Following on from our recent post on how to create a great resume, are you putting forward your best cover letter?
A good cover letter provides the chance to show why you’re interested in the particular role, and that you’ve done your research about the company. A well-written cover letter will encourage a potential employer to read through to your resume and get in touch to find out more or set up an interview.
Some employers will not even progress an application if there is no cover letter included.
How to lay out your cover letter:
At the top, include all personal details:
• Your full name
• Contact phone number
• Email address
• Home address or postal address
Include the date of application and the company details of which you are submitting the application to:
• Hirer’s name (if you know it)
• Company name and address
By including these details it shows this is not a generic cover letter you have submitted to all applications, you have taken the time to include individual details.
When writing the letter, discuss the role title you are applying for and where you discovered the role advertised. Talk about your key skills and experience that would make you the best fit for the role.
Important details to include:
• A paragraph detailing relevant experience: Years, industries, roles, relevant to the position you’re applying for
• A paragraph detailing skills: Review the selection criteria in the job advertisement and detail how you meet these requirements
• A paragraph on achievements: Highlight a key achievement or performance outcome that sets you above the rest
Talk about why you would like to work for the company and why you’d be a good fit. Show you have done your research and explain why you are more suited than alternative candidates!
Your cover letter is your pitch, a way to introduce yourself professionally and show the value you could bring to the role you’re applying for. Your resume is there to document your skills, experience and achievements, but your cover letter sums these things up in a way that matches the job and offers a sense of who you are.
If you need help with your cover letter or resume, send us a DM!