Writing a Cover Letter Top Ten Tips for
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Writing a Cover Letter
Top Ten Tips for Cover Letters Before writing the cover letter, the applicant should make a copy of the job ad and go through it carefully, highlighting any key words, specific qualifications and duties that the job involves. The applicant should then research the employer and the specific position, and determine the needs of the company. Use your own qualifications, try and match these to key words in the ad
Begin the cover letter with a “hook”. The employer will be receiving a lot of applications so the applicant needs to ensure that his or her attention-grabbing opening will capture the employer’s interest. The best way is to immediately indicate key qualifications for the position. Avoid “I am applying for the. . . position” or “Please accept the enclosed resume in application for the. . . position” as these are common cover letter openings. In the body of the cover letter, the applicant should expand on the qualifications stated in the opening and demonstrate how these can benefit the employer, using strong examples.
The applicant can divide the letter up to include a paragraph on educational experience and one on work experience. The applicant must give solid, relevant evidence and measurable achievements – for example: “While I worked as a Cashier at Mc. Donalds I received the “Employee of the Month” award. The applicant is not repeating his or her resume, but supporting his or her experience with brief “stories”. The cover letter should end with a strong request for an interview, and by providing clear contact details. The cover letter should be roughly 4 -5 paragraphs long – no more than a page.
The applicant must proof read the cover letter carefully! Final Tips for Cover Letters The biggest mistake job applicants make is not to tailor make each cover letter to the specific position. This is essential to getting an interview, as the employer can see that the applicant has taken the time and effort to research the company and the position. Another important step is to follow up after the application to show continued interest in the position.