Producing and using a cover letter
It is very important to make real impact with the quality ,structure and content of your cover letter. Your approach reflects your personal "brand" and focus on the best possible approach to securing an interview.
There are two main avenues to use for covering letters.One is in response to a specific job advertisement and the other is for speculative or direct applications where you are aiming to generate interest in what you can offer
Some useful tips include:
1. Do not mass produce your cover letter. Target it for each role that you apply for.
2. If the advertisement gives a reference number, use it in your letter so that it is clear which role you are applying for.
3. Keep the letter short and simple with a punchy message.
4. Keep the sales acronym 'AIDA' in mind when composing your letter. Gain the readers Attention by introducing yourself effectively. Keep their Interest by showing that you have the skills / experience to fulfil the role. Ensure that the content is relevant to the role and the recruiter will Desire to meet with you. Make sure that your contact details are clear in order for the recruiter to Action a response to you.
5. Provide exactly what is requested in the advertisement. If you are asked to supply both your CV and a three page outline of a successful project you managed, then do so. If you are using the letter as part of a Speculative or Direct campaign where there is no known role but you are aiming to generate interest in your skills,ability and experience you should demonstrate in the opening paragraph that you know something about the organisation that has attracted your interest. This provides evidence of good research, a thoughtful approach and a genuine interest to join the company.
6. The letter may pass through a number of different hands in the recruitment chain. Do not over use technical jargon that may not be understood by people who administer the initial stages of the process.
7. Always proof read your letter and watch out for errors that a spell checker may not recognise.
8. If your application is speculative, find out the name of the person you need to forward your CV to and address your letter accordingly.
9. If replying to an advertisement, use it as the format that your letter will follow.
10. TOP TIP : Remember that your cover letter is primarily a sales letter so concentrate on what you can do for the company. Do not go on and on about what you want focus on what vlaue you can add in the precise context of their needs