How to Make a Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Anupam Tiwari | Last Updated on July 23rd, 2024 4:11 pm

A cover letter plays an important role in the job application process. It's your opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you're the perfect fit for the position. A well-drafted cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview. In this guide, we'll discuss how to make a cover letter in 11 simple steps and even cover some key writing tips and common mistakes to avoid in your cover letter.

Moreover, you can streamline the process and enhance your cover letter's design using AI Design Tools. These tools can help you create a polished and impactful cover letter quickly and easily. So, let's get started on making a cover letter that will help you land your dream job.

What is a Cover Letter and Why Do You Need One?
How to Make a Cover Letter Using Appy Pie’s AI Cover Letter Maker?
How to Write a Cover Letter?
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cover Letters
Conclusion

What is a Cover Letter and Why Do You Need One?

A cover letter is a document that introduces you and your resume to potential employers. It is typically three to four paragraphs long and submitted alongside your resume when applying for a job. A cover letter should highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that relate to the position you're applying for.

Importance: A cover letter acts as your pitch to a potential employer, it stresses your interest in the job and the organization. This document offers you the space to articulate in your own words why you're the best fit for the position.
Resume vs. Cover Letter: While a resume clearly summarizes your professional history and achievements, a cover letter includes the reasons behind your application and how your background aligns with the company's objectives and culture in detail.

You can always take inspiration from the right cover letter format example for structuring your content effectively, ensuring you present a polished and professional application. Moreover, you can try our online editable cover letter templates that offer ample options to design your cover letter easily. Whether you need a graphic designer cover letter, a project manager cover letter, or simply a marketing cover letter, we have a template for all types of professions and needs.

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Explore Our Cover Letter Templates

How to Make a Cover Letter Using Appy Pie’s AI Cover Letter Maker?

Appy Pie’s Cover Letter Maker helps you make your cover letter with just a couple of clicks. It’s an advanced tool that can actually help you make your cover letter faster and more efficiently. Let now discuss 11 simple steps on how to make a cover letter using this tool.

Step 1: Go to Appy Pie’s Cover Letter Maker Page

Visit the Appy Pie AI Cover Letter Maker page to begin. This tool provides a user-friendly interface where you can create a cover letter from scratch using AI or choose from a variety of templates.

Step 2: Enter a Prompt to Generate Your Cover Letter Using AI

On the page, you'll see a text box where you can enter a prompt describing the type of cover letter you want to create. Our AI-powered tool understands natural language prompts, so go ahead and provide as many details as possible. Once you're happy with your prompt, click 'Generate'.

Step 3: Scroll Down to Select a Cover Letter Template to Edit

If you prefer using a cover letter template, scroll down to browse through a range of cover letter template options. These templates are fully customizable and cater to various styles and formats. Hover over any template to get two options: 'Preview' and 'Edit'. Click on 'Edit' to start customizing the template of your choice.

Step 4: Sign Up or Log in to Appy Pie Design to Proceed

To proceed with editing, you'll need to sign up or log in to your Appy Pie Design account. This ensures that your work is saved and you can access additional design tools and features. New users can sign up using their email ID or Gmail account while existing users can simply log in with their credentials.

Step 5: Access the Design Editor

Once logged in, you will be directed to the design editor. Here, you can start customizing your chosen template. The editor is intuitive and offers a rich suite of tools to enhance your cover letter design.

Step 6: Add or Edit Text to Personalize Details

Click on the 'Text' option in the menu on your left to add or edit the text on your cover letter. Include your name, contact information, and other relevant details. Also, make sure your text is clear, concise, and easy to read. You can even play around with different fonts and sizes to highlight important information, but ensure it looks professional or even generate custom fonts using our AI Font Generator.

Step 7: Add Stock Photos (Optional)

You can even consider adding stock photos using the ‘Photos’ option. Our Cover Letter Maker offers a library of high-quality images that you can use to complement your design. Adding relevant photos can make your cover letter more engaging. Moreover, if you want to generate custom images, you can use our AI Image Generator to get good-quality pictures in minutes using generative AI.

Step 8: Add Elements to Enhance Your Design

Access the 'Elements' option in the menu to add borders, icons, and other decorative graphics to your cover letter. These elements can help organize your content and make your cover letter more attractive. Also, choose elements that go well with the professional image you want to project.

Step 9: Upload Your Photo

For a more personalized touch, upload your photo or company logo using the ‘Upload’ option from the menu. This adds a unique and professional look to your cover letter, making it stand out. If your photo needs quality improvement, you can use our AI Photo Enhancer to enhance it quickly.

Step 10: Click the Download Button

Click the download button on the top right to save your cover letter. This ensures you have a copy that you can print or share digitally.

Step 11: Select a File Format to Finish Downloading

Finally, choose the file format that best suits your needs. You will get multiple options, including PDF, PNG, and JPG. Select the format that aligns with the application requirements or your preferred method of sharing your cover letter.

You can follow these 11 simple steps to design your cover letter in minutes. Our Cover Letter Maker tool makes it super easy to design a professional-looking cover letter. In the next section, we will discuss how to write a cover letter for a job to understand the ins and outs of writing a professional one. It will help you to have a readily available written part and save time while you are designing your cover letter.

Design Your Cover Letter

Recommended read: Learn how to make a resume using AI

How to Write a Cover Letter?

Let us now discuss some important writing tips for creating a cover letter that hooks the attention of the recruiter.

Tone, Language, and Style: You should maintain a professional yet personal tone. Use clear and concise language and adopt a style that reflects the company's culture.
Keywords from Job Description: Do not forget to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description. This highlights your relevant experience and skills.
Length and Formatting: Keep your cover letter length of not more than one page. Use a simple and readable font.
Key Edits: You should always customize your letter for each application. You should address the specific requirements from the profile and how you meet them.
Opening and Closing: You should start with a strong opening sentence that hooks attention and end with a compelling closing statement and a call to action.

A well-written cover letter is just one part of the equation. A resume is equally important, as it gives a comprehensive overview of your professional history, skills, and achievements. Appy Pie even offers a range of resume templates to help you create a professional and eye-catching resume. Our templates are fully customizable and enable you to showcase your qualifications and experiences in a well-structured way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cover Letters

Cover letter writing can be challenging, and it's easy to fall into common traps that might undermine your application. You should be aware of some common pitfalls.

Overusing Generic Phrases: Avoid clichés like "I'm a hard worker" or "I work well in teams." Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities.
Typos and Grammatical Errors: Such mistakes can signal a lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your cover letter, or better yet, have someone else review it.
One-size-fits-all Approach: It is important to make a few changes in your cover letter for each job application. A generic letter can make it seem like you’re not genuinely interested in the role.
Repeating Your Resume: Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Use it to tell a story or highlight the most relevant experiences.
Neglecting to Address the Letter Properly: Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person. Using “To Whom It May Concern” can come off as impersonal.
Writing Too Much or Too Little: Aim for a concise, focused letter that’s no longer than one page.
Failing to Call to Action: End your cover letter by explicitly stating your desire for an interview or further discussion, showing your proactive approach.

Suggested read: Discover professional cover letter examples

Conclusion

Creating an effective cover letter is a vital step in the job application process. You just need to follow the detailed steps outlined in this guide to showcase your strengths that align with the job requirements. Moreover, incorporating the writing tips provided will help you maintain a professional tone, use clear language, and tailor your letter to each application. Being aware of common mistakes, such as typos or generic content will ensure your cover letter stands out for all the right reasons. Good luck!

Anupam Tiwari