Writing a Cover Letter Writing a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is important it is an overview of your skills and how they apply to the position advertised. Don't be tempted to make your cover letter a rehash of your resume take the time to make the documents complement each other to help you secure you an interview. Your cover letter enables you to present yourself (your interest, your abilities, and your suitability) in a coherent and organised way without interruption make the most of it.
TYPES OF COVER LETTERS
Specific job applications
If you are using the same resume for several applications your cover letter allows you to tailor your application.
A basic structure for cover letters:
- Mention why you are contacting the employer (what job, what department, what field);
- Explain your interest or relevant experience;
- Request an interview or meeting and reiterate your interest in working for the company.
Writing a cover letter in response to a job ad
Before you begin writing your application, read the job advertisement carefully for the employer's wish list of desired characteristics for the position. Look for mention of the following:
- Skills;
- Functions;
- Personal attributes;
- Desired experience and qualifications.
Highlight each of the above and work out whether you have these skills. Review your experience and whether you have performed a similar function in previous jobs and can do what the advertisement seeks.
Now write your letter introducing and yourself outlining your skills, attributes, and experience in response to the requirements laid out in the advertisement. Your letter should reflect your personality and ensure you emphasise the qualities the advertiser is looking for don't try to be someone else.
Write a better 'cold call' cover letter
When your letter of application is not in response to a job ad the employer will not be anticipating your correspondence, so it is important to make your covering letter as clear and appealing as possible. An unsolicited application needs to quickly gain the attention of the reader. Explain what you can offer the organisation and how they can benefit from hiring you. Make sure you address the letter to the the correct contact name and tailor your application to the organisation. Make your application look as if you have done your homework about the company and are not sending our large numbers of unqualified form letters.
