How To Write A Great Cover Letter

In today’s competitive job market a great cover letter is essential

An employer may receive dozens of applications for a job so they’re looking for anything that helps cut down on time spent sifting through a pile of CV’s. 

 A compelling cover letter helps you stand out from the crowd and is your best chance of getting your CV to the top of that pile and securing an interview. A good cover letter should quickly convince the employer that you fit the bill. For this reason you should include a cover letter with every application (including any reference numbers where applicable) regardless of whether they request one or not.

Your Cover Letter Is Your Trumpet

This is your chance to attract the employer’s attention and show that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for. It allows you to point to the strengths within your CV in a more conversational style, it directs attention to the skills you want to highlight and matches your strengths to the job applied for.

Different Job Different Cover Letter

Read the job description carefully and tailor your cover letter to the description. State your interest and enthusiasm for the position, why it interests you so much, why you are just what they’re looking for and the qualities you can bring to the role.

Clear and Concise

Your cover letter should be one page with short, clear paragraphs and spell checked.

The Personal Touch

 Address your letter to the hiring authority by name making sure you spell their name correctly and their title is correct. If in doubt, phone Reception and ask.

On line Applications 

Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and attach cover letters and CV’s in the requested format.

Format

The first section mentions the position you are applying for and why you are writing.

The second section connects the skills, experience and strengths you possess to the job you are applying for. Remember, these are short, sharp points and not a repeat of your entire CV.

The final section thanks the hiring authority for their consideration. Include your mobile number here to make it easy for them to contact you. You may want to include a date by which you will contact them to gauge their interest.

 Sample Letter Example

The following is from a recent advert for a School Business Manger which appeared in the local paper and online.

“You will be a part of the Senior Leadership and Management Team. They will be fully involved in the daily running of the school and a busy office. They need to have successful experience of Financial Management.They should also have a high level of IT skills and be good with people, both children and adults. Other responsibilities will include Personnel and line managing non classroom based staff.

The school offers high quality education for children with a range of needs including severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. We require staff who are:

Looking for a progressive, supportive, happy, caring and hard working school

Enthusiastic, imaginative, energetic and have a keen interest in special education

Adaptable and flexible

Opportunities for further professional development are available.”

My Cover Letter covers all the requirements in the advert drawing attention to specific experience.