Сover letters are the integral part of the application process. Cover letter is a short introductory note that you present to the employer to explain why you got interested in the position and why you feel you are a good fit for it. Cover letters serve two important functions – first, they introduce you, and second, they sell you. Putting your best foot forward means sending a thoughtful and distinct letter to instantly catch employer’s attention. In doing so you can consider the following nine tips we have put together for you.
1. Keep it short
The ideal size of a cover letter is no more than one page long. A concise letter tells the employer that you are focused and have strong communication skills. Aim for three to four brief paragraphs. Write the reason of your interest in the first one, a brief summary of your experience in the second one (or second and third one), and then note that your CV is attached, you are looking forward to hearing from the person and would be ready to answer any questions that might arise. Don’t forget to include your contact details at the end of the letter, and mention that you will check in later to see how things are progressing.
2. Explicitly state the role you are applying for
It is common that the company is recruiting for several posts simultaneously. Do not make the hiring manager play the guessing game – clearly state the job title in the first paragraph of the letter, preferably in the first sentence. When you include the job title in the subject line of your e-mails, keep in mind that if the recruiter prints a letter out before reading it, such information may be lost.
3. Explain why you’re interested
You should make it clear to the recruiter why you want this job. Pose this question to yourself and answer it honestly. The recruiter should feel that this is not at random that you’re applying for this position, along with dozens of others. Explain how the position fits into your overall career plans and what you find exciting about the particular industry. A genuine show of enthusiasm and knowledge will set you apart from those sending generic form letters. ALWAYS write a unique cover letter for each job you’re applying for. Have a general template but make AT LEAST one paragraph (the reason of your interest) different for each case.
4. State how you plan to contribute.
After reviewing the job description, point by point, try to match the description of your skills and experiences with how they could fit the company’s needs. However, don’t simply restate your resume. Try to rather explain the ways you will add value to the company, based on what your resume communicates.
5. Never say you might be under-qualified
Even if you think the position is out of your reach, your job is to convince the recruiter you are qualified. If the recruiter thinks you’re unqualified, a confessional letter is not going to get you an interview. Keep the letter positive by focusing on your transferable skills and unusual accomplishments.
6. Keep the tone and content professional.
Recruiters are also humans and they appreciate good humour in a relevant situation. Cover letter is not such situation. Stay extremely professional and follow the rules of general appropriateness. If you want to impress the employer with your extraordinary personality, leave it until the interview. To get to that stage, though, you should obey the ethics of business correspondence.
7. Say what you’re going to do next
Always follow up after sending a resume. If the job post contains a phone number, indicate you will call within a specified time to check on the progress. If not, consider calling anyway, unless the post specifically requests “no calls.” You may also consider a follow-up e-mail if you sent your resume electronically.
8. Proofread several times
Many recruiters will dismiss even the most qualified candidates if there’re typos in their cover letters or CVs. Using a spell checker is not enough. Reread your letter two or three times, then give it to someone else to proofread it again. Even if your letter is free of typos, poor grammar also makes a bad impression.
Knowing how to write good cover letters come from the experience. After you compose several of them, you will feel more at ease. Use any chance to better your cover letter writing techniques and soon you will enjoy the results of learning these skills.
Tags: career guide, cover letter