Never written a Cover Letter before? Helping somebody write theirs? Or has it just been a long time? I've got you covered
Cover Letters: A CV's Best Mate
In my latest for Twinkle Educational Publishing, I've started a sequel series to my CV help. This time it's all about cover letters, and how you can nail them to secure an interview. Sure, what I've written is aimed at teachers with pupils first starting out on their career journeys, but everything in these articles is relevant to anyone on the job hunt, whether they've had one or one hundred jobs.
The landscape has changed and keeps changing. Technology is constantly shifting the way we work, look for work, and how employers look for workers. Your CV is a good start, but without an equally good cover letter, you've got little chance of being shortlisted, let alone invited to interview. From using the right keywords to navigate past the algorithm to writing compelling prose to convince the recruitment team, here are a few tips to make your cover letter the best it can be.
What is a Cover Letter?
When pupils apply for a job, some employers will ask for a cover letter on top of a CV. This is a formal piece of writing. Its job is to say why they’re applying for the job. And how they’ll be a great fit for it.
Is that the same as a CV?
It’s normal for some pupils to ask this question. A CV sets out skills and experience. A cover letter is about goals:
Why do they want the job?
Do they have any plans if they get it?
What’s The Point?
For most jobs, it’s not about firing off a load of CVs. Then waiting for the invites to come flooding in. Skills are great. But they only go so far. You to persuade the boss you’re the best fit. Cover letters help to show how people apply their skills and personal traits.
Those letters of persuasion pupils write a lot of in school? This is where they come in handy.
A cover letter is a CV’s best mate. It's a personal introduction that goes beyond just listing your skills. It captures who you are.
It’s also a chance to show that you’ve done your research on the company and how excited you are to work for them.
Cover Letter Structure = Success
You need a great cover letter with structure. What’s that all about?
Let's break it down:
Contact Details: Put your name, address, phone number, and email (where appropriate) at the top. Make it easy for employers to reach you.
Say hello: Say hi. But keep it formal. Start with "Dear [Name]". No name? No problem, "Dear Sir/Madam” will do.
Introduction: Introduce yourself. Then say why you're writing. Mention the job you're interested in and how you heard about it.
Sell, Sell, Sell: This is the part where you can talk up what you've done and just how good you are at it. Give measurable examples. Upsell everything and downplay nothing.
Conclusion: Wrap it up with a summary. Say why you're perfect for the role. Lay on another thick dose of enthusiasm. And don't forget to thank them for their time and consideration. Manners go a long way!
Fit in with the Job Description
We’re all about standing out. But with a cover letter, you will need to show how you'll fit the job well. The best way to do that is to treat the job description like a question. And make your skills the answer.
This is what you need to know:
Match The Skills: Look at what the job needs and talk about how those skills match. If they want someone good with computers, talk about how you know MS Office like the back of your hand.
Use the Job Description: Find the keywords the employer used (If the CV was done right, they’ll already be found). Make sure these keywords are all over that cover letter, they’re what will show the employer you're a great fit. If you are talking the talk, they’ll believe your you can walk the walk.
Connect Your Experiences: Talk about what you've done before and how it connects to what the job needs. If the job wants someone who's great with deadlines, show off how well-organised you are.
By doing these things, your pupils will show how they’re a good match for the job. By fitting in, their application will stand out.
How should you finish a cover letter?
Now, onto the grand finale – the part where you jazz up the cover letter and leave a lasting impression on the company. It's the last original dance move in the cover letter tango, but guess what? We're turning it into a showstopper!
Finish it off by throwing all their enthusiasm into the letter like confetti. Leave those employers with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Like they've been given the last slice of pizza. Let them know you aren’t just eager for the role; you're doing somersaults at the idea of joining the team.
Last, but not least, sign off with a thank you. It doesn’t hurt to say how much you're looking forward to hearing a response, either.
And voilà – you’ve just penned a stunning cover letter. And it’ll be so good, it could go viral on TikTok!
For an example of a great cover letter and more tips, head over to the original article here. You'll also find plenty of other great articles with tips for CVs too.
Good luck!
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