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Startup Consulting: What is the best way to write a cover letter to an early-stage startup?
JB
JB
Joy Broto Nath , Global Corporate Trainer & Strategist answered:

Be it a start-up or mid-size companies or established companies, cover-letters have not changed. A cover letter, also known as a covering letter or application letter, is a one-page document that introduces a job seeker’s work history, professional skills, and personal interest in applying for a job.
When writing your cover letter, you must use the following basic structure:
1. Introduction: Carefully written to grab the hiring manager’s attention and explain why you want the job.
2. Body paragraphs: At least two paragraphs detailing your relevant education, skills, work experience, and suitability for the job.
3. Conclusion: A concise ending that reiterates your strengths and asks the hiring manager to contact you (known as a call to action).
Let us go step-by-step process of how to write a cover letter:
1. Contact Details:
At the top of your cover letter, you should type:
1. Your first and last name
2. Your email address (make sure it’s professional, and not ridikulus_clownz@gmail.com)
3. Your phone number
4. Your mailing address (Optional)
5. Your Linkedin profile link (Optional)
Under your contact details, you should type:
1. Today’s date
2. The first and last name of the person you’re writing to, or the relevant department
3. The company’s address
4. The company’s phone number
5. The hiring manager or company’s email address
2. Opening Salutation:
Make a great first impression by addressing your cover letter to a real person using their name. Robotic and impersonal greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” will come off as lazy and insincere. Not sure who to address? Try checking the company website, searching LinkedIn, or even calling or emailing human resources to ask. If you are still having problems addressing your cover letter, follow these tips:
i. If you are not certain about the recruiter’s title (like Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.,) you can drop it from your salutation. For instance, “Dear Jane Smith” is acceptable.
ii. If you cannot figure out who the recruiter is, you can guess. For instance, if you are applying for a marketing position, you can address the marketing director by name instead.
iii. If you cannot find anyone’s name, you can address it to the department. For instance, “Dear Marketing Department” is acceptable.

3. Intro Paragraph: Job seekers agonize over how to start their cover letters, but it’s actually quite simple. A successful cover letter introduction must include the following:
i. Job position: The name of the position you are applying for
ii. Company name: The name of the company you are applying for
iii. Intention to apply: An enthusiastic announcement that you are applying for that position
So long as your cover letter’s opening lines have those ingredients, you will successfully hook the hiring manager into reading more.
4. Body Paragraphs:
Next, it is time to argue persuasively why you’re the right person to do the job. To write these paragraphs well, and sell yourself as great candidate, remember three main points:
i. Be bold, but do not brag: A strong cover letter conveys confidence. If you’re able to provide evidence for a claim (like that you’re the best candidate for the job), put that evidence in your cover letter. But do not make wild and fact less claims about your abilities.
ii. Be honest, and do not embellish: Do not lie or even stretch the truth about your experience, as getting caught could devastate your career. It is not necessary anyway — you will get a job with the experience you have got.
iii. Do not include irrelevant information: Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and company you are applying for. Your cover letter (and resume) should respond to the job posting, directly referencing the skills and qualifications outlined by the recruiter.
5. Closing Paragraph:
When writing your cover letter closing, be polite, confident, and continue to sell yourself as a candidate. It is important to write your final paragraph as thoughtfully and strategically as the rest of your cover letter, so be sure to include the following:
1. Thank the hiring manager for reviewing your resume and cover letter
2. Concisely summarize why you would be a good hire
3. Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity
4. Politely ask them to send you an invitation to interview
6. Closing Salutation: Sign off your cover letter with a professional closing salutation:
i. Sincerely
ii. Best
iii. Regards
iv. Thank you
v. Respectfully
vi. Kind regards
vii. Best regards
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath

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