Cover letters are something that usually accompanies a CV to an employer. It gives you an opportunity to show an employer how you meet the criteria of the job they are advertising. When an employer advertises a job, they will give a description of the job and duties of the role. A CV will not show directly how you can meet the criteria of the job but in a covering letter you can. Even in a speculative covering letter where you are just enquiring about a possible job, if still gives you a chance to highlight your skills and qualities and why you be an asset.
What's In A Covering Letter?
Covering letter contains how you meet the employer requirements. You show how through previous jobs or other life experiences you have carried out or meet the duties/skills being looked for. This helps an employer to see if you're better suited for the job
First Paragraph
In this first paragraph you explain why you either sending your CV or what position your applying for. This is a short thing, usually 2-3 sentences. Remember:-
Second Paragraph
Here you show why you are qualified for the job. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences & qualities to show how they relate to the job your applying for. If this is a speculative covering letter then you have to show how your skills and experience will benefit an employer.
Choose 2-3 points you want to make about SPECIFIC experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have shown. Provide examples to back this up!! This paragraph is usually the longest section. You may have to split this part into two sections depending on what the employer is looking for (Qualities & Skills). IMPORTANT THING IS NOT TO WAFFLE!
Final Paragraph
In this last paragraph you should conclude your covering letter with either other information requested by employer or with info you feel would help you in a speculative one.
Remember
ALWAYS PROOF READ LETTER TO MAKE SURE OF THE FOLLOWING:-
First Paragraph
In this first paragraph you explain why you either sending your CV or what position your applying for. This is a short thing, usually 2-3 sentences. Remember:-
- Why you writing or which position you applying for
- Show your genuinely interested and if you applying for job state where you seen the job advertised.
Second Paragraph
Here you show why you are qualified for the job. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences & qualities to show how they relate to the job your applying for. If this is a speculative covering letter then you have to show how your skills and experience will benefit an employer.
Choose 2-3 points you want to make about SPECIFIC experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have shown. Provide examples to back this up!! This paragraph is usually the longest section. You may have to split this part into two sections depending on what the employer is looking for (Qualities & Skills). IMPORTANT THING IS NOT TO WAFFLE!
Final Paragraph
In this last paragraph you should conclude your covering letter with either other information requested by employer or with info you feel would help you in a speculative one.
Remember
ALWAYS PROOF READ LETTER TO MAKE SURE OF THE FOLLOWING:-
- There are no spelling or grammar errors
- It meets all the criteria requested
- Don't waffle and make sure your letter is no longer than a side of A4 if possible. Check your points are direct!