Catchy: It Uses A Playful And Engaging Tone.

Introduction

So, you’ve landed an interview and now you need to write a killer cover letter to impress your potential employer. But let’s be honest, those stuffy, overly formal cover letters can be a real drag to write. Fear not, job seeker! This guide will show you how to craft a compelling cover letter in casual English that still maintains a professional tone.

Why Casual English Can Work

You might be thinking, “Casual English? For a job application? Are you crazy?” But hear me out. In today’s increasingly relaxed work environment, a touch of personality can actually work in your favor. A casual tone can:

Make you more memorable: Stand out from the sea of generic cover letters with a unique voice.

Demonstrate your personality: Let your personality shine through and show the employer you’re a real person, not just a resume.

Build rapport: Create a connection with the hiring manager and make them more likely to remember you.

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Key Considerations

While we’re embracing casualness, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

Know your audience: Research the company culture. Are they known for their laid-back atmosphere or do they have a more traditional approach? Tailor your tone accordingly.

Avoid slang and jargon: While casual, your language should still be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid slang terms, overly informal language, and industry-specific jargon that the hiring manager might not understand.

Proofread meticulously: Even in a more relaxed tone, typos and grammatical errors are a big no-no. Proofread carefully before hitting send.

Crafting Your Casual Cover Letter

Now, let’s dive into the structure and content of your casual cover letter.

1. The Salutation

Skip the formalities: Instead of “Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],” consider a more friendly approach. If you know the hiring manager’s name and it’s a more relaxed environment, you could use “Hi [Name],” or “Hello [Name],”

If you don’t know the name: “Hi Hiring Manager,” or “To Whom It May Concern” are still acceptable, but try to find the name if possible.

2. The Opening

Hook them from the start: Instead of a generic “I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role,” try something more engaging. For example:

“I was so excited to see your opening for a [Position] at [Company Name] that I just had to apply!”

“I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work for a while now, and I’m incredibly impressed by [specific achievement or project].”

Briefly mention your source: “I saw this position advertised on [platform],” or “I was referred to this role by [name].”

3. The Body

Highlight your key skills and experiences: Instead of listing your skills, weave them into a compelling narrative. For example:

Instead of: “I have excellent communication skills.”

Try: “I thrive in collaborative environments and have a knack for clearly communicating complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.”

Instead of: “I have experience in [software].”

Try: “I’m a proficient user of [software] and have successfully used it to [specific achievement, e.g., streamline workflows, increase efficiency].”

Connect your skills to the job description: Show the hiring manager why you’re a perfect fit for this specific role.

Instead of: “I have the skills and experience listed in the job description.”

Try: “I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to [specific responsibility mentioned in the job description] and I’m confident that my experience in [relevant area] would allow me to excel in this role.”

Showcase your personality: Let your unique voice shine through. Share a brief anecdote that demonstrates a relevant skill or personality trait. For example:

“In my previous role, I was tasked with [challenging situation]. I approached the problem creatively, [describe your approach], and ultimately [positive outcome].”

4. The Closing

Express your enthusiasm: Reiterate your interest in the position and the company.

Instead of: “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Try: “I’m eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to the success of [Company Name].”

Call to action: Encourage the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.

Instead of: “Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Try: “Thank you for your time and consideration. I’ve attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.”

Professional closing: End with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Warmly,” followed by your full name.

Example

Hi Hiring Manager,

I was so excited to see your opening for a Marketing Coordinator at [Company Name] that I just had to apply! I’ve been a long-time admirer of [Company Name]’s innovative approach to [mention something specific, e.g., social media marketing, customer engagement] and I’m incredibly impressed by [specific achievement or project].

In my previous role as [Your Role] at [Your Previous Company], I developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that [quantifiable results, e.g., increased website traffic by 15%, boosted social media engagement by 20%]. I’m a highly creative and results-oriented individual with a passion for [mention specific areas, e.g., content creation, social media marketing, data analysis]. I’m also a strong team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to [specific responsibility mentioned in the job description] and I’m confident that my experience in [relevant area] would allow me to excel in this role. In my previous role, I spearheaded a successful social media campaign that [brief anecdote demonstrating a relevant skill].

I’m eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to the success of [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I’ve attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your personality and increases your chances of landing an interview. Remember to tailor your tone to the specific company and role while maintaining a professional and polished approach. Good luck!

FAQs

1. Is it okay to use humor in my cover letter?

Humor can be a great way to break the ice and make your cover letter stand out. However, it’s crucial to use humor judiciously and ensure it’s appropriate for the company culture. Avoid offensive or insensitive jokes and make sure your humor is relevant to the position and the company.

2. How long should my casual cover letter be?

Aim for a cover letter that is between 300-500 words. Keep it concise and to the point, focusing on the most relevant information.

3. Should I use bullet points in my casual cover letter?

While bullet points can be helpful for resumes, they can make your cover letter look less professional and more like a list. Try to incorporate your skills and experiences into flowing paragraphs.

4. Can I use emojis in my cover letter?

Emojis are generally not recommended in professional correspondence, including cover letters.

5. What if the company culture is very formal?

If the company culture is very formal, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use a more traditional, formal tone for your cover letter.

Cv Letter Example