A curriculum vitae or resume is essential when applying for a job, nevertheless most people do not see the need to attach a cover letter alongside their application.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one page letter addressed to the hiring manager or recruiter explaining why you are the best fit for the job.
If the position requires one: It may explicitly state on the job application if an employer expects you to send a cover letter. If it says it’s optional, you may still want to prepare a cover letter and send it along with your application to provide a more in-depth overview of why you’re the right candidate for your prospective role.
If the employer requires one during the interview process: If you apply for a position without a cover letter and still get an interview, an employer may still want one for the hiring manager to review.
This is rare, but it can still be a possibility. You can always have a cover letter prepared for a position, even if it doesn’t require one.
If you know the name of the hiring manager: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if you know their name directly. An indirect referral might know the name of a hiring manager, which can help you address the right person.
If someone referred you to the position: Send your cover letter to the person you know within the company. They can either send it to the recruiter in the human resources department or to the hiring manager for their organization.
Nevertheless, a cover letter would require that you would be the perfect candidate and communicate this in your cover letter.
You need to highlight where you found the job advert or offer on the cover letter and your address, phone number and email at the closing of the cover letter to enable the hiring manager reach you quickly if you are the best fit
Highlight your past accomplishments and any additional skills that would benefit the organisation if you were selected to fill the position.
Tailor your cover letter to the job and avoid repetition
If you’re applying for multiple roles, don’t fall into the trap of reusing the same cover letter. It should be tailored to the role you are applying for and in line with the job description and company’s personality.
Highlight your transferable skills, achievements, and versatility
Transferable skills can help determine your suitability for a role, so be sure to include any personal characteristics or personality traits that make you a better fit for the role and interesting to a hiring manager. If you have achieved great results in a similar role, be sure to highlight your success.
Tailor your information, but don’t slavishly match the job description
Where your skills and experience fit the criteria, mention the crossover between them, but don’t use every word or listed skill set to describe yourself in your cover letter.
Make sure it’s neat, brief, and typo-free
A typed, one page and error-free cover letter is expected. If your cover letter contains spelling mistakes, your CV will very quickly find itself in the ‘no pile’, regardless of how experienced or skilled you are.
End by politely expressing interest in further dialogue and thanking the hiring manager.
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
