Many cover letters boast about how great an applicant would be for the position and why they will benefit immensely from being hired, while this one specifically answers key questions recruiters might have about him or her.

The candidate uses a light, conversational tone that makes it easy for the recruiter to skim and identify relevant information quickly and efficiently. She also shows how she can address problems facing the company.

Start With a Strong Introductory Paragraph

An effective opening paragraph is vital to creating an outstanding cover letter. Hiring managers are likely reviewing many applications at once; make sure yours stands out by writing an attention-grabbing opening paragraph which shows them exactly how your qualifications align with those required for this job.

Start off by directly addressing the hiring manager (using their name if possible). Avoid beginning your message with, "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear Sir or Madam," etc, which sound old-fashioned and could make you appear unprofessional.

Include some lines explaining your interest in the company and position, showing that you have done sufficient research on their ethos as well as being invested in its success. This also demonstrates your enthusiasm.

If a mutual contact referred you, be sure to mention their name when making your introduction. This will lend more credence and build the hiring manager's trust.

Your cover letter should also begin by discussing an issue relevant to the company or industry, such as recent trends in your field. This demonstrates your awareness of current affairs, which shows your ability to bring this knowledge with you into the job. Be sure to demonstrate how it applies directly to one or more responsibilities listed in your job description.

Highlight Your Relevant Experience

An effective cover letter does not merely include a summary of your resume; rather, it should highlight key skills relevant to the position being applied for. To do so, review the job description closely and identify any primary needs or challenges being met through the role. Next, use your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how you have successfully resolved them in the past.

Hiring managers care more about the way in which you have overcome challenges than they do about reading general superlatives like "fast thinker" or "highly creative." Instead of simply telling hiring managers that you are hard working, demonstrate through concrete examples how your efforts were successful in increasing client acquisition or increasing efficiency within the department.

As part of your job search strategy, doing research on the company is also key in showing your experiences are applicable for this role. In this cover letter example from Epic Music Group, for instance, the writer plays up her experience by noting how familiar they are with their software and that she has long-standing relationships with their leadership team.

Show that you took the time to research the company and understand their goals by doing some preliminary research of your own, which also shows you'll put forth efforts when working for the same firm in future roles.

Include a Call to Action

Your final paragraph in your cover letter should contain an irresistibly strong call to action, giving the hiring manager one last opportunity to see that you are ideal for their company and position. Do this by outlining how your skills, experience, and qualities match those specified by job requirements as well as why applying to this particular company motivates you - particularly important if the industry or field differs significantly from previous roles you've held.

For instance, if you are applying to be an editor at the Baltimore Sun and possess journalism experience, take this chance to demonstrate how your storytelling capabilities would make you an asset in this role. Furthermore, discuss their mission statement, values and vision as a way of showing that they share in their enthusiasm for this work.

Avoid making generic claims about yourself in your call to action statement, such as "I am quick-thinking and highly creative." Hiring managers have heard similar claims before from other applicants; therefore, such statements won't convince them to interview you.

If you share any form of personal connection with the hiring manager, such as mutual friends or alumni affiliation, be sure to mention it in your closing paragraph. Doing this will create an intimate bond and increase the odds that an interview is offered.

End With a Strong Closing Paragraph

An effective closing paragraph serves as a final statement that shows your enthusiasm to continue the interview process and addresses any queries the hiring manager might have. Furthermore, this provides the perfect opportunity to thank them for taking into consideration.

Muse writer Lily Zhang suggests a powerful closing paragraph will make your cover letter memorable and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role, concluding by outlining how directly meeting company needs can benefit both you and the employer.

Make sure not to come off as arrogant or self-satisfied during your interview. A boastful or boastful tone can alienate hiring managers even if your credentials are impressive; instead focus on how your expertise will add value for them as a company and highlight any specific strengths you possess for this position.

Make sure that when ending your cover letter, you include a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name.

As part of your application package, it's also crucial that your letter matches in both format and style with other materials in your application package, including resume and reference list. No one wants their materials to look disjointed or disorganized. Take the time to proofread for grammar errors as well as ensure it fits neatly onto one page - have someone else read over your letter as any errors could stick out like sore thumbs!