Improve your chances with the perfect cover letter

Nearly all job applications require you to do a cover letter. A cover letter is like a written down enhanced version of your elevator speech. For most recruiters, it is the content of your cover letter that would determine if they should bother reading your resume. In essence, how you put together your cover letter can affect your chances of obtaining an interview.

In writing a cover letter, even the little things matter, this is why we put together these great suggestions to help you craft a winning cover letter.

• In as much as you want your cover letter to contain all your most relevant information, it is important that you ensure it doesn’t go beyond a single page. Recruiters have lots of cover letters and resume to read, they will not spend all day on only one. Make sure you avoid the use of bogus or flowery language and try to stick to the important points.
• The content of your cover letter should not mirror the content of your resume. While your resume talks about your qualifications and accomplishments, your cover letter should focus on that part of your personality and skills that would be useful on the job. It must be tailored to meet the job description you are applying for.

 

• Talk a bit about why you feel you are ideal for the company. Try to align your career goals with the company’s or look for a middle ground that you feel the recruiter will appreciate.

 

• A cover letter is meant to show why you are the right person for the job. It is not an opportunity to share personal information about yourself or your family. While you may be tempted to include all your details, avoid putting those that have no connection to the job.

 

• It is important that you address your cover letter to the right person. Do a proper research to find out the name or gender of the recruiter. It can be awkward to address your recruiter as “Dear Ma” when the person is a man. If you cannot get these details, use something generic like “Human Resource Manager”, “Hiring Manager” or “Recruitment Officer”.

 

• Try to maintain a professional tone throughout your letter. Even if you have a prior relationship with the recruiter, your letter should be courteous, professional and straight to the point.

 

• The fastest way to send your cover letter into the waste bin is to fill it up with errors. Take a few minutes after writing to ensure that your cover letter is free of spelling and grammar errors.

 

• You are allowed to brag a little about your past experiences, but do not lie or make things up. Details like these are easy to verify and you will lose credibility if found out. And if the company decides to take you at your word, you may end up not being able to carry out tasks assigned to you. This way, you frustrate yourself and your colleagues.

A cover letter is a necessary part of every recruitment process and not just some silly requirement thought up to waste your time. This is the only way recruiters can get a first impression of you, and it is your job to make sure the first impression is a good one. Hopefully, all the suggestions covered above will help you write a great cover letter that will transform your job search.

Best of luck.