A cover letter is the first method of introduction an employer uses to get a feel for prospective employees. It should therefore highlight qualifications, experience and other relevant information that will make the employer want to move on to the attached resume. The goal of a good cover letter is to quickly show an employer your best qualities and pique their interest in you so that you make through to the next round of the application process.
Following these tips, you will be well on your way to a great cover letter:
1) Read the job requirements that are advertised carefully
The fastest way for employers to not even consider a job application is when the minimum requirements are not met. Be sure that you apply for jobs that you are qualified for. For example, a company that states it is looking for someone with five (5) years of experience will not, in all likelihood, hire a new University graduate. Similarly, if the posting requests a Masters degree or PhD, someone with a first degree or lower qualifications will not be considered.
2) Do Your homework
Research the company you are applying to as well as the title of the position. Find out the name of the Human Resource Director or Manager and be sure to address them directly using their name (spelt correctly) and correct title in the heading and opening of the letter. The information of the position can give you some ideas when wording the body of the letter.
3) Writing the Cover Letter (click here to see layout of this cover letter)
a. Begin with the current date, followed by your full name and address.
b. Follow this with the Name of the HR Manager/Director, their title, Company and Company address
c. Next, state the position that you are applying in the title of the letter
d. Summarize your resume:
- Give an overview of the contents of your resume. Experienced job seekers should include your educational qualifications, volunteer work, internships, summer jobs etc. and all other experience that is relevant to the job.
- New comers to the job market should include courses and other schoolwork that an employer would see as relevant to the position.
e. Use the language of the job posting in the cover letter:
- Employers will include skills and qualities that they are seeking in potential employees when they post jobs. The content of the cover letter should reflect the requirements or qualities as stated in the job posting. For example, the posting may state that the individual must be “proficient in Microsoft office”, “have three years of experience in a similar position” or have “excellent interpersonal skills”. Write these in the cover letter exactly as stated in the job posting. This will show the employer that you have read and understood the job requirements and that you believe that you possess these qualities.
f. Close the body of the cover letter by indicating that a resume is enclosed and expressing an interest in meeting with the employer at their convenience.
g. Close the letter itself with your full name and contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail address) (see sample Cover letter for tips)
4) Don’t wait until the last minute
Just because a deadline is a two weeks away doesn’t mean that a cover letter and resume should be sent one week and six days later. Create and send off the cover letter and resume as soon as possible from the date you saw the job vacancy. Most importantly, ensure that your cover and letter and resume are received before the deadline. Applications received after stated deadlines are not usually considered.
5) Follow up
Unless the vacancy specifically states “No Calls”, follow up with the company within 3-5 business days of sending them the cover letter and resume to ensure that it was received.
6) New job application means New Cover letter
It is a good idea to create a new cover letter for each company you apply to, using the same process described here. Much of the information will remain the same (qualifications etc.), but company information and relevant experience will change on each cover letter and depending on the type of job.
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