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What is a cover letter? And what should it contain?
WHAT IS A COVER LETTER AND WHAT SHOULD IT CONTAIN
29/11/2017 1 like Like
CVs and cover letters go hand-in-hand.
A cover letter is usually an essential part of most job application processes- but what exactly is a cover letter And what should it include
Cover letters: a definition
At its most simple, a cover letter is a document that you send with your CV to help the recipient direct your application to the appropriate person / department.
Cover letters differ from CVs in that instead of being a generic overview of your skills, it should be written specifically for the job you are applying for, making a compelling argument as to why you are the right person for the job.
A well written cover letter is the ideal way to sell your application for the job to which you are applying. Its a way of making you stand-out from all of the other applicants.
Many employers often use cover letters (or the absence of one) as part of their filtering process when they are screening applicants for a position.
A well-written, compelling cover letter can be the key ingredient in ensuring you get past this filtering process.
What to include in a cover letter
There are a number of elements that are important to include in your cover letter:
Your personal details and contact information (e.g. name, address, email, mobile phone number).
The date that you have written the cover letter (this provides clarification should the letter be delayed en-route to the employer).
The name and job title of the addressee (e.g. the Hiring Manager. If you don't know that name of the prospective reader then use a generic form of address such as 'Dear Sir or Madam').
A job reference or code if applicable (e.g. REF 001/JOB).
Whilst the above elements are considered the absolute essential points to include, you may also wish to include some further information, such as:
Where you found the vacancy.
Why you are the ideal candidate for the job (where you align your skills and experience with the person specification and job description provided by the prospective employer).
Your key achievements (that are relevant to the role for which you are applying).
Closing statement (including a thank you for the Hiring Manager taking the time to review your cover letter and CV).
Cover letter hints & tips
Whilst there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding cover letters, here are a few hints and tips that will help you craft a job-winning letter:
Don't rewrite your CV! Ensure that your covering letter is a concise and brief summary of why you are the ideal person for the position.
Following the above point, aim to keep your cover letter to between half and one side of A4 at most. Go beyond this limit and you risk losing the attention of the reader.
Ensure that your cover letter is directly relevant to the position for which you are applying. Do not recycle cover letters! Although it is more effort, you should be writing a bespoke cover letter for every application that you submit.
Don't treat your cover letter as an after-thought. Ensure that your cover letter compliments your CV visually (e.g. has the same font type, font size, line spacing and paragraph formatting).
Ensure that any statements that you make in your cover letter can be backed up with facts and figures (either in your CV or should you be challenged on them verbally).
Check spelling and grammar.
Most importantly, always include a cover letter with your CV (unless the job advert specifically instructs you not to).
We hope that armed with these hints and tips youll be able to craft a job-winning cover letter to accompany your CV!
Once youve got your CV and cover letter ready, why not register for free with Fircroft and gain access to hundreds of global engineering jobs