What Is a Cover Letter? How to Write an Effective Cover Letter

Are you searching for a new job and looking to submit your application to potential employers? The Cover Letter is a crucial component of your profile. So, what is a Cover Letter, and how can you write an effective one? Let's explore it with Aniday in this article!

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a concise written document typically submitted alongside a job application or resume. It serves as an introduction and provides additional context about the applicant's qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying to a specific job position or company. 

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to persuade potential employers to review the applicant's resume and, ultimately, invite them for an interview.

How to Write a Cover Letter in Vietnamese

Wondering how to write a Cover Letter in Vietnamese effectively? You only need to follow some fundamental principles:

Personal Information

In this section, you need to clearly state your full name, address, phone number, email, and the date of writing. Additionally, you should provide the company's name, address, and the recipient's name (if known). If you're unsure of the recipient's name, you can generally address it to "Dear Recruitment Committee" or "Dear Company."

Introduction

When starting your Cover Letter, begin by introducing yourself, mentioning where you learned about the job opening, and summarizing why you wish to apply. You should also clearly state the position you're applying for and show respect and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

For example:

"Dear Company,

I am Nguyen Van A, currently a senior student majoring in Economics at University B. I am very interested in the Sales Staff position that your company is recruiting on website C. With my experience, skills, and passion, I believe I can be a potential candidate for this position."

Content

This is the main part of the Cover Letter, where you introduce details about yourself, your experience, skills, and achievements related to the position you are applying for. You should select the most important information, as there is no need to list everything you have done.

In addition, you should also provide specific examples to illustrate your strengths. Pay attention to conforming to the employer's requirements and expectations and avoid writing too arrogantly or modestly.

Conclusion

This is the final part of the Cover Letter, where you will summarize your main points, express your desire to interview and work for the company, and thank the employer for taking the time to review your application and profile. Use a polite and respectful closing sentence.

How to Write a Cover Letter in English

Maybe many people don't know how to write a Cover Letter in English. Writing a Cover Letter in English is not as difficult as you think, as long as you follow the following basic principles:

Introduction

In this section, provide your contact information, the date, the employer's contact information, and the greeting. You should clearly state the recipient's name (if known) or their title, for example: "Dear Mr. Smith," "Dear Ms. Lee," "Dear Hiring Manager,"...

You should also clearly state the position you are applying for and the source of recruitment information, for example: "I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager as advertised on your website."

Content

This is the main part of the Cover Letter, where you introduce yourself, your experiences, skills, and desires. When using English, here's how to write the content of a Cover Letter:

Introduce yourself and your career goals. Clearly state who you are, what degrees or certifications you have related to the job, how long you have worked in the industry, and what you expect from working for the company.

Talk about your experience and skills related to the job, as well as why you want to work for the company and why you fit with the company's culture and values. Clearly state the commonalities or differences between you and the company, and how you can benefit them.

Conclusion

This is the final part of the Cover Letter, where you end the letter politely and professionally. Thank the employer for taking the time to read your letter, express your desire to meet them for an interview, and leave your contact information. Include a polite farewell and your signature.

For example:

"Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss this opportunity further with you in an interview. Please feel free to contact me at any time via phone or email.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]"

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

Writing a Cover Letter for the first time can be challenging. To ensure you make a strong impression on employers, avoid these common mistakes:

• Writing excessively long or too short Cover Letters: Aim for a concise length, typically 3 to 4 paragraphs or no more than one A4 page.
• Creating unclear or unfocused content: Structure your letter clearly, with a proper introduction, body, and conclusion, and focus on points relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Neglecting grammar, spelling, and punctuation: Thoroughly proofread your letter before sending it, or seek feedback from someone else.
• Failing to align with the company culture or industry: Research the company, industry, and job position to tailor your Cover Letter to match their language, values, and ethos.
• Being dishonest or overly boastful: Present your qualifications and achievements honestly and modestly, supporting your claims with evidence or examples.

Cover Letter Samples

To write a Cover Letter more effectively, you can refer to the following Cover Letter samples:

Sample Cover Letter in Vietnamese for a Japanese assistant position. Source: Job Search 365

Another Vietnamese Cover Letter sample for a Marketing Executive position. Source: FreeC Blog

English Cover Letter sample for customer service positions. Source: Jobscan

 

Another English Cover Letter sample for a paralegal position. Source: Novoresume

In conclusion, a cover letter is a vital component of any job application, answering the fundamental question, "What is a cover letter? Aniday hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of what a Cover Letter is and how to write an effective one. We wish you success in finding your dream job!