- The small big mistakes
I know it should go without saying but remember no matter how special and amazing your cover letter it still won’t survive a typo.
- Write an opening line that makes a statement
The first thing to remember when writing a cover letter is that you are one of many and that it is your job to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
- Show don’t tell
Talking convincingly about the passion you have for your field is a wonderful beginning but nothing like cold, hard figures which testify to your having performed in a similar position will truly impress the recruiter.
- Match the tone of your writing to the culture of the company
In general use your detective skills and try to write a letter which uniquely complements the company’s culture and presents you as a future employee who would fit right in.
- Make your cover letter complement your resume
Your cover letter should work hand in hand with your resume not merely copy the information provided. Therefore seek to expand on any details given in your CV which you think would strengthen your position.
- Be concise
Rewriting your cover letter is a good idea but when rewriting it let your focus be on stripping away the unnecessary and communicating the same level of information in as concise a manner as possible.
- Address your letter to a person
Doing your research and finding the name and correct title of the person who may be reading your letter shows that you did your research about the company and it always beats the generic “Dear sir/madam”.
- Don’t apologise
It is your job to strike the balance between self promotion and integrity in your communication in order to come across as humble, determined and capable. Do not apologise for some of the skills or abilities that you think you don’t have
- Is a cover letter all about you?
What a really effective cover letter does is it tells them all about what you can do for the company. It is, therefore, all about you in relation to them.
- Show it to a friend whose judgement you trust
Two heads often are better than one. Of course the final decision is in your hands but a little bit of constrictive criticism can always benefit you
