Improve your cover letter
A cover letter is sent to potential employers along with your resume. It highlights your reasons for wanting a particular job.
A cover letter is:
- Brief and straight to the point.
- Between 3 to 4 paragraphs long.
- Interesting. Use this cover letter to sell yourself and make your potential employer want to look at your resume.
- Tailor your Cover Letter to the position you are applying for and to the employer you wish to work for.
3 steps to writing an outstanding cover letter.
Step 1: Research
The first step to writing a cover letter is to do some research. Research the company you are applying for a job with. Then mention a small part of the company's background in the letter. For example "I am aware that (company name) is the number one distributor of hardware solutions..." This displays to the potential employer that you have taken the time and initiative to learn about the company.
Step 2: Personalise your cover letter
Allow the cover letter to reflect your personality. Show some motivation and enthusiasm. Keep the letter positive. Do not show any sign of negativity through out your letter.
Always find out the name of whom to address the letter to. Remember, you want to personalise the letter. The simplest way to do this is to ring up the company and find out from the human resources department or personnel, who are looking after the applicants for that particular role.
Step 3: Write your cover letter
PARAGRAPH 1
When writing a cover letter, the first paragraph should state the job you are applying for and specific details of how you learned about the position.
PARAGRAPH 2
In the second paragraph you should highlight only your experience and qualifications that are relevant to the position you are seeking. Try to be specific when doing this. Do not summarise your resume into the cover letter. This will make the letter a "dull" read and discourage the reader to look at your resume.
PARAGRAPH 3
The third paragraph is used to explain how you think you will be a valuable asset to the company and how you will fit into the company's culture. Include some information you've learnt about the company and explain how you can relate this to yourself.
PARAGRAPH 4
The fourth paragraph is used to close the letter. It should be used to thank the reader for their time and to also politely request the reader to contact you regarding your application.
End the letter with "Yours Sincerely", your full name and signature.
Points to remember:
- Make your cover letter is no longer than one page.
- Keep it simple, do not use jargon or technical words.
- Keep it professional, don't try and fill the page up with decorative features unless you are applying for a creative role.
- Ensure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatically errors.
- Be sure to highlight your key attributes as you are writing a cover letter to sell yourself.
Good Luck
"I would not hesitate in recommending Atomic to further clients and would be happy to use them in the future."
North Asia Sales Director, EU Manufacturing Co.
