There’s a basic format for writing a cover letter that you can follow each time. However, every letter you write should be tailored to the specific job role or company you’re applying for.
Your cover letter should address the following:
Which position interests you and why
Your most relevant skills and experiences
How your skills and experiences can benefit the employer
Requesting an interview
Your cover letter should be no longer than a single A4 page. This can be tricky, especially since you want to impress the employer with all your skills and experience. But trust us; they simply won’t be interested in reading a 3,000-word essay. Even if they were, they probably just wouldn’t have the time! Keep it short, sweet, and simple. With today’s technology, it’s common to send a cover letter – and a whole job application, for that matter – online or by email.
If you haven’t seen an advertised position, but you’re contacting a company to find out if they currently have any vacancies, the format will be slightly different as you’ll be submitting a cold-contact cover letter. You should address the letter formally as before, and try to get hold of the name of the hiring manager.
As you aren’t responding to a job ad, you should use your opening paragraph to explain why you’re writing to them and what it was that drew you to their company. If the reason for your application is a recommendation from someone, you know that already works there include their name. You should also refer to the area of the company that you’d like to go into, for example, marketing or sales.
In both your CV and your cover letter you should try to imagine yourself as a commodity and sell yourself to the company. There are several ways you can market yourself, and most of this will come from your research.
You need to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the sector so that you can effectively explain why you’ll be beneficial to their company. As well as listing your skills and qualifications you could also demonstrate your interpersonal skills through talking about social activities and clubs.
All these aspects should help you build a case for why you’re going to add to the success of the company. First impressions count, see more on how UK Job. Agency can help you stand out when applying for a job from others – find out how.
To see even more useful tips to help you in the job market and to market yourself in the most effective manner to a future employer then see CV-Library Career Advice. There are tips and advice on how to format and present your CV and Covering Letters and more. CV-Library are the UK’s leading independent job board and are experts in recruitment!