Your covering letter is an important job search tool, a key part of your application to a prospective employer. Many job seekers fail even to write one and only submit their CV or application form. Develop a strong covering letter and your application could really stand out from the crowd. A great covering letter should demonstrate your understanding of the role, the company how your skills and abilities match the job perfectly.
To help you, we have put together a few helpful tips that can help you develop a good covering letter.
Never Rewrite Your CV
Don't just copy your CV into the the covering letter. The purpose of the cover letter is to show an employer how you meet the job requirements through your skills, experiences & achievements.
Select The Right Type Of Cover Letter
There are 5 different types of covering letters from an application cover letter, cover letter of interest to a referral cover letter. Picking the wrong type could cost you an interview. If you need help understanding what type of cover letter to use then check out our helpful guide by clicking the link 'Types Of Cover Letters'.
3/4 Paragraphs Long
A covering letter should only consist of 3/4 paragraphs long. It needs to be straight to point, specific and definitely no waffling. Your cover letter needs to show the employer not only how you meet job requirements but also how would be a good addition and how much you want the job. If you wish to see a full break down of the structure of a cover letter then click this link 'Cover Letter Section'.
Provide Evidence
One paragraph in your cover letter needs to be used to evidence your skills & achievements. An employer will not interview or even hire anyone who can't evidence that their skills or even how they meet job requirements. Make sure you EVIDENCE!
Don't Mention Weaknesses
The point of the cover letter is to sell yourself to an employer. You need to show them that you're the one for the job. However, some job seekers think that by apologising for weaknesses in a cover letter will help but it doesn't. An employer doesn't want to see you apologising. Yes we all have weaknesses but save them for the interview process. FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS!
Proof Reading
Very basic tip but you will be surprised how many job seekers don't follow this rule. Whether it is because they are rushing their covering letter, lazy or too arrogant to think they have made no mistakes. Always check for any errors at least twice and have someone else check for you. Spotting a mistake before you send it helps improves your chances.
To help you, we have put together a few helpful tips that can help you develop a good covering letter.
Never Rewrite Your CV
Don't just copy your CV into the the covering letter. The purpose of the cover letter is to show an employer how you meet the job requirements through your skills, experiences & achievements.
Select The Right Type Of Cover Letter
There are 5 different types of covering letters from an application cover letter, cover letter of interest to a referral cover letter. Picking the wrong type could cost you an interview. If you need help understanding what type of cover letter to use then check out our helpful guide by clicking the link 'Types Of Cover Letters'.
3/4 Paragraphs Long
A covering letter should only consist of 3/4 paragraphs long. It needs to be straight to point, specific and definitely no waffling. Your cover letter needs to show the employer not only how you meet job requirements but also how would be a good addition and how much you want the job. If you wish to see a full break down of the structure of a cover letter then click this link 'Cover Letter Section'.
Provide Evidence
One paragraph in your cover letter needs to be used to evidence your skills & achievements. An employer will not interview or even hire anyone who can't evidence that their skills or even how they meet job requirements. Make sure you EVIDENCE!
Don't Mention Weaknesses
The point of the cover letter is to sell yourself to an employer. You need to show them that you're the one for the job. However, some job seekers think that by apologising for weaknesses in a cover letter will help but it doesn't. An employer doesn't want to see you apologising. Yes we all have weaknesses but save them for the interview process. FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS!
Proof Reading
Very basic tip but you will be surprised how many job seekers don't follow this rule. Whether it is because they are rushing their covering letter, lazy or too arrogant to think they have made no mistakes. Always check for any errors at least twice and have someone else check for you. Spotting a mistake before you send it helps improves your chances.