or not.Make sure to back up your statements with examples, such as instances of work experience or volunteering that have prepared you for the job.Speak to any unique qualities or credentials you possess that make you different from other applicants. Utilize your network and speak to anyone who can provide a reference to your character or qualifications.

Step 6: Use a Strong Closing

Have you any other relevant information that could aid the employer to make their choice? Mention it here.Make sure you show your appreciation for the hirer taking the time to read your cover letter too.To finish up, include a call to action in the last sentence - this could be to arrange an interview, or to get them to contact you with any queries that they might have.End with a Professional Closing: Sign off with “Sincerely," “Best Regards,” or “Respectfully," followed by your name.

Create Winning Cover Letters Effortlessly Using Autocreate AI

Creating a winning cover letter can be a daunting and time consuming task. Even after spending hours crafting an impressive cover letter, job seekers may not be sure if they prepared an effective document.With the job market being increasingly competitive, it's more important than ever to have a standout cover letter that separates you from the rest of the pack. Yet, the difficult task of crafting and perfecting a cover letter can be a barrier to getting that much-needed job offer.Autocreate AI makes creating an impactful cover letter easy, so you can stand out from other candidates. Using automated AI and natural language processing technology, Autocreate AI quickly creates a polished and tailored cover letter in minutes.Our powerful software allows you to craft a letter that will impress potential employers. It's like having the expertise of a professional letter writer in the palm of your hand - without the hassle of typing out a whole document. All you need to do is provide your relevant details and let Autocreate AI take care of the rest. Here are the steps to do so:

Step 1: Enter Job Description

Reseach on the company and fill in all details you can find about the job. In this example, we will be applying for a Web Developer Job at Microsoft.

Job Title: Web Developer
Company: Microsoft

Job Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Web Developer to join Microsoft's Corporate Web Design team. Responsibilities include developing and designing websites, web applications, and workflow process on a web platform. The ideal candidate should be an experienced and talented web developer capable of creating intuitive, robust, and reliable web platforms. The Web developer should be proficient in modern web programming language such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks. They will work with cross-functional teams to ensure design and functionality implementation are up to par with industry standards. The successful candidate will be able to develop and implement new features, update existing code, and troubleshoot issues. Experience with content management systems and a working knowledge of databases and frameworks such as .NET Core and ASP.NET Core MVC will be a strong asset.

Cover Letter Generator | Autocreate.io AI

Step 2: Enter Your Qualifications

Next, fill in the details of your skills, achievements, experience that makes you suitable for the job.Pro tip: Click on "Suggest" to generate ideal qualifications examples for the job. See the generated example below:

• 5+ years of experience in developing and designing websites, web applications, and workflows
• Proficient in modern web programming language such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Ability to create intuitive, robust, and reliable web platforms
• Experience with content management systems (CMS)
• Working knowledge of databases and frameworks such as .NET Core and ASP.NET Core MVC
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver industry-standard products
• Demonstrated track record of successful projects completed on time and on budget
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Cover Letter Generator | Autocreate.io AI

Step 3: Enter Your Motivation

Explain what motivates you for the job role and why you are a culture fit to the company.Pro tip: Click on "Suggest" to generate motivation examples for the job. See the generated example below:

I am excited and motivated for this job opportunity because I enjoy the creative and technical challenges of web development. I am eager to work with cross-functional teams to create successful web platforms, exercising my expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks. Furthermore, I am excited to learn and create with the latest technologies such as .NET Core and ASP.NET Core MVC. I am confident that my experience in web development and knowledge in content management systems will help to create effective and valuable outcomes for Microsoft's Corporate Web Design team.

Cover Letter Generator | Autocreate.io AI

Step 4: Generate Your Cover Letter

Once you are done, hit "Autocreate" and your cover letter will be generated within seconds.Here is the generated result:
Cover Letter Generator | Autocreate.io AI

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Web Developer position at Microsoft’s Corporate Web Design team. With five years of experience in web development, I believe that I can bring to you invaluable expertise, creativity, and knowledge.

I am proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and have working knowledge in databases and frameworks such as .NET Core and ASP.NET Core MVC. I have extensive experience in developing and designing websites, web applications, and workflows. My capabilities are not only limited to my experience and technical knowledge—I am adept at working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver industry-standard products and troubleshoot any issues. Additionally, my track record of successful projects completed on time and on budget speaks to my strong commitment and dedication to the job.

I am excited and motivated for this job opportunity because I enjoy the creative and technical challenges of web development. I am confident that my experience in web development and knowledge in content management systems will help to create effective and valuable outcomes for Microsoft's Corporate Web Design team.

I look forward to discussing my experience and qualifications further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Step 5: Edit and Finalize

Before we submit, don't forget to switch both your and the hiring manager's name, as well as other details.

Maximize Your Efficiency By Using Autocreate's AI Cover letter Generator

If you're looking to get your dream job and need to whip up cover letters quickly, Autocreate's AI Cover letter Generator is the way to go. It's like having your very own assistant taking care of your most tedious task with lightning speed and accuracy. You're not just maximizing your efficiency with Autocreate, you're maximizing your chances at success too with every cover letter being tailored to the company you're applying to. Why not give it a try today? Main reason to try it is that you'll have your cover letter ready to go in no time at all - plus, we have a free trial, so you can check how it works without any obligations. So, get going and take advantage of the power of Autocreate's powerful AI!

Share this article

What amazing content will you create with AI?

Discover all the ways the Autocreate can help streamline your creative workflows.

Create content for free

Autocreate

Resources

Blog

Guides and Tutorials

TwitterLinkedIn

Company

Contact UsJoin as Affliate

Pricing

Terms

Privacy Policy

© 2024 Autocreate.io