My top ten tips for a successful cover letter:
1.Point out your strengths.
Your CV contains your record of employment history and experience. Your cover letter should explain to the employer how you could use these qualities to benefit their business.
2.Be unique.
Don't be afraid to stamp your personality on the letter. Keep it professional but personal. Your cover letter should be very positive.
3.Keep it simple.
Use simple sentences which get to the point quickly. Avoid over-explaining paragraphs.
4.Be personable.
Take the time to find out the correct name and title of the recruiter. Make sure you have the correct spelling of all names.
5.Plan each letter.
Make a short list of points you want to get across in the letter, and refer to the list as you are writing to make sure you leave nothing out.
6.Be concise!
Avoid long cover letters! Anything longer than one page is much too long. Three paragraphs, or about 10-15 lines is sufficient.
7.Paragraph one: Introduce yourself
The first paragraph explains your reason for applying. Introduce yourself and express an interest in potential position. If you are applying for a specific position, mention where you saw the ad and when. If you were referred by a mutual friend or associate mention them too. You then outline the position and what you believe you can offer.
8.Paragraph two: How you can help
The second paragraph is where you show how you can fill this need. Focus on how you would use your skills to benefit the company.
9.Paragraph three: The next step
Tell the recruiter where and how they can contact you. Finally, Thank the recruiter for taking the time to read your CV.
10.Check it!
Proof read your cover letter.You can implement all the above points, but if you get something wrong it's all been for nothing. Check spelling and grammar and when you think you've checked it completely, check it again. Give the letter to someone else to read.
To Summarise
Do
- address it to the most appropriate person
- let the language used reflect your enthusiasm
- ensure your letter supports rather than repeats your CV
- ask someone to read it over
Don't
- sent the letter without checking for spelling and grammatical errors
- address it Dear Sir/Madam if you know the name of the recruiter
- underestimate the potential for a good letter to make a positive impact