Cover letters are a great way to make a first impression on a potential employer. While it may seem like they reiterate much of the information in your resume, it allows the hiring manager to get to know you better. They learn how your written communication is, what you value in a workplace, and what some of your proudest achievements are.
Making sure you write your cover letter in a way that makes sense and sells you as a candidate is an important skill to have. In this blog, we’ll talk about how to write a great cover letter to help you stand out, and what to avoid to make sure you aren’t disregarded.
Structuring your cover letter
The first thing to consider before even starting to write is how you will structure your cover letter. A well-structured cover letter should be easy to read and effectively communicate your key skills, achievements and goals.
Here is a simple structure that you can follow when writing your cover letter
1. Header
Include your contact information at the top of the letter, followed by the date and the employer’s contact information. This will ensure that the employer can easily contact you if you are a desirable candidate.
2. Greeting and introduction
If possible, try to address the letter to a specific person. You can find a contact by researching the company’s website or LinkedIn. If you can’t find a name, you can use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Try to start with a strong opening that will capture the hiring manager’s attention. A great approach to this is mentioning the job title by name and stating why you are interested in the position.
3. Body paragraphs
The body of your cover letter is where you will need to showcase yourself. Start by highlighting your most relevant skills and how you have demonstrated them. You may want to focus on skills and capabilities that have been specifically mentioned in the job description.
You should then discuss your knowledge of the company and how it aligns with your values and goals. Show them that you have done your research and that you would love the opportunity to work within their culture.
Finally, highlight any relevant qualifications or experience that are specific to the role and make you a strong candidate. This could include projects you’ve worked on, soft skills, or personal achievements.
4. Conclusion
To conclude, summarise your key points and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Try to include a call to action such as an interview request or your excitement to chat more about the opportunity.
Remember to thank the reader for their time and consideration, and end with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards”, followed by your name.
Personalising your cover letter
When you are applying for multiple jobs at once, most people will keep their resume the same for every job application and personalise their cover letter. Why do this though?
While your resume is a structured document that lays out your experience, education and skills, your cover letter is where you make a case for why you are the best choice for a role. This is why it is critical that you tailor your cover letter to each specific role that you apply for. It shows the hiring manager that you have put in the effort to understand the position and that you’ve thought about how you can contribute to the company.
Things to consider when personalising your cover letter include:
· Researching the company
Make the effort to learn about the company’s mission, values and culture. Incorporate this into your cover letter and try to demonstrate how you align with their key values.
· Reference the job description
Using buzzwords from the job description not only highlights your relevant skills, but it shows that you have taken the time to understand the roles complexities and can help your application get past applicant tracking systems.
· Mention specific job initiatives or projects
If the company has been involved in any notable projects or initiatives that resonate with you, mention this in your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager that you are genuinely invested in the company’s work.
Highlighting key skills and experiences
Your cover letter should focus on the skills and experiences that are the most relevant to the job you are applying for. When you’re deciding what to include in this section, think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your qualifications and skills that are required for the role.
When structuring your examples, a great method to use is the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), which will clearly outline your accomplishments and their impact. This will show the hiring manager that you can effectively solve problems and drive results in situations relevant to the advertised role.
Resources and support
If you feel as though you need additional support and assistance with writing your cover letter, there are many resources available to support you. There are many templates and examples available online that you can use as a skeleton, or you may want to attend a workshop or webinar where you can go through the process step by step.
If you are seeking more personalised advice, there are organisations that provide employment services that can help you in all stages of the job seeking process. For example, if you are living with a disability, injury, or health condition, APM Disability Employment Services Melbourne can help you outline your employment goals and tailor your resume and cover letter for potential opportunities. DES Providers Melbourne often provide additional support to those who have secured a role to ensure that they are happy and thriving in their new role.
Common mistakes to avoid
When you are writing your cover letter, there are a few common mistakes that can take away from your message. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Generic content: Try to avoid using a generic cover letter for multiple applications. If you personalise it to each application, your message will connect with the hiring manager.
- Repetition: Don’t forget what is already in your resume – your cover letter is where you can provide additional information and build on qualifications.
- Length: Keep your cover letter succinct and easy to understand. Aim for no more than one page with a clear structure.
Preparing for the workforce
The tips above should help you create an engaging and interesting cover letter to get the attention of the hiring manager. It’s important to remember that your cover letter is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate why you are right for the job.
By highlighting your key skills, personalising it to the employer and role, and following a clear structure that is easy to understand, you can create a great cover letter that will help you take the next step in your career.
