cover letter masterclass

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COVER LETTER MASTERCLASS OBJECTIVE

A cover letter is the most effective method you have at your disposal to get a recruiter to read your CV; it is also the first opportunity you have to impress an employer, so don’t think of it simply as a formality. As your initial introduction to a prospective employer your cover letter allows you to explain why you want to work in the area you are applying for and gives you the opportunity to show that your skills, experience and achievements mean you are a good match for the vacancy. Think of it as an extension of your CV.

Whenever you give your CV to an employer it should always be accompanied by a convincing cover letter. Remember that even when you email your CV to a recruiter or employer the text in your email is your cover letter.

This tutorial gives you all the information you need to write an effective cover letter.

TUTORIAL

Your cover letter should be concise; no more than one A4 side. It should highlight a few key points from your CV; there shouldn’t be anything on your covering letter that isn’t on your CV. If there is a personal or professional link between you and the employer then it is definitely worth mentioning this in your cover letter.

For the employer, the cover letter says a lot about you: your ability to communicate and influence, your professionalism and attention to detail.

Before starting, always consider these rules:

• All covering letters should adopt a simple, concise and formal style. Most employers are conservative so play it safe.

• Tailor your cover letter for each employer; make points, which are specific to them.

• Always check it through thoroughly. Be meticulous about spelling and grammar.

Failing on any of these basic rules will be detrimental to your chances of winning the position. In addition to these points, using the same font and style as your CV will present a consistent and professional image.

Employer Viewpoint

Keith Corbin, who spent 15 years within senior HR management roles at Thomas Cook, advises:

"In my experience the cover letter is alive and kicking and still an important part of the job search process. If the CV can be described as a foot in the door, then the cover letter could be described as that vital first impression of the person at the door.

Making that first impression with a prospective employer in an age of social networking becomes ever more vital. Suspend your judgement and make sure that your cover letter gets you through the door before your competitors."

Tutorial Example Cover Letter

It’s useful to think of your cover letter as a sales document, promoting ‘you’:

If the CV can be described as a foot in the door, then the cover letter could be described as that vital first impression of the person at the door.

For the employer, the cover letter says a lot about your ability to communicate and influence, your professionalism and attention to detail.


Dear David (personal and polite is best)

Short introduction specific to the job e.g. please find attached my CV in response to the Sales Executive role advertised on your website.

Selling paragraph 1 – Your Interest in the job and organisation

Explain who you are, highlight relevant experience and skills. If you have a personal connection with the company can you mention the contact? Can you offer something insightful about the company that attracts you, hence the reason for your application? Can you demonstrate you have done research?

When referencing your current employment, be positive.

Selling paragraph 2 – What do you offer

What relevant achievements can you state and how do they relate to the vacancy? Make it specific, explaining how you saved a company £x, grew it by £y, decreased staff turnover by Z%. Emphasise what you offer, rather than what they offer you. This is very important as many applicants use wasted statements such as ‘looking for a company who offers a genuine chance of career progression’. The employer needs to know your value, not what your long term aspirations are. Don’t recreate your CV. Be selective and very specific.

Selling paragraph 3 – Provide more detail

This is your chance to reference relevant experience, achievements and so on that specifically match the job. You do not always need to include this extra paragraph, and do not just repeat what is written in your CV.

Close – What you hope will happen next

Show enthusiasm and ask for an action, e.g. I’m very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for Company XZY and would be delighted to meet for an interview. I can be reached on (mobile) or (email).

Sign off: Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Follow Up!

Following up with a phone call is something most people neglect to do (perhaps because they are too nervous). So if you do it it’s going to make you stand out and it goes a long way to demonstrating initiative and proactivity. Nobody likes to say no when in conversation so stop hiding behind your inbox and make sure you call a couple of days after your application.

Follow-up Call Tips

Employers will not respond well to an unprepared or unfocused call from a job seeker so make sure you have planned what you are going to say:

• Introduce yourself and ask the employer for a few minutes. • Check your application has been received. • Be engaging and specific in your discussion, use the points

you highlight in your cover letter. • Ask the employer for any questions they may have and be

prepared to answer.

If you follow up with a phone call it it’s going to make you stand out.


• Be polite and professional.

If a phone call really isn’t something you’re comfortable with or you don’t feel it is appropriate send a follow up email simply checking that your application has been received and reiterating your enthusiasm for the company and role.

LEARNING POINTS

The key points for you to remember are:

• Be aware of the importance of the cover letter – it could rule you in or out.

• Follow the general framework for an effective cover letter. Paragraph 1: state why you are interested. Paragraph 2: state what you offer. Paragraph 3: add more detail (if required). Paragraph 4: state what you hope or plan will happen next.

• When sent to an employer or recruiter, always follow up with a phone call.

Most of all, in all communication with employers, recruitment consultants or anyone connected to the hiring process, show enthusiasm.

cover letter masterclass

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