Introduction

A cover letter is an ideal opportunity to showcase your key skills to a prospective employer and also outline your reasons for making the application. To help I have created some pointers for creating a successful cover letter to attach to your job application, based upon my experience in the recruitment sector.

1. Summarise Your Skills

Hiring managers or recruitment teams will often receive hundreds of applications and cover letters for any given job vacancy and may have multiple campaigns running. It is not unusual for large organisations to be actively recruiting for upwards of 100 job vacancies within their organisation meaning that there is the potential for up to 10,000 job applications during a busy period. A successful cover letter will be specific , succinct and concise. Use your cover letter to draw out two or three of your key skills and explain their relevance to the job vacancy you have applied for. This will enable those sifting through the job applications to quickly and easily identify your individual application as one for further consideration. Many excellent Curriculum Vitae’s or Resumes have been overlooked because of a poorly written cover letter or the inability of the applicant to make their application stand out from the crowd.

2. Use a Clear Structure

A successful cover letter will follow a clear structure. Usually it is advisable to start by briefly stating why you would like the job. Be as passionate but professional as possible as this will enable your cover letter to stand out amongst others as employers like to see enthusiasm. It is always advisable to avoid desperate covering letters with phrases like “I really need this job” or “Please give me a chance” No matter how dire your personal circumstances and your need for a job, this is likely to turn off prospective employers for two reason reasons. Firstly it is unprofessional and therefore communicates something negative about your character. Secondly employers are likely to assume that there is some major reason that you have not been able to secure a post in the past, which may raise concerns about your suitability for an interview with them. Once you have briefly outlined your reasons for applying for the job in your cover letter, move on to highlight two or three key skills of direct relevance to the job vacancy to further demonstrate your experience and suitability for the position.

3. Spelling and Grammar

Spelling and grammar are absolutely essential for a successful cover letter, so take time to correct any errors in the document and ask a friend or family member to proof read your cover letter prior to sending. Also ensure that you have correctly spelt the name of the individual to whom the cover letter will be addressed, to make certain that you make the right impression. If necessary call the organisation and ensure that you get the correct spelling.

4. Positively Promote Yourself.

A cover letter is an opportunity to present a positive image. Do not be afraid of self promotion, remember that other job applicants will be seeking to present themselves in the best possible light and that this is a perfectly natural part of the application process. If you are having difficulties thinking of your core skills and abilities then ask a friend, colleague or family member to help you identify them.

5. Cover Letter Length

Cover letters should be limited to two pages at most. Remember that you are trying to outline your reasons for applying for a job vacancy and highlight your key skills so do not waffle. Leave detailed career overviews for your curriculum vitae or resume! The key element is to leave a prospective employer wanting more and ensuring that they offer you an interview to explore your skills more fully.

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