Cover letter writing

Writing a cover letter for a resume is usually one of the most difficult parts of applying for a job. However, if people follow some basic and effective advice, you can write an excellent and impressive letter every time they choose to find a job. Below are basic steps to follow.

– The first paragraph should always mention the reason for writing the cover letter as well as the position for which you are applying.

– The letter should mention details of your professional experience and your specific skills (with examples, if possible).

– The letter should be addressed directly to the person responsible for hiring and should never be addressed in a mass mailing format.

– Reading the details of the company you are applying for is a sure way to get noticed —  After specifically mentioning which segment of the company’s existing services can benefit from your presence and HOW, you are likely to be called for an interview.

– Do not repeat what has already been mentioned in the curriculum. No one has the time or the patience to read the repetitive information provided by hundreds of applicants.

Below are other advanced tips to take note…

Ø Eye-catching introduction

Often people tend to leave the best for the end, but it’s not something you need to do when you write your cover letter to resume. Your letter should always start with the most impressive information you want to share with the hiring team.

Ø Highlight your points

Always try to present the information in the form of a marker so that your cover letter goes through the process of scanning the hiring team, which will decide to invite you for an interview.

The format of the marker not only offers a beautiful presentation to your letter, but it also allows the professional under contract to quickly scan the details mentioned.

Ø Avoid spelling error

When writing a cover letter, the first thing you would want to take care it is your simple error. Since most of our computers are programmed to accept English American or British spellings, it is important that you use the correct dictionary and software when writing your letter.

Words like color (USA), colour (United Kingdom) etc. must respect the spelling of the country in which you are applying. Making sure the words are spelled correctly will help you qualify to be considered for the position.

Ø Be direct

Also, you you should always try to address it to the person who actually holds the reins. It doesn’t make sense to go through a huge chain of people who will eventually delay the job thinking process. Deal directly with the person authorized to hire, unless the job specifically requires you to go through a predefined channel.

Ø Avoid copy and paste

Do not use the copy and paste method to send your letter — Spend time writing a cover letter. People expect to see how specific you are in tailoring your cover letter, depending on the company specifications and the job profile you are applying for, so make sure it is in your cover letter.

Ø Be unique

If the hiring committee thinks you are wasting your time, it will certainly have your cover letter in the trash. Be authentic and make cover letter interesting by showing the company the additional talents and skills you have, in addition to what has already been mentioned in your CV.

The cover letter for your CV should ideally be presented in a simple and effective manner. It is best if someone can present this letter as a bullet so that the hiring team can easily review the important points.

Ø Do your homework

Not all employers are looking for the same skill set. Therefore, a cover letter will not work for all applications. To really “impress” your readers, treat each job offer as unique. Find out the desired position and adapt your map accordingly.

To really grab your reader’s attention, provide evidence that you know a little more about the company you’re applying for. If you are applying for a job at a college, for example, check their website to see if they have won awards or if they have notable programs.

Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to take a chance if their cover letter says something like, “I am impressed that your school has won the Huntley Academic Award and would be honored to join such an illustrious team.”

Ø Be in contact with your potential employer

You should always take the initiative to contact your potential employer so that your application is not forgotten. As the hiring team receives hundreds of applications for each vacant position and pre-selects a handful of candidates, it is important that you accompany them to remind them of your interest in the position.

Ø Be professional

Since the cover letter is a professional document that talks about your skills and interests in relation to the job for which you are applying, print the CV cover letters on high quality paper, clean and bright.

Ø Putting it all together — proofread

Always re-read the letter at least 2 to 3 times, so that you can make changes depending on what you want to add or remove from your cover letter.

Once you know the main points you want to highlight in your letter, it’s time to start writing. Don’t worry about making the cover letter perfect. At the moment, your task is just to get started.

Ø Make it short and precise

Remember to keep your cover letter short. It should not exceed 4 to 5 paragraphs.

When you have finished writing your letter, pause it.

Do something else and get back to your letter a few hours later. At this point, re-read your cover letter and correct anything that doesn’t seem right to you.

Conclusion

Although the above tips for writing a cover letter may seem to take a little while, you will certainly receive the desired maintenance call and, therefore, you should go the extra mile and do your best.

Are you highly qualified in the areas required by their work? Again, if this applies to you, you want to point it out. It is important for the employer to know that you have not only the skills you are looking for, but also far above average skills in these areas.