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How to write a cover letter

Among other tasks, the laborious work of finding a job includes fine-tuning the way you sell yourself during the selection process. It’s best to capitalise on your personal skills and the channels through which they’re conveyed. If you want to stand out and find your way onto the “Potential Candidates” short list, learn more about the keys to writing a good cover letter.

5 February, 2020

Standing out for a job

These days, one seeks work in a depersonalized way; the data that will distinguish you from thousands of competitors will be sent via virtual platforms without any human contact, so the information you supply is more significant than ever before. You have to ask yourself: How can it be more convincing? How can it best convey who I am and what I have to offer?

Multimedia information can certainly provide great help. Creating a video which shows what you’re like and explaining the relevant information is a good way of introducing yourself. A recommendation from another professional is another great way of getting a good job and, in keeping with a growing trend, building up a great digital reputation may also have an influence.

However, just as each person has his or her own style, there’s another interesting format for people who’ve mastered the written word and those who want to introduce themselves in the ‘classical’ way: by writing a cover letter for the job.

An example of a cover letter

Unlike a letter of presentation (which should be restricted to a more or less established script), a cover letter is a creative way of introducing yourself. Its purpose is not to explain what you’ve already stated on your CV but to skilfully highlight what makes you suited to a specific job.

Over a few lines with informal (but not colloquial) language you can explain a moment from your past, specific training you’ve received or a personal skill that makes you a person who should move onto the next phase of the selection process, namely the individual face-to-face interview.

Let’s see how to write a cover letter with a structure and some basic rules to serve as an example:

Steps for writing a cover letter:

  1. Address the recipient by name. If you don’t know it, you will have to look for it.
  2. Briefly explain how you found out about the vacancy and why you thought it might be useful for developing your talent.
  3. In the second paragraph, highlight what makes you distinctive and the ideal candidate for the position. You should never exaggerate or lie, but make every effort to ensure your potential is known and detected. If you haven’t been able to reach the highly important stage of knowing what you’re really good at yet, it’s advisable to ask for help to do so.
  4. Sign off by showing interest in the position, requesting an interview and providing your contact information.

How to write a successful cover letter

  • Be consistent: use the amount of space provided on one sheet of paper to contact the recipient and show him or her that what you can offer can be absolutely relied on to fully match his or her needs.
  • Be simple: however much your knowledge is an added value, you have to catch your recipient’s attention within seconds. Write clearly and don’t make things too complicated.
  • The recruiter will go over your spelling with a magnifying glass. Check it! Use short and simple sentences and don’t repeat words.
  • Use your common sense; let others have a look at it and give you their opinions.

 

If you’ve finished your cover letter, it’s time to find the job of your dreams. We can help you at Claire Joster; go to our website and find out more about our career opportunities.