A compelling cover letter is your first impression with a potential client within your Upwork proposal. In this lesson, we'll explore strategies to craft impactful cover letters that grab attention, highlight your unique value proposition, and convince clients to choose you over the competition.
Similar to an elevator pitch. A cover letter is a quick and concise introduction that explains why the client should hire you. Your cover letter should show interest in the client's success to assure them you'll be invested in the work. Consider explaining how you will help the client. Sometimes, when submitting a proposal, the client may require you to answer additional questions. These questions indicate what is most important to the client. Try developing your proposal upside down so you pay the most attention to the screening questions. Before pressing submit, consider the following questions. Does the cover letter match the project description? Does your cover letter answer the client's questions? Is it easy to understand your key points quickly? If you read it, would you want to learn more? Once you firmly answer yes to all four questions and you've triple-checked your spelling and grammar, it's time to send.
Think of your Upwork cover letter as your elevator pitch to the client. In a concise and engaging way, you need to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the project. A well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and securing the project.
Craft a winning cover letter
Your cover letter should follow the same guidelines as your proposal. Here are some key elements to consider when writing your Upwork cover letter:
- Grab attention: Start with a professional greeting and highlight the specific project you're interested in.
- Showcase your value: Briefly explain why you're the perfect fit—connect your skills and experience to the client's needs and project goals. Use relevant keywords to show you understand their requirements.
- Call to action: Clearly express your interest and encourage the client to contact you. This could be an invitation for a call or an offer to answer any questions.
Beyond the basics–cover letter tips and techniques
- Personalize each cover letter: Don't use a generic template. Tailor your cover letter to each specific project, highlighting relevant skills and experience mentioned in the job description.
- Focus on client benefits: Don't just list your skills; explain how your skills and approach will benefit the client and their project.
- Show results (optional): Use numbers to highlight the impact you made on past projects (e.g., increased website traffic by 20%).
- Maintain a professional tone: Proofread carefully to ensure your cover letter is free of typos and grammatical errors.
- Keep it short and sweet: Aim for a concise and impactful cover letter. Ideally, keep it under 250 words.
Review these samples of cover letters to gain ideas before continuing to the activity below.
Activity: craft a sample cover letter
Imagine you're applying for a freelance writing project on Upwork. Draft a sample cover letter based on your skills and experience. Focus on tailoring the content to the specific project requirements and highlighting how your unique value proposition can benefit the client.
By consistently crafting well-written cover letters that showcase your skills and enthusiasm, you'll stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing dream projects on Upwork.
