When you are applying for a new job, it is vitally important to not only make sure that your CV is tailored and up to date, but you should also be sending a really strong cover letter to show your potential new employer why you want the job and why they should interview you.
Here are our top tips on what you should be doing:
- Your cover letter should be well presented, concise and to the point. No photos and keep your font professional, please do not use Comic Sans!!!!!!
- Your letter should be around half of an A4 page in length. If its too long, you risk rambling on and if its too short, you potentially could have missed out some vital information.
- Address the letter to the person on the advert. If you have no name, you could check their website or call the business to find out as this shows initiative. If you still are unable to find out a name then you should use “Dear Sir / Madam”
Before you start trying to write your letter you should do your RESEARCH on the job and company first.
- What does the company do?
- What does the role involve?
- What are the essential skills they are looking for?
- Who is there target audience?
- Do they have any competitors?
- Do they have any sustainability projects, diversity quotas or charity work that they are undertaking at the moment?
- Have they won any awards?
Using your research will help you write your letter and give the hiring manage reasons why they should choose you for interview.
You should split your letter up into 4 main paragraphs:
Paragraph one
In this paragraph you should write why you are getting in touch and where you saw the job advert. Keep it short and to the point.
e.g – I wish to apply for the role of the Marketing Executive currently advertised on Indeed.com. Please find my enclosed CV for your consideration.
Paragraph two
This is your chance to say why you are suitable for the job. Describe your skills and qualifications that you have that are relevant to the job advert.
e.g – As you can see from my CV, I have over 4 years of Marketing experience within the manufacturing industry along with a Marketing degree. I believe that the knowledge and skills I have built up during this time, make me the perfect candidate for your vacancy.
Paragraph three
This is your chance to show what you can do for the company. Outline your career goals (relevant to the job you are applying for) and expand on any relevant points from your CV, include examples to back up your skills.
e.g – In my current role as Marketing Executive at ABC limited, I am responsible for driving traffic to their website and have increased this by 45% in the last twelve months; which has resulted in an increase in revenue of 30%.
Paragraph four
You should reiterate your interest in the role here. Explain why you would be the best person for the job. You could also show your interest in meeting the employer for an interview .
e.g – I am confident that I can make a difference to your company and help build your digital brand as a market leader in your field.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further.
Yours sincerely (If you know their name)
Yours faithfully (if you don’t have a name)
Just remember that it is all about the quality of your application rather than the quantity.
For more information on how we can support you in your job search, please check out this page on our Website