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Compose a clear and concise covering letter:
Writing a clear and concise cover letter give you a competitive advantage over many other candidates and your CV is meaningless without a cover letter and will not get you far in todays competitive environment. Ensure you customise each and every letter and keep it limited to one page in length. If you submit a finely composed cover letter you will not only impress, intrigue the recruiter, you will entice the recruiter to seek more inform = interview!
Follow these simple steps and have your final product checked by a friend or mentor.
- Ensure your letter is in the same format as you CV ie: font style and size etc.
- When responding to an advert - address the criteria set out in the advert. Use the advert to cross-reference words you wish to use in your cover letter.
- In your first paragraph - inform the reader of the letters purpose
- Paragraph 2 should outline your skills and experience ie: it should be a version of your Profile from your CV, ensure they are in line with the needs of the recruiter.
- In paragraph 3, inform the reader exactly what it is that appeals to you about their business. Tell the reader what do you have to offer their company (remember: passion!) and what they will benefit from hiring you.
- In the final paragraph - be proactive! ask for the opportunity of an interview - enthusiasm will get you far - be positive and confident, but without arrogance.
- A fantastic tip: use action verbs to start sentences. This really gets a recruiters attention. If you find yourself repeating the same words - utilise a Thesaurus to make your writing more interesting.
- Proof read at least 3 times - check your spelling, grammar, layout, addressees name, title and details.
- And don't forget to sign your letter!
