How to stand out through your Cover Letter!

Top tips to sell yourself!

Written by Annie

Cover letters can be tedious and hard to write sometimes, a lot of people think their CV is enough. However, cover letters are extremely important in assisting your job applications! They highlight your key accomplishments and allow you to expand on details that would make you the perfect candidate for the job role.

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‘You might think your CV gives employers all the info they need about you. In reality, a CV is of limited value to an employer without a cover letter for context. Cover letters are important because they tell employers the type of position you’re seeking — and exactly how you’re qualified for it.’

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To make your C-O-V-E-R letter stand out. Call out leadership positions, awards and achievements as it will catch the employer’s interest. Offer examples of relevant work experiences/voluntary work. Verify the appropriate contact name and make sure you know about the company and the role you are applying for. Exemplify your strengths by identifying them. Refrain from waffling.

Being concise and knowing why you are a good candidate is the foundation to getting that across articulately to your potential future employer.

When writing a cover letter, you should consider:

1) Reading into detail the job specification (what the duties of the role involve and which skillsets they ask for)- This allows you to highlight why you should be selected for that role and what experience/skillsets you have that are applicable.

2) Tailoring every cover letter to the individual job advertisement – this does not mean you cannot have a template cover letter – Just make sure you are editing each time to keep it relevant.

3) Do your research – Learn about the company you are applying for (What do they do, are they working on any projects, have they achieved anything).

4) Selling Yourself – Make sure that any skillsets/experience/work you have done that can demonstrate what they company are looking for is included. This is vital to illustrate how your qualifications fit the position.

5) Be Professional – Spell checking your work is important! Make sure you sign the cover letter with appropriate and professional articulation. Make sure your sentences flow and you get across exactly why you are the perfect candidate.

The significance of a cover letter ultimately is to be concise, expand on key points that you haven’t been able to discuss in detail in your CV and make sure you include information about the company as well as the role you are applying for.

The Careers Studio offers assistance with cover letters all the way from the initial job specification to help you begin writing your cover letter and utilise your skills!

Give this blog a like if you found it useful and leave a comment!

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