Tips For The Perfect Cover Letter
Tips for the perfect cover letter
Job hunting is seldom much fun, and can leave people frustrated and disheartened. For some of us, interviews can be an ordeal, and even starting a new job is often a challenge in itself. But before you ever get to that stage you need to sell yourself to an employer, and for that you need the perfect cover letter.
A résumé provides basic personal details, and a list of what we've done and what skills we have in the bank. That's all important information, but apart from a few hobbies and skills, it doesn't tell the story of who you are as a person. A company is considering paying you to take up space in their building, and they want to know who they're getting. A good cover letter is the perfect way to tell them.
How to begin
Including your name and contact information at the top of your letter will save recruiters having to search for it elsewhere. Assume they know what job you're applying for, so don't distract them by stating it again. Look online for information on the company - or even call them - and wherever possible address the hiring manager or recruiter by name. A cover letter should begin boldly and positively. A sentence such as: "I've been an electronics engineer for over 10 years and am looking for the kind of challenge I believe your company could provide" gets straight to the point. If you don't grab their attention immediately, chances are you never will.Do your homework
Recruiters will be impressed if you can demonstrate that you've researched their business and understand the role you are applying for. Use online resources to find out as much as you can about the company, and try and suggest ways in which it would benefit from hiring you. A more intimate knowledge of the company should also influence the tone of your letter. If you're applying for a creative role, there's more scope to spotlight your creativity, whereas an application for a financial administration role may require a more formal tone.Other top tips
A cover letter should convey an applicant's enthusiasm for the role on offer. If you don't seem interested in them, why should they be interested in you? That said, don't put the recruiter off by going overboard. Keep it short and to the point - any more than a page is too much. Give examples, where possible, that illustrate your past achievements. If you have a personal connection with someone at the company, mention their name early. Make sure you send your cover letter in the format specified in the job posting, e.g. via email or online application system. Re-read your letter before sending, as too many spelling or grammatical errors may count against you. Avoid mentioning skills you don't have, and focus instead on your plus points and other abilities. Your cover letter should be polite and professional, but don't use language that is awkward or overly formal. There are dedicated templates available online that can help you, and it's always worth looking at some best practice examples for other useful pointers.
