It’s quite straightforward to write a covering letter but so many people get it wrong. The covering letter accompanies a CV – not an application form. It does not repeat what your CV says. That’s just silly. It’s the first thing the prospective employer reads so it’s important to get it right. Remember the adage, ‘First impressions count’ and make sure your covering letter is clear, concise and relevant.
The prospective employer wants to know the following things -
- What job you’re applying for
- Why you want the job
- Why you want to work for them
- Why they should hire you
- Your availability for interview and contact details
That’s it. Simple really, when you know how.
That is precisely what we tell our clients who come to us for assistance with their cover letter.
The covering letter is intended to get your CV/resume noticed from the pile and should be concise and factual. In a nutshell the letter is an opportunity to explain your career aspirations and how that can best be accommodated and achieved with the employer. State what can you do for the employer, why you believe you are the right candidate and how your skills can benefit them.