3 top-tips to nail your cover letter!
A cover letter is a popular attachment to a CV. A cover sheet can be an optional letter to introduce with your CV, where you can summarise your expertise, skills, and ambitions.
If you are a candidate who has seen an opportunity which catches your eye, or you are now qualified enough to consider the job you’ve been dreaming about, you’ll have to put forth a little more effort than usual.
Most employers, whether this is startups or Fortune 500 Organisations, expect to see a cover letter with every submitted CV.
Consider a cover letter the opportunity to showcase your personality and convince the employer to call you as opposed to any other applicant.
The cover letter is a chance to explain everything that won’t fit on your resume and present yourself as the perfect candidate. Now that you realise how important it is, here are some tips to boost the quality of your cover letter and get your dream job!
Customise your letter for every position you apply for
Every new application should have a new cover letter. It shows the hiring manager that you’ve carried out your research and you desire the position you’re applying for.
Hiring managers and recruiters have extensive experience reviewing cover letters and can sense a generic letter from a mile away. If you decide to use the same letter and change small details and wording such as the job title or the manager’s name, you’ll eventually slip up and send the wrong letter to a job. This is by far the easiest way for your application to be rejected before even reviewing the CV!
Ensure You Are Addressing The Correct Person
This may take a little research on LinkedIn, but if it’s at all possible, address your cover letter to a specific person, for example, a Hiring Manager or Line Manager. The popular “To Whom It May Concern” could be considered as an alternative if you are unable to find the Hiring Managers details, but it could be portrayed as generic.
A recommendation could be to call the company and find out the name of the person the application is going to. Taking this extra step will not only show that you are sincere about getting the job, but you respect the manager enough to find out his or her name.
Put emphasis on what you as an individual can do for them — not only what they can do for you!
The cover letter is a chance for you to highlight your skills and what makes you the perfect candidate. Providing your CV and Cover Letter are portrayed well, the interview will be a suitable time for more of an exchange, and to convey your enthusiasm for the job. Initially, you must explain to them why you should be shortlisted.
The hiring manager(s) will want to see what you can bring to the company to help them grow and succeed also. It is acceptable to show a little enthusiasm in your cover letter, but ensure it is formal. A perfect example of what to include could be: “I’ve been following your company since it’s startup, and I’ve love to bring my skills and knowledge to the team.” After this, it is important to provide evidence on how you would do this.