How to Write a Great Job Application Cover Letter – 5 Essential Tips
Writing a cover letter for a job application is an important step in the hiring process. A cover letter is a document that introduces you to potential employers and recruiters and highlights your skills and experience. It should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for, and demonstrate that you have the qualifications they’re looking for
The cover letter should always accompany any CV or resume you send to a prospective employer, as it gives them more information about who you are and what you can bring to their organisation. Your cover letter should be concise, well-written, and visually pleasing – no one wants to read something that looks rushed or unprofessional!
So how do go about writing an effective cover letter? Here are some tips
1. Address your Cover Letter Clearly
2. Match your Cover Letter with the Job Description
3. Explain why you Stand Out from other Job Applicants
4. Keep it Concise
5. Check Twice Before Sending
1. Address your Cover Letter Clearly
Always make sure that your cover letter is addressed directly to the recruiter or person responsible for hiring at the company. If there isn’t a contact name in the job advert or job description, look up the company online to find out who it is. LinkedIn can be quite a good resource for this. If you’re still unable to find out the recruiter or person hiring for the vacancy, then you could call up the company directly and ask who that person is.
2. Match your Cover Letter with the Job Description
Recruiters and hiring managers will want to know why you think you’d be suitable for this particular job. Make sure that your cover letter reflects how your experience, qualifications and skills match those outlined in the job description.
3. Explain why you Stand Out from other Job Applicants
You need to show recruiters and hiring managers why you're the best match for the job. Highlight past experiences where relevant, such as times when you led successful projects or achieved strong results in previous roles. Don’t forget to include examples of any awards or certifications you have received too!
4. Keep it Concise
Your cover letter should succinctly explain why you believe yourself to be ideally suited for this job role – so keep it short and sweet! Aim for around 250-300 words (no longer than one page), ensuring each paragraph has only one main idea, with supporting facts and evidence.
5. Check Twice Before Sending
Before sending off your cover letter, make sure there are no mistakes – carefully proofread it twice over! Ensure all spelling and grammar are correct and use consistent formatting throughout (including font choice) – recruiters and hiring managers won’t take kindly to sloppy work! If possible, ask someone you know to read over your cover letter as well.
Conclusion
Writing an effective cover letter doesn't need to be difficult if you follow these simple steps - address clearly; match with the job description; explain why you stand out; keep it concise; check twice before sending - doing so will ensure that your application stands out from others! Good luck with your job hunt!
Check out our other CV and Cover Letter Writing, Job Searching and Interview Tips below:
CV Writing, Personal Statement and Cover Letter Tips and Advice
- How to Write a CV - 6 Essential Tips and Steps to Writing Your First CV
- How to Write a Great Personal Profile / Statement for your CV
Job Search Tips and Advice
- 6 Tips on How to Decide which Job to Apply for
- 9 Tips on How to Find a New Job
- 5 Tips on How to Interact with Recruiters and Hiring Managers
- 9 Tips on How to Interview for a New Job
- 4 Tips on How to Decide what to Wear for a Job Interview
Free CV and Cover Letter Templates with Guidance Notes
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Free CV Template Download |
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Free CV Template Guidance Notes Download |
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Free Cover Letter Template Download |
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Free Cover Letter Template Notes Download |