Writing a good cover letter - Tips
The cover letter is a vital document that personally introduces you and your resume.
It should answer following question for reader - Why should I hire you? The reader is only interested in the facts - that is whether you can meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description.
Your cover letter should demonstrate that you’re interested in the position and that you are available to accept the position if offered.
It should be easy to scan the letter, and have a logical progression - Write an introduction, a paragraph or two with information about what you can bring to the position, and a conclusion or closing paragraph.
The point here is to be different and stand out. – avoid clichés and general overused statements such as “excellent verbal and written communication skills”.
Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills.
Generally
- Your cover letter should be addressed to a specific person - avoid "Dear Sir or Madam"
- Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organisation
- Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I"
- Keep your letter short and simple. Be succinct: keep the letter to one page
- Only include information in your letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for
- Indicate your availability for interviews
- Is it clear where the employer can reach you during business hours? Have you ensured that either a person or a machine will take the employer's call?
- Get someone else to proofread your letter
- If sending via email, include your name in the file name – don’t just name it ‘coverletter.doc’