28
Jan
Hands on keyboard

Cover letters are a key part of the job application process – yet, it can be a daunting, or taxing experience to write one. Albeit, a cover letter is a great way to make a good impression to hiring managers. Your cover letter is a great way to show off your personal achievements, your personality, and why you’re a good fit for the job! Ensure that each cover letter you send out is personalised, and crafted for the position you want. 

In this article, we have outlined a series of our top tips for writing the perfect cover letter. 

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a document, attached to your CV, which offers a formal introduction to hiring managers. It introduces you, highlights your relevant skills and experience, and explains why you’re a good fit for the position and the company. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role. 

Your cover letter complements your CV, by providing context and illustrating your suitability for the role. 

What to Include in a Cover Letter 

  • Your Contact Information: Make sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Also, note the date you’re writing the letter.
  • Potential Employer’s Contact Information: If you have it, or if it is readily available, include the company name and address, and the name of the hiring manager.
  • Greeting: Address the letter to a specific person, if possible. 
  • Introduction: Introduce yourself within the opening paragraph, and express your interest in the role. 
  • Body Paragraphs: Explain why you’re the best candidate for the role, and the perfect fit for the company. Within the body briefly outline: 
  1. Any experience you have that co-ordinates with the job description.
  2. Examples of your accomplishments, or past career milestones. 
  3. Summarise why you’re interested in the role / why you’re drawn to the company. 
  • Confident Sign-off: End with a polite, formal closing alike ‘Kind regards’, or ‘Sincerely’, followed by your name. 

What Not to Include in a Cover Letter 

  1. Avoid overused phrases: The average cover letter includes a wealth of overused clichés and phrases, making the letter sound insincere and repetitive. Avoid using phrases like “I’m a hard worker”, “I’m a team player”, “I’m a self-starter”, or “This job would be a dream come true”. These phrases are overused; in turn, they have become meaningless. Instead, you should demonstrate these qualities through specific examples. 
  2. Don’t include information that isn’t relevant: While its important to provide examples of your achievements, including too much detail can overwhelm the reader. Ensure your cover letter is concise and precise. Additionally, when you send a cover letter it should be tailored to the specific company that you are applying for. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the role / company.  

How to Structure a Cover Letter 

A well-structured cover letter should be clear, concise, and professional while effectively displaying your qualifications and suitability. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

First Paragraph:

In the opening statement, clarify the position that you're applying for and perhaps mention where you found the job listing (e.g., the company website, job board, or social media). As such, a hiring manager will be able to quickly identify which role you have applied for, and are interested in. Within the introduction, note your availability, and notice period, i.e., whether you are able to start immediately, or have a specific date in mind. 

Second Paragraph:

Within the second paragraph, highlight your relevant professional experience. Outline the skills and qualifications you have that match the job description, and explain how your previous experience makes you a strong candidate for the position. Include specific achievements or examples of your past work that demonstrate why you would excel in the position that you’re applying for. Include any of your additional strengths, or transferrable skills, and explain how they will benefit the company. You should aim to showcase how your experience makes you a valuable asset to the team. 

Third Paragraph:

The third section should express why you’re best suited for the role, and why you’re interested in it. Explain what has drawn you to this type of work, and how your personal interests or career ambitions align with the responsibilities of the role. Additionally, note why you are excited by the prospect of working at this company. This is a great time to highlight your research about the company – mention their values, recent achievements, or reputation within the industry. Use the third paragraph as an opportunity to demonstrate that you’re not just interested in any job, but this job, at this company. Tell them what you can bring to the business. 

Final Paragraph:

To conclude, express your enthusiasm about the opportunity.  A polite and professional sign-off will leave a positive final impression. 

 

Now it’s your turn to write your own cover letter. Good luck!