The cover letter introduces you. If the CV is a list of what you did, the cover letter is who you are. It is your chance to sell yourself, hook your potential employers and stand out.
This article will cover briefly what to write in your cover letter, tips on what makes your cover letter great, and a final checklist to make sure you haven't missed anything, taken from Hays, expert recruiter.
A cover letter will first start with a clear subject. Never use 'Dear Sir or Madam'. Do your homework - who is the recruiter/manager? Use his name.
Don't forget the technicalities of your application: what job title you are applying for, what your reference number is, and of course your name.
Write about why you are a good fit for this particular company, for this particular job. A cover letter is all about tailoring. Every job you apply for will have a very specific cover letter, written in a very specific way. Your CV will list all your experience and education details: in your cover letter, only give reference to it. Remember the aim of the cover letter is to sell yourself.
Lastly, keep it on one page. The cover letter has to be brief.
Now for the checklist that you should use to ensures you've covered everything.
1. Have you tailored your cover letter to the position you are applying for? There are no
duplications or shortcuts in cover letters!
2. Is it addressed to a person, not a general title?
3. Is it on one page?
4. Does it give your employers a plan of action for the future?
5. Does it genuinely have additional informationto your application or is it just a recital of what is already on your CV?
6. Have you given it to a friend who is also a professional, to review?
Then you're good to go!
