When responding to an advertised job vacancy, whether via letter, fax or email, you should always make sure a Cover Letter is included with the CV.
Below are some important points to consider when writing a cover letter.
- A cover letter introduces you and it’s your first chance to make a good impression on your prospective employer.
- The cover letter may be the deciding factor during the final short listing of candidates.
- DO NOT SEND YOUR CV WITHOUT A COVER LETTER- unless the prospective employers clearly state that only a CV is required.
- DO NOT standardise your cover letter, i.e. personalise it. However do follow some basic guidelines.
- Make sure the cover letter is clear, concise and straight to the point.
- The letter must be neat and clearly presented.
- Make sure you include all the essential information.
- DO NOT overdo it with elaborate phrases and sentences and MORE importantly, DO NOT simply copy the information you have put in your CV.
- Ensure you tell the employer a little about themselves, so they know you have undertaken research on their organisation and you know what sort of role you are applying for.
- DO NOT have long paragraphs telling them your life story. You want to use our cover letter to introduce yourself and NOT bore them to death!!
- Always keep in mind that employers receive hundreds if not thousands of cover letters. Sell yourself. Ask yourself if you would employ somebody like yourself? Re reading your cover letter to yourself should excite you. If it bores you then surely it will bore the person reading it.
- Show them why you are the right candidate for the job. Highlight your transferrable skills, achievements and adaptability, what you can contribute and what makes you different.
- Always remember, you are selling yourself to your prospective employer. You should try and close the letter by getting the employer to think you are or you may just be the right candidate for the job.
- Proofread your cover letter properly. Don’t be shy to get a family member or a friend to go over your cover letter. Check the grammar. Don’t simply rely on spell check on your computer. Get a careers advisor to proof read it.
- And last but not least, DON’T FORGET to enclose your CV.
At BSL we are always here to help. For more information on cover letter writing please contact us and one of our executive will be in touch. |
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