MASTERING THE COVER LETTER

Your cover letter is the first thing your new employer sees, so whatever you do, don’t overlook it. Some employers won’t even give you a second glance if you haven’t included a cover letter. So take the time to write one, it’s worth it.

Who is the cover letter for?

Always address your cover letter to the right person at the company. You might not know the person’s name, that’s ok. In that case it’s probably safest to address the letter to Dear Sir or Madam.

How much information should I include?

Don’t forget, your cover letter is an introduction. It’s designed to grab your new employer’s attention and give them a reason to read your resume. A few paragraphs should be plenty.

What should I include in the cover letter?

You need to introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the role. Are you looking for the next step in your career? Have you been waiting for an opportunity to work for this company for a while? Make sure you give your new employer an idea of why you’re the right person for the job. Think of it as an overview of the skills and strengths that you bring to the table.

Can I just write one cover letter and send it to every job I apply for?

It’s not a very good idea to be honest. You should really try to write a personalised cover letter tailored to suit every job you apply for. Every role is different and every cover letter will need to address different points. Plus, imagine if you forgot to change the recipients name... not a good look!

Does it matter what format I send my cover letter in?

Speaking from experience the most commonly used software is Microsoft Word 2003. To be safe it’s best to send your cover letter in that format (sorry Mac users!). Not all employers can open files saved in newer versions of MS Word or as PDFs.