How long does it take to write a good cover letter?

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SraResume

Aug 21, 2018 - 02:46 PM

If you are in the process of preparing to put your job application together, you may wonder, "How long does it take to write a good cover letter?" This is entirely up to you. When writing your very first cover letter, it may take several hours, or it may take several weeks. What is most important is making sure the letter is as strong as it possibly can be. Do not stop writing revisions and sculpting the letter until you don't think you can improve it any more. In particular, be on the lookout for typographical errors, as these hurt your chances greatly.

However, once you have more experience in the working world and writing cover letters, the process becomes much faster. A true expert can most likely write a cover letter in one try, taking only half an hour to write it and quickly proofread it. And yes, you should always take the time to proofread your cover letter, no matter how experienced you are. To get better at writing professional cover letters, study these simple dos and don'ts.

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Debra Wheatman

Sep 28, 2018 - 03:48 PM

Writing a good cover letter will take different people different amounts of time. Some people are better at developing and then writing out cohesive paragraphs of information that relate to the job description and how their skills and experiences tie to it. Other people experience “writers block” when it comes to writing about themselves. A cover letter (and an accompanying resume) are marketing documents that must be written in a way that sell you as the top candidate for a job. Sometimes people find it difficult to write about themselves in this way.

Give yourself a nice chunk of time to write a cover letter. Make sure you tell a compelling story that highlights how past and present work experiences make you the ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for. Also, display knowledge of what the company does, and talk about how your goals align with the company’s mission or values.

Make sure your cover letter contains these five essential ingredients: an opening greeting (preferably to a specific person, although “Dear Hiring Manager” can work); an opening paragraph; one-to-two body paragraphs; and a closing paragraph (that contains your preferred method of contact).

If you get stuck writing your cover letter, consider using a professional cover letter builder, or a cover letter template. LiveCareer offers both options via the Cover Letters tab at the top of their homepage.