Creating an effective cover letter is an essential part of any job application. With Google Docs being a popular free online document editing tool, it can be extremely useful for crafting customized and professional cover letters. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps for making an appealing cover letter from scratch in Google Docs.
Why Use Google Docs for Your Cover Letter?
There are several major benefits of using Google Docs to make your cover letter:
- It’s completely free to use. You don’t need to purchase any software.
- Your documents are stored safely online and can be accessed from any device.
- You can collaborate with others and allow them to review or edit your cover letter.
- There is a wide variety of free templates available to use as a starting point.
- It has all the key formatting options you need to customize the look of your document.
- The final cover letter can be downloaded in different file formats like DOC, PDF etc.
In summary, Google Docs makes it simple to create a professional cover letter without needing to spend any money.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cover Letter in Google Docs
Follow these key steps to make an effective cover letter from scratch in Google Docs:
1. Select a Template
- Open your Google Drive and go to “New” > “Google Docs” > “From a template”
- Under the “Letters” section, browse through various cover letter templates
- Select one you like and click “Make a copy” to use it as a starting point
2. Add Header with Your Contact Details
- At the very top, fill in your complete name, address, phone number and email
- You can use bold or slightly bigger text to make this section stand out
3. Address the Cover Letter to the Hiring Manager
- Ideally use their name if you know it, otherwise use their job title
- Make sure to get the company’s name correct
4. Write an Engaging Opening Paragraph
- Clearly state the position you are applying for in the first sentence
- Express your strong interest and enthusiasm in the role
- Mention how your skills make you an excellent fit
5. Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications
- Create 2-3 paragraphs summarizing your major experiences or achievements
- Emphasize skills, accomplishments and strengths that directly match the role
- Give specific examples of your responsibilities and contributions
6. Close Your Cover Letter Strongly
- Thank the reader for their consideration
- Repeat your strong interest and fit for the position
- Include next steps, like following up regarding your application
7. Review and Format Your Cover Letter
- Check thoroughly for any spelling/grammar errors
- Refine sentences to make them clear and concise
- Use formatting like bullets, bold, italics judiciously
- Ensure optimal length of one page
Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
To make your Google Docs cover letter truly shine for any job application, also focus on:
- Personalizing content specifically for each company
- Making an emotional connection by showing passion
- Quantifying contributions with stats or numbers
- Using industry keywords naturally
- Ensuring a clean look with ample white space
Follow this comprehensive process, leverage the power of Google Docs, and make cover letters that impress hiring managers!
