The CV’s often-overlooked cousin is the cover letter. The cover letter takes a more personal approach, and is usually the first opportunity you have to make an impression on a hiring manager.
Did you know? Recruiters spend just 6 seconds looking at your application!
Crazy hey?!
This is why it’s so important to nail your cover letter. Here’s how:
Grab Their Attention
Just like your CV, this is a game of speed. You need to grab the recruiters attention within the first 2–3 sentences.
The purpose of your cover letter is to gain the interest of the recruiter and entice them to read your CV. You’re not going to do that with a dry, cookie-cutter template you found on the internet.
Get creative, and show them you’re a candidate worth paying attention to.
🔥 Pro Tip: 🔥 If you’re looking for a unique way to standout, checkout 11.40 onwards in the video.
Focus on THEM! (not you)
If you’ve ever written a cover letter that starts with…
“I really want the job because it will be great for my experience.”
You are only talking about your needs and benefits, and not the employers. And this will NOT catch their attention.
You need to make it about the employer, and lead with value.
Here’s some examples:
✅ Touch on how you align with their vision and values, and would love to contribute to making their vision happen.
✅ Mention some of their recent projects and how you’ve done similar work in the past and delivered success by XYZ.
✅ Refer to each of the top requirements listed in the job description and provide examples of how you’ve delivered success in each of these areas.
Remember, it’s not about you. It’s about the employer.
Keep It Short
Start strong, finish strong. Keep your cover letter focused on how you can bring value to the role and why you’re passionate about this opportunity. You can provide examples of success from previous roles, but you don’t need to re-write your work experience in the letter — leave that for the CV.
Formatting Is Important
All letters have rules to follow and cover letters are no exception. Start with your contact information, followed by the contact information of the employer. Always address the recruiter by their full name, however if you don’t have that information, you can address them by saying, “Dear <insert company name> Hiring Manager”.
Cover letters don’t need to be huge long paragraphs like many of us think. You can make it much easier to read by putting key information into dot points. This will make it easier for the employer to digest and retain the info.
Consider The Job Advertisement
You want to be on the same wavelength as the employer, so carefully examine the job ad. The type of language used can give you an idea of how formal or casual to be in your writing. Focus on the points addressed in the Job Ad. If there is a strong focus on one particular area, make that a focus in your cover letter.
Triple Check
Make sure this doesn’t happen to you 👇
It can easily be done when you’re applying to multiple roles at the same time, but it’s a mistake that will likely take you out of the game.
Check all names including the name of the recruiter, the company and the job title. It’s always helpful to pass your cover letter to someone else to proof-read.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted cover letter is an opportunity for you to standout.
But if you REALLY want to stand out, ditch the cover letter and send a Video Verb instead. Go on, check it out at Useverb.com 😉
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