WRITING A COVER LETTER

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER? 

A cover letter is used to show the employer why you're a strong fit for the role, acting as an introduction to yourself and your application. Your cover letter should be even more specific to the role, highlighting why you have applied to work for that company, and drawing attention to your most relevant qualifications. 

WHAT SHOULD YOUR GOALS BE WHEN WRITING A COVER LETTER?

1. Introduce who you are and why you are writing. 

2. Highlight your relevant experience and skills.

3. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company - show that you have researched the company by writing a bit about why you want to work in this specific role for that specific company. You can mention recent projects or strategic moves made by the company, but make sure you are not too surface level. Flatter them!

QUICK TIPS FOR A GREAT COVER LETTER: 

Never exceed a page long on a cover letter. 

Using active verbs throughout, and a consistent tone. 

Match it to the formatting and tone of your CV. 

Always remember the person you are writing to is TIME POOR. They likely have many applications to get through, and so you need to quickly show them why you are right for the role, and get straight to the point. 

Many applicants struggle with cover letters, so if you work hard on making your letter the best it can be, this is your chance to stand out!

3. OPENING PARAGRAPH

This needs to introduce the reason for writing, and give a brief overview of who you are and why you are interested in applying for the job. You want your paragraph to vaguely follow the generic example sentences below:

State the role you are applying for: "I am writing to express my keen interest in the [JOB TITLE] opportunity at [COMPANY NAME]."

Give a brief indication of your experience: "With over [X] years of experience in [INDUSTRY], I've developed [KEY SKILLS], which I am eager to bring to the team." 

Mention something about the company: "I admire [COMPANY]'s commitment to [SPECIFIC INITIATIVE], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to that mission. 

4. MIDDLE PARAGRAPH 

This paragraph is about selling yourself. When appropriate you may want to split this section to two paragraphs, maybe one detailing your achievements, and another your relevant skills and qualities. However, when possible, it is better to do one paragraph linking all these things together. 

• Highlight your experience relevant to the role - think of it as signposting to the hiring team which parts of your CV are going to be the most relevant for them (although it should all be somewhat relevant). 

• Focus on specific skills and qualities they have asked for in the job advert - quantify these skills with examples.

5. CLOSING PARAGRAPH

This should reaffirm your interest in the role. Ideally, you want to speak about specific initiatives from the company that made you interested in the role, or values you align with. Think of this as you making the company feel special, and showing that you've really done your research. 

6. SIGNING OFF

Include a sentence or two reaffirming your interest in the role, and that you would welcome the opportunity to ask any questions the hiring team may have. 

Use a professional closing:

• Write "Your sincerely" if you used a name when addressing the letter.

• Write "Yours faithfully" if you did not use a name in the address.