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How to write an Effective Cover Letter
The following advice from TipTopJob will
help you to write your cover letter before sending it with your resume to
them.
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Top Tips from TipTopJob
· Tailor each covering letter to different employers - never send out
standardised letters!!
· Keep it to 1 side of A4 paper - short and simple!!
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The covering letter that you send for a job application is the most
important document that you will send in the first instance for the
application of a job position. It is your chance to sell yourself to
the employer, to prompt the recruiter to read your resume and to gain an
interview.
The role of the application letter is to draw a clear connection
between the job you are seeking and your qualifications listed in the
resume. The letter matches the requirements of the job with your
qualifications, emphasizing how you are right for that job. The
application letter is not a lengthy summary of the resume but should be
used to highlight and elaborate on the key points in your resume, which are
of particular relevance to the employer.
There is no strict formula for an application letter as different jobs
may require different approaches. Employers can spot standardised
letters that are sent out on mass, so you must tailor every letter to
be uniquely relevant to each role you apply for. It is best to make
sure that the letter is on a formal footing but also friendly and that
you pay attention to your writing style, your spelling and grammar.
Many cover letters tend to be long winded but it is best to try to keep
it to 1 side of A4 and to no more than 3 - 4 paragraphs that consist of
short, simple sentences.
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Structure
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Introduction
The first paragraph of the application letter is the most important; it
sets everything up - the tone and focus. Try to provide him/her with a
reason to carry on reading your application letter and make the first
paragraph an attention-grabbing one!! It is a good idea to begin by
addressing the letter to a particular person if you can get hold of
this information. This paragraph should be brief and to the point,
indicating which
job you are applying for (including a job reference
number if there is one) as well as the source of your information
(newspaper advertisement, personal contact etc) and an explanation as
to why you have applied for this job.
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Main Body
In the main parts of the application letter, you present your work
experience, education, training - whatever makes that connection
between you and the
job you are seeking. Remember that this is the most
important job you have to do in this letter - to enable the reader to
see the match between your qualifications and the requirements for the
job.
It may be a good idea to split the body into two paragraphs with the
first focusing on the needs of the company and role requirements. You
need to explain why you have applied to them, indicating the main job
requirements. This will show you have done research into the company,
tailoring the letter to them to be unique. In the following paragraph
you need to match these to your skills and abilities, highlighting why
you are right for the job and elaborating your achievements. Try to
include information not already on your resume, be positive and confident
and write it with a bias to the future rather than the past.
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Closing Paragraph
In the last paragraph of the application letter, you can indicate how
the prospective employer can get in touch with you and when are the
best times for an interview. This is the place to urge that prospective
employer to contact you to arrange an interview. It is important to end
the letter strongly and on a positive note. End the letter with
something like 'I very much look forward to hearing from you' and
'Yours Sincerely' and finally, don't forget to sign and print your
name! Once you have written your letter, check it several times for any
mistakes you may have made and check all the information you have
provided them with is correct and accurate. Align the company address
to the left side and your address to the right and make sure the
paragraphs are justified, the font is the same throughout the letter
and on your resume and that it looks neat and tidy!!
If you are not replying to an advertised position, it is more
appropriate to write a speculative letter to a company that you would
like to work for. The cover letter will therefore be slightly
different, it should begin by stating what work you are particularly
seeking, say why you want to work for this company and ask for your resume
to be kept and to be contacted if any vacancies open.
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Example Cover Letter
Let us create an example of a
job advertised for a Regional Sales
Manager for a Peanut Butter company based in the UK. Applications are
to be sent to John Watson the Human Resources Manager:
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(Place the name and title of person who you are
applying to)
John Watson
Human Resources Manager
Peanuttly Foods Ltd
Peanut Building
The Park
Salisbury
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(Place in information about the position that you
are applying for)
Reference: Regional Sales Manager Position
Dear John,
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(Introductory paragraph)
I have seen the position advertised as a Regional Sales Manager for
Peanuttly Foods Ltd advertised in the local Landover paper. I believe
that I have the appropriate skills and experience that you are looking
for and I would be very interested in applying for the position.
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(Main body paragraphs)
I have worked for the past two years as a sales manager for Bikkit
Foods in Beversham. In that capacity, I have helped to increase
regional sales by 40% in our Funky chicken range. These sales increases
have been achieved by an extensive marketing campaign to the 8-16 year
age group and I feel that the Regional Sales Manager Position would
offer me the challenges and the opportunities that I am looking for in
my next
career step. These main body paragraphs can be more detailed
this is a example of how to present information.
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(Closing paragraph)
You will find enclosed a copy of my resume, which provides a more detailed
description of my education and
employment history. I would welcome any
opportunity to talk with you further about the position. Please do not
hesitate to contact me at any time at the numbers listed on my resume if
you would like to discuss any aspects of my application.
Yours Sincerely,
Peter Johnson
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