An essay, a rehashed resume and no real point are just three of the mistakes job-seekers make with their cover letters.
While you probably spend considerably less time on them than on your resume, a cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview or not.
Just because a cover letter may be “optional” when applying for a job doesn’t mean that you should take that option.
Make sure you have a cover letter
It might not be the first thing that many employers look at, but not having a cover letter will immediately put you at a disadvantage.
All employers and recruiters ask for different things in their application processes, but it’s generally expected that you include a brief, relevant cover letter.
If you fail to do this, your application will probably be ignored.
Many companies expect their cover letters in different forms. Ensure that you take the time to have a look in the job application specifications to see whether it states that your letter should be attached in a particular format, ie, Word, PDF, etc, or whether you can include it in the body of your email.
Make sure that it’s well-written and doesn’t possess any spelling or grammatical mistakes.
Keep it brief
There is nothing worse than an overly long cover letter. This just indicates that the job seeker didn’t know what to include and what to leave out.
Any email or attachment you send to a company you’d like to work at demonstrates to them how you might communicate with people inside and outside of their company if you worked there.
If you are long-winded, you are instantly showing that you are not an effective communicator.
The general rule of thumb is four or five short paragraphs and never more than one page.
If you find you are writing more than this when applying for a job, you have to cut back.
Get to the point
Similar to keeping it brief, it’s important to reach the point of your cover letter sooner rather than later.
The opening sentence of your cover letter should include both your objective and your ‘most recent qualifications’ so that the employer knows where they stand with you.
Leave the least important filler content to the end, and even then, question whether it’s necessary to include it at all.
Do not rehash your resume
One of the biggest mistakes many people make with their cover letters is rehashing their resume; sometimes with different words, sometimes not.
You should include things like how you found out about the role, why you’re interested in applying for it, and any relevant understanding you have about the position and the company.
Don’t ever just repeat content from your resume.
Know who you’re talking to
Finally, a cover letter is no good unless you know who you are talking to – and target it accordingly.
They should always be addressed to that person, and if you are not sure then it’s best to keep it formal and write ‘To whom it may concern’.
Most people do not like being addressed by the company name, so try and tailor your application to make it as personal as possible.
If you are having problems getting your own cover letter together get in touch with us and we can assist.
