A 4 Sentence Cover Letter for 2021

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As many of you will already know I have a number of free cover letter templates for anyone to use and have even written a simple summary on how to write a captivating cover letter. But I have been thinking lately that maybe this was all a waste of time.

The reason I say this is because the majority of applications these days go through online platforms where you are able to upload your CV and write a brief introduction/cover letter. It might even be safe to say that the traditional cover letter format and its function no longer exists. In fact, these days less is more, and I believe that there is a simple 4 sentence cover letter that can be used in almost any situation.

The 4 sentence cover letter for any occasion

Firstly lest discuss the purpose of this cover letter

We really only have four objectives when it comes to writing our cover letter. And these three objectives can quite easily be packed into 4 simple sentences. Our objectives are as follows:

1. Let the reader know why you are writing to them
2. Let the reader know what you offer and why you’re qualified
3. Create intrigue, making sure they open your CV
4. Make it clear you would like to discuss the position further

That’s it! If we can achieve this in 4 sentences we have been successful.

The perfect 4 sentence cover Letter

Dear Mr White, I am writing to enquire about the opening for a Bookkeeper at your company.

 

I am a strong candidate for the position as I have 5 years experience working as a Senior Bookkeeper. The first section of my attached CV highlights my experience and the diverse bookkeeping experience I have acquired over these years.

 

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you if you feel I’d be a strong candidate for this or any position in your organization.

 

Warmest Regards,

Joan Snow

Let’s look at this section by section

1) Let the reader know why you are writing to them

Dear Mr. White, I am writing to enquire about the opening for a Bookkeeper at your company.

If you know the name of the person you are writing you you can use their name in this section. If not then a simple “To whom it may concern” will probably suffice.

Keep it simple and to the point.

2) Let the reader know what you offer and why you’re qualified.

I am a strong candidate for the position as I have 5 years experience working as a Senior Bookkeeper.

Obviously stating that you are a strong candidate is just your personal opinion. But it is great to have a strong positive opinion about yourself and boldly display your confidence.

3) Create intrigue, making sure they open your CV

The first section of my attached CV highlights my experience and the diverse bookkeeping experience I have acquired over these years.

So here we are not giving much information about ourselves, however, we are making it clear that there is evidence to support our opinion that we are a strong candidate in the first sections of our CV. This almost guarantees that the reader will open our CV to take a look. And there is a good chance that they will spend a little longer viewing our CV than the others they have received.

You are also telling them where to find the important information in your CV.

4) Make it clear you would like to discuss the position further

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you if you feel I’d be a strong candidate for this or any position in your organization.

It is very important to add “or any position in your organisation.” The reason for this is people are so busy these days they have no time to think laterally. You need to tell them how to think and make sure that they know you are open to any position that might suit your skills and experience.

You do not want the hiring manager to simply check your CV, decide you do not fit the vacancy profile, and put your CV into the trash. This is what happens 99% of the time. Ideally, you would like them to hold onto your CV or consider it for a similar vacancy in the organisation.

Conclusion

The world is moving at such a fast rate these days. It is understandable that hiring managers and recruiters do not have the time to read through lengthy cover letters anymore.

I suggest that you start adapting your job applications to feature a short 6 sentence cover letter. It can be used in the body of an email, or in the “message” section of an online application. But just remember to keep it short and sweet.