In order to get a job interview, your approach to the covering letter is as, if not more, important than your actual CV. Here is where you have to sell yourself and get the recruiters attention, else they may not even get round to looking at your CV. In a job market as tough as it is, can you afford to let potential employers overlook you for the sake of spending a little time and effort on the cover letter?
Here are 5 key tips to bear in mind whilst writing your covering letters:
- Make it unique to the company and position that you are applying to. They want to know why you are the right person for their position, and you need to introduce yourself as that or they will overlook you. Do not just copy and paste cover letters – match them to the job description and the feel of the company.
- Find the name of the recruiter before you send the letter. This will probably take one phone call to the company asking who is in charge of recruitment for the role. If you can personally address your application then this will be noticed.
- Have a key opening sentence, explaining why you are perfect for the position. You need to gain their attention so that they keep reading.
- State what you can bring to the company without repeating your CV. Think of your CV as a recor d of your achievements… then your covering letter is fitting this to the position, it is making you attractive and relevant.
- Match the presentation and style of the letter to your CV. This not only gives it a professional ‘package’ look, but also ensures that the documents wont get separated and lost.
If you want more great advice like this then get our free three-step CV guide or some career coaching.
