How to Write a Cover Letter for Job Applications
Posted By admin On April 15, 2009 @ 10:37 am In Business Development,Job Search | Comments Disabled
You want that job. You’ve worked on your C.V. You’ve knocked it into shape so that your skills, experience and qualifications are all targeted to the position. You’ve used a single font and set out the document in a clear, easy to read format. You’re ready to go.
Well… not quite. Without a cover letter your application is incomplete. A cover letter is your chance to quickly grab the attention of the employer and give them a snapshot of your skills, experience and personality that will make you stand out from all those other applications on their desk. Accompanying your C.V. with a cover letter lends a degree of professionalism to your application and shows you’re prepared to go that extra mile to get the job.
An employment application is a formal process, so take a formal approach to the layout of your cover letter. In the top right hand corner place your address, phone numbers and email address (do not include your name in this section). Beneath this leave a space and put the date. Leave another space and put the name of the person you’re writing to, their position (Recruitment Manager etc.), the company name, and the address of the company. You’re ready to start writing.
Well… not quite. You’ve got the job advertisement in front of you, but have you spent a few minutes making a list of the skills, experience and qualifications it asks for? Have you identified the keywords it contains? Doing so will make it much easier to target your cover letter to the position. Have you researched the company on the internet? This could provide valuable background and, perhaps, further information on what they’re looking for in a candidate.
Do you have the name of the person you’re writing to, not just their position title? Using a name creates a far more favourable impression than “Dear Sir…” so, if possible find out who you’re writing to, even if it means phoning the company.
Right, now you’re ready.
Your cover letter should be no more than one page long and should be broken into 3 or 4 short paragraphs. Bear in mind that the hirer will be short of time, will have many applications to look at and will be unlikely to spend more than 60 seconds reading your letter.
Finish your cover letter with an appropriate complimentary close e.g. “Yours sincerely…”, “Yours faithfully…” etc.
And, most of all, understand that writing a good cover letter takes time and effort – but if it gets you that job it’s more than worth it!
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