One last thing left to do before you send off your application – but you just don’t know where to begin with your cover letter? Writing – deleting – rewriting over and over and over again? Don’t worry we’ve all been there. These seven steps will help you write the type of cover letter that will have interview offers flowing in.
- Keep it short
- Pick your style
- Don't restate your CV
- Be specific and give examples
- Proofread!
1. Keep it Short
This is not the time to wax lyrical about your “love of cuisine” or “passion for fashion.” Less is more in this particular arena, so keep it to a maximum of three to four paragraphs; that is, no more than an A4 page. Make sure you will grab the reader’s attention – show curiosity, interest in the field and, most of all, personality; this can come in the form of interesting, specific historical facts or a concise explanation of exactly why the professional area or company in question has piqued your interest.
2. Pick Your Style
Your cover letter is likely to sound very different depending on whether you’re applying to a start-up, established consultancy or public-sector office. Make sure you know your audience and make your cover letter show that you do! The cover letter is your chance to demonstrate to your future employer that you’re the right fit for their team.
If it’s easy to tell that you’re just copy-pasting and replacing the company name, you won’t make a lasting impression. Search their website, photos and interviews to get an idea of how they communicate with the outside world. You and they are both likely to want to work with people that “speak the same language”. Nonetheless, don’t forget to stay yourself, and adequately professional of course!
3. Don’t Restate Your CV
Cover letters are not paragraph-form CVs; this is especially pertinent when you consider that your letter will be directly attached to your resume, either in hard copy or electronically. As such, use these three paragraphs to make yourself stand out. Don’t use phrases like “My name is ___ and I’m applying for ___,” do mention the name of the company in question, and work hard to convince your audience of your sincere interest in filling a role in their team.
Give the hiring manager an intriguing glimpse of your background story, but do not just provide a list your personal strengths; instead, explain exactly what you can do for the company. But beware, avoid sounding egotistical by steering clear of pompous claims such as “I am the best ___ for the job.”
4. Be Specific and Give Examples
Like with your CV – make sure you cut to the chase. Don’t be vague but give some context, numbers and figures. What did you do? How many people did you reach? How many customers did you get on board? This is your opportunity to relate your previous work experience to the job description. But, make sure your examples are relevant to the company and role – otherwise it’ could seem like you’re bragging. A fine balance to strike!
5. Proofread
One spelling or grammar mistake, and you’re out. Any piece of copy you send to a potential employer – hard or electronic – must be carefully and methodically proofread. It might even be worth asking a friend to look over it too, as even the most detail-oriented eye can miss a small error. Remember: one might even call a cover letter a disguised writing evaluation!
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