Cover Letter

We have written an effective resume. To complete your resume, you should write a cover letter to go with it. The cover letter serves as a intermediate letter that introduces you and your credentials to the potential employer, and at the same time, generates the employer’s interest in interviewing you by highlighting why you are the best person for the job.

How should you write your cover letter?

1. Use formal business letter format. Contact information at the top; date; contact information of the employer; greeting, body of content; and finally, your closing and signature.

2. Choose conservative fonts and ensure your font size is readable. Use the same font as your resume.

3. Keep the body content clear, short and simple. Use only 3 or 4 sentences in each paragraph. Remember that the employer/recruiter will be scanning your letter quickly and you need to be able to hold his/her attention to proceed further.

4. Body Content Paragraph 1 – State the job position you are applying for, where and when it was advertised. Include a short brief of your interest in the job.

5. Body Content Paragraph 2 – Highlight your skills and abilities in relation to how they can meet the employer’s requirements. Engage the employer by referring to what the employer is seeking in their advertisement and use the employer’s language to express your skills. This step requires careful attention to job descriptions. Research your industry and spend some time looking at job advertisements in your field to see specifically what employers need and expect.

6. Closing – Inform the employer that you have enclosed a resume and thank them for taking the time to consider you whilst expressing your interest for hearing from them in the future

7. Proofread your cover letter and check that your grammar and spelling is perfect and without typo errors.

8. Print the final copies of your resume on quality white A4 paper. You have now produced the perfect cover letter to complement your resume.

Happy job hunting!

Reminder

• Keep your resume and cover letter clear, short and simple.
• Focus on main points of education/job description and achievements.
• Ensure you use the same colour and type of paper for your cover letter, resume and envelope.