Want to learn how to write a cover letter? Scary Fact: Recruitment 101 – many recruiters and HR professionals don’t read an applicant’s cover letter. In fact, if they do read your letter, it will be after they have screened your C.V.
If you want to make the “Yes” pile, tailor what you write to the role, keep it short and make it look professional.
You will need to have done your homework. By reading the job advertisement and job description carefully you can find the “power words” – otherwise known as competencies – that are part of the requirements for the role.
A “competency” is something that has been identified as a necessary behaviour that a person needs to be able to do in order to succeed in their new role. It could be anything from problem solving or the ability to work in a team, through to being able to manage angry customers or a heavy workload.
Always put the job title and the job reference number at the top of the letter and direct it to an actual person – make sure you spell their name correctly! Like any form of marketing copy, the trick is to sell yourself (highlight the key points in your C.V.) and entice your audience to read on.
A basic three-paragraph set up for a professional cover letter looks something like this:
1st Paragraph: In the introduction you can say why you are writing. Explain where you saw the role advertised and why their job opening caught your attention.
2nd Paragraph: Detail your personal skills and experience that match the requirements that they are looking for. Let your potential employer know that you are enthusiastic about the role and refer them to your C.V.
3rd Paragraph: Ask for the opportunity to discuss the role further and say that you will call for follow-up – make sure you actually do call! Let the reader know what you expect and make sure you thank them for their consideration.
Keep your cover letter up to date and I can’t stress enough how important it is to tailor your letter to each new role. For a recruiter, a big turn off is seeing the same letter used with five different applications. Especially if the roles have been advertised by the same company. It makes you look like you didn’t take the time to do your research and didn’t know how to write a cover letter. All you need to do is bring out your inner Shakespeare and start crafting your latest letter.