With most job applications you must provide a current and up to date CV along with a cover letter. Your cover letter is where to can expand on points made in your CV and you can sell yourself to the employer. Usually a cover letter is read by the employer before your CV so you must make sure that you make a strong first impression. Job vacancies receive hundreds to thousands of job applications so you need to make sure your application stands out the most.
Cover Letter Requirements
At Debbie Burbage Recruitment we have put together a simple guide on how to perfect your cover letter. Over time you will gain valuable experience by applying to various jobs, however it is most important that you tailor your CV and cover letter to each individual job application.
1. Short and Sweet
Keep your cover letter short and sweet. A long cover letter will result in your application being placed to the bottom of the pile of applications and may not even be looked at. Keep your cover letter to a maximum of 5 paragraphs and using just a single side of A4 paper.
2. Use a Computer
A hand written letter will not make it look like you have made more of an effort, it will most probably not even be read by the employer. Using a computer will look more professional and will be expected from you. Make sure that you consistently use a readable font such as Arial or Verdana in a size of either 11 or 12 throughout your cover letter.
3. Tailor your Cover Letter to the Job Application
Make sure that each cover letter is tailored to each job application. Make it personal so that it can be noticed that you have done your research on the particular company that you are applying for. Talk about what you can bring to the company and give examples.
4. Expand on your Strengths
Your cover letter gives you a chance to expand on your strengths. Explain how you would suit the job role you are applying for. Talk about your relevant experiences and qualifications that would support your application.
5. Fill in the Gaps
Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to fill in any gaps on your CV. So that the employer does not think that you have been out of work between various dates, you can explain that you have been on a gap year or have spent time in education for instance.
6. Check Before you Send
As with all professional letters you send, with your cover letter you must make sure that you check it over and over again to make sure that it is ok before sending. Get a second opinion as sometimes we miss small mistakes which others may spot so you can correct them before you send your cover letter along with your job application.
With most job applications you must provide a current and up to date CV along with a cover letter. Your cover letter is where to can expand on points made in your CV and you can sell yourself to the employer. Usually a cover letter is read by the employer before your CV so you must make sure that you make a strong first impression. Job vacancies receive hundreds to thousands of job applications so you need to make sure your application stands out the most.
Cover Letter Requirements
At Debbie Burbage Recruitment we have put together a simple guide on how to perfect your cover letter. Over time you will gain valuable experience by applying to various jobs, however it is most important that you tailor your CV and cover letter to each individual job application.
1. Short and Sweet
Keep your cover letter short and sweet. A long cover letter will result in your application being placed to the bottom of the pile of applications and may not even be looked at. Keep your cover letter to a maximum of 5 paragraphs and using just a single side of A4 paper.
2. Use a Computer
A hand written letter will not make it look like you have made more of an effort, it will most probably not even be read by the employer. Using a computer will look more professional and will be expected from you. Make sure that you consistently use a readable font such as Arial or Verdana in a size of either 11 or 12 throughout your cover letter.
3. Tailor your Cover Letter to the Job Application
Make sure that each cover letter is tailored to each job application. Make it personal so that it can be noticed that you have done your research on the particular company that you are applying for. Talk about what you can bring to the company and give examples.
4. Expand on your Strengths
Your cover letter gives you a chance to expand on your strengths. Explain how you would suit the job role you are applying for. Talk about your relevant experiences and qualifications that would support your application.
5. Fill in the Gaps
Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to fill in any gaps on your CV. So that the employer does not think that you have been out of work between various dates, you can explain that you have been on a gap year or have spent time in education for instance.
6. Check Before you Send
As with all professional letters you send, with your cover letter you must make sure that you check it over and over again to make sure that it is ok before sending. Get a second opinion as sometimes we miss small mistakes which others may spot so you can correct them before you send your cover letter along with your job application.