A strong resume may get you noticed, but a well-written cover letter gets you remembered. In the Philippines, where the job market continues to be competitive, a cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and getting overlooked. The simple attachment gives you the opportunity to speak directly to hiring managers, showing not only what you’ve done but also why you’d be a great fit.
If you’re applying for your first job or making a career move, this guide breaks down how to write a cover letter that feels sincere and relevant.
Why a Cover Letter Still Matters
Many applicants skip the cover letter, thinking their resume is enough. But recruiters consistently report that a personalized letter gives valuable insight into an applicant’s motivation and communication skills.
A cover letter complements your resume. It’s not meant to be a repetition of the things they already know. The letter explains why you’re applying, how your experience aligns with the company’s goals, and what makes you a unique candidate. In short, it helps employers see the person behind the application.
What Makes a Good Cover Letter
A good cover letter is:
- Personalized. Tailored to the specific company and position.
- Focused. Highlights only the most relevant skills and experiences.
- Authentic. Sounds professional but still true to your voice.
Avoid generic lines like “I am applying for the position of…” Instead, write with purpose. Hiring managers can easily spot a template that’s been copied and pasted across multiple applications.
Example:
Instead of writing, “I believe my skills make me a great fit,” say something specific like, “My two years of experience managing client communications have prepared me to contribute to your growing customer success team.”
The Ideal Cover Letter Structure
A good cover letter should fit on one page and follow this structure:
- Header – Include your full name, contact number, email, and the date.
- Greeting – Address it to the hiring manager if possible. If not, “Dear HR Team” or “Dear [Department] Hiring Manager” works fine.
- Opening Paragraph – Introduce yourself and mention how you learned about the position. Express genuine enthusiasm.
- Body Paragraph(s) – Highlight relevant skills, achievements, or experiences within context. Use one example to show impact (e.g., “In my previous role at ABC Company, I managed a team of five and improved client response time by 20%”).
- Closing Paragraph – Reiterate your interest, thank them for their time, and mention your availability for an interview.
- Signature – “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Keep the tone confident and conversational. Hiring teams appreciate professionalism without stiff, overly formal phrasing.
How to Tailor Your Letter for Each Application
Before you start writing, spend a few minutes learning about the company. Review their website, read recent news, and check their social media posts. Identify what they value most and show how your background fits that culture.
For example, if a company highlights continuous learning, mention how you’ve attended training sessions or certifications. If they emphasize customer care, share a story of how you resolved an issue or exceeded expectations.
Each cover letter should feel personal enough that it couldn’t have been written for any other employer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong candidates can lose momentum with poorly written cover letters. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Being too generic. Don’t use the same letter for every job.
- Rewriting your resume. The letter should explain why, not just what.
- Making it too long. Keep it under one page.
- Overusing buzzwords. Words like “hardworking” or “motivated” are better shown through examples than stated outright.
- Ignoring grammar and formatting. Proofread carefully. Mistakes can cost you an interview.
Example Cover Letter
To help you get started, we’ve prepared a clean, editable cover letter template you can download and personalize.
Final Tips for Success
A cover letter needs to be clear, confident, and authentic. Before sending it:
- Read it aloud to check tone and flow.
- Have a friend or mentor review it for clarity.
- Save it as a PDF (unless otherwise requested) to preserve formatting.
Finally, remember: a good cover letter doesn’t stop at describing who you are, it just begins there. The letter becomes interview-securing once it shows why you belong to the team.
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