How to write a cover letter

At CV Writers we carried out research a few years ago which showed that over 40% of employers still require a cover letter. So, whilst they are not needed for every job you apply for, a great many employers value a cover letter in addition to a CV. Writing a cover letter provides an additional opportunity to tell the reader why you should be considered for the role. It’s an opportunity that should not be wasted.

Tailor your cover letter for each application

Some job seekers use a generic cover letter simply changing the name and address of the recipient each time. This is a similar habit to how some use their CV. A cover letter should always be tailored for a specific role. If you are applying for similar type roles, then you can create a letter with the core content which can then be adapted for different requirements. No two jobs are ever exactly the same, just as your cover letter shouldn’t be.

Write a cover letter to no more than 1 side of A4

It is important to keep in mind that most recruiters will scan read a letter and CV. There is little point including lots of detail. Write the cover letter to 3 or 4 short paragraphs. Introduce yourself and give a bit of background in the first paragraph as to why you are applying. The rest of the cover letter should detail how you meet the requirements using specific examples. Read the job description and person specification first. This will tell you what the employer is looking for.

Your CV and cover letter need to complement each other yet also work independently

Sometimes when we review CVs a client may say ‘oh, I didn’t include anything on my achievements in the CV as I thought that should go in the cover letter’.  Yes, you should highlight two or three major achievements in your letter but not at the cost of missing them in your CV. It doesn’t matter if you repeat a few key achievements – so long as you don’t copy the wording exactly. After all, the well-trodden process of advertising is based on a similar approach – repetition.

Presentation of your cover letter

Your cover letter should be meaningful and tailored, it should also be well presented and error free. Make sure your paragraphs are constructed with coherent themes for each. Always proofread the letter for spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Sign off with a good positive message like ‘I would warmly welcome being invited to interview.’

This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers. Please do connect with me via LinkedIn.

Check out our CV writing service with details of our packages that include LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. You can get things started with a Free CV review. I am also a qualified career counsellor and provide Career Counselling services for people looking to change career paths.