Cover Letters - Powerful, Under-Rated Tools

Along with your resume, your cover letter is your most important job hunter’s tool. In fact, many recruiters believe it’s more important.

Write a great letter and your CV will get read. So, essentially this first point of contact can provide the key that unlocks the door to the interview room.

Your cover letter should leave the recruiter/employer in no doubt as to why you’re making an application and why you’d be a valuable employee.

So it’s a letter of introduction but it’s also a powerful selling device. Generally speaking, you have about half a minute to grab the attention of your reader. So, be bold. Take this great chance to market your personal brand and the unique benefits you have to offer.

Using your best writing skills, customise your letter carefully to the employer and the job. Don’t under any circumstances use a template. Your cover letter should highlight how your skills will match the selection criteria and perfectly match the requirements of the role.

• Personalise your letter if at all possible
• Establish your unique selling proposition – i.e. what makes you special.
• Write an overview of your skills, abilities, qualifications and work experience.
• Link these to the selection criteria with bullet points
• Demonstrate how good you are at what you do – flaunt your achievements
• Explain why you’re the best person for the job.
• Then, suggest what you can offer the company.
• Refine and finesse your layout so your presentation is faultless
• Don’t be afraid to follow things up