Firstly, you must examine the purpose of a cover letter, they have the power to make or break your job seeker’s success.
A generic, untailored cover letter can mean your CV never even gets a glance, while a long-winded cover letter can leave the hiring manager uninterested.
A job seeker can spend 1 or 2 hours updating their CV in relation to the job they are applying for, to then, regurgitate all that information into their cover letter.
Frequently, a candidate views a cover letter as the runner-up, but this is not the case. A cover letter is your stepping stone to getting your CV noticed and a means to making your profile stand out.
1. Don’t Repeat Yourself
The number one mistake with cover letters is just reiterating what you have already put on your CV. Instead, match your skills in relation to the job you are applying for. Delve deep into your skills and experience and speak about your personal qualities which you haven’t yet mentioned. Next, move on to any holes in your CV, perhaps you took a year out, or did a very random degree, explain the relevance of this in your cover letter.
2. Be Non-Generic
Cover Letters can be very easily predicted, my name is…. I am applying for…. I have experience in…., of course, all these statements are worth adding in. However, depending on the job you are applying for, why not add in a little creativity? Let’s say you are a coder or a developer, why not add a coding riddle into the mix, gaining the hiring manager’s attention? Perhaps, you want to completely step away from the normal format of your average cover letter, using very little text, and illustrate your experience with diagrams and graphs, making your cover letter stand out for the right reasons.
3. Customize It
Just like your CV, one size does not fit all. Examine the job you are applying for and use your cover letter to explain how your skills will be used for that job. Using buzzwords that the company exercises on their website, or in the job advert will help with this. Are you applying for a management role? If so, give a leadership example, and use your previous work to solidify your fit for the job you are applying for.
4. Short and Strong
Overall, research has shown that the majority of hiring managers prefer a cover letter to be 3 – 4 paragraphs long and easily fit onto one A4 page. As challenging as this may sound, the longer you make it, the less likely it is to be looked at. A short cover letter means two things: you have no room for waffle and you haven’t had the space to come across over-confident.
To finish, close out your cover letter with a strong statement, which will keep you in the hiring manager’s mind. Let them know you will hit the ground running from the get-go and that you want a chance to meet, to further explain how you could enhance their company with your experience. Furthermore, be sure to include a call to action, you will follow up with a call next week or you will await on their reply. Don’t leave yourself open to confusion on who is contacting who.
5. Research the Company
Before writing your cover letter, take the time to research the company you are applying to. Understand their mission, values, and culture. Mentioning specific details about the company in your cover letter shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to learn about the organisation. This can help you stand out from other applicants who may not have done their homework.
6. Highlight Your Achievements
While it’s important not to repeat your CV, you should still highlight your key achievements. Use your cover letter to elaborate on one or two accomplishments that are particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Provide specific examples and quantify your achievements where possible. This will give the hiring manager a clearer picture of your capabilities and the value you can bring to their team.
7. Show Enthusiasm
Your cover letter should convey your excitement about the role and the company. Expressing genuine enthusiasm can be infectious and can make a positive impression on the hiring manager. Explain why you are passionate about the industry, the company, and the specific role. Enthusiasm shows that you are motivated and eager to contribute.
8. Address the Hiring Manager by Their Name
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person rather than using a generic salutation like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Doing so demonstrates that you have taken the time to personalise your application and have made an effort to find out who will be reading your letter. If the job posting does not include the hiring manager’s name, try to find it on the company’s website or LinkedIn.
9. Use a Professional Tone
While it’s important to show some personality in your cover letter, it’s equally important to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang, overly casual language, or humour that might be misinterpreted. Your cover letter should be a reflection of your professionalism and your ability to communicate effectively in a business setting.
About Allen Recruitment
Allen Recruitment is an international recruitment consultancy business with offices in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium and Poland. A full-service recruitment consultancy offering temporary, permanent, contract and contingency roles in a variety of industries such as IT, Tech, Finance, Telecom, E-commerce, Engineering and more.
Posted in: Job Seeking Resources
