Tips on How to Write a Cold Cover Letter
During your job search, you may come across companies that match both your interests and your skill set. Recruiters are often looking to fill a specific role without ever advertising the open position. In this situation, submitting a cold cover letter to introduce yourself to your future employer could work in your favor. This article covers tips on how to write a cold cover letter, how to ask for interviews in cover letters, and what to write in an email when sending your resume and cover letter. Let's get started!
What is a Cold Cover Letter?
A cold cover letter is a professional email you send to a recruiter at a company you're interested in working for. It states the position you have in mind and outlines what makes you the best fit for the role. Cold cover letters go to organizations that haven't yet advertised an open position. Often, people research a company and realize that their qualities and values align. The company's reputation, industry, brand, or even culture can inspire someone to put themselves out there and showcase their abilities. Now that you understand the purpose, let's find out how to write a cold cover letter.
How to Write a Cold Cover Letter
When learning how to write a cold cover letter, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you must clearly demonstrate how you will benefit the organization. To do this, follow the tips below on how to write a cold cover letter, and set yourself up for success:
- Start with researching the company - Why will hiring you benefit the organization? How will you be a great addition to their team? You can only answer these questions by learning more about the company. Do some thorough research, because knowledge is your advantage here.
- Locate the primary contact - The best way to source this information is through social media pages. Look into the particular department you will be working in, and find the supervisor. If you find this hard to do, search for a recruiter or somebody in the HR department and send your cover letter to them.
- Introduce yourself - Grab attention with a subject line that names the role you're seeking, then get straight to the point in your first few sentences. Introduce yourself and explain the position you'd like to hold at the organization. Your opening should be clear and state your reason for writing.
- Outline your strengths and goals - Once you have identified your strengths, show how they align with the role you're applying for.
- Request next steps - As a finishing touch, add a closing statement that suggests what happens next. This is where your cover letter asks for an interview.
- Proofread and sign off - When you have finished your letter, proofread it for any grammatical or spelling errors. Then sign off with a clean, clear signature.
That doesn't seem so hard, right? And if you need a little push along the way, feel free to use an automated writing tool like the Cowrite platform.
How to Ask for Interviews in Cover Letters
Securing an in-person interview is one of the most important, yet challenging, stages of the entire job search process. Done correctly, though, learning how to ask for interviews in cover letters can be a highly effective way to land the role. If you want to increase your chances, the tips above will serve you well here too.
What to Write in Email When Sending Resume and Cover Letter
To finish up, here's a brief summary of what to write in an email when sending your resume and cover letter:
- Research the company.
- Locate the primary contact who will read your cover letter and resume.
- Use a compelling subject line and introduce yourself.
- In the first paragraph, tell the hiring manager who you are and why you are contacting them.
- In the second paragraph, say what value you'd bring to the company.
- Close the resume email body by saying you're eager to meet in person.
- Add a professional signature with your contact details.
- Attach your resume and cover letter as PDFs with professional file names.
If all else fails? Don't worry, Cowrite has your back. Try our augmented writing tool free of charge for your very first cold cover letter or resume. Karen Maristani Karen invented writing, the airplane, and the internet. She was also the first person to reach the North Pole. She has flown to Mars and back in one day, and was enthusiastically greeted by aliens. She has also worked as a copywriter and journalist for many years and has helped hundreds of people write the perfect job application.