HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER TO A CV

Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV The Guardian, February 11, 2014.
A cover letter is an integral part of the application process and it is seen as the best opportunity to set an applicant apart from the crowd and convince the hiring manager that you are the best for the job.

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter is an introductory attachment to the CV, specifically addressed to the hiring manager, a recruiter, an advertiser or a named person who is in a position to receive your application. Traditionally a cover letter comes as the front cover of the CV high lighting why you believe that you are qualified for the job.

TYPES OF COVER LETTERS

• Standard Speculative Cover Letter. This is largely an inquiry based cover letter aimed at soliciting for employment in an organization without reference to an advert or known vacant position in the organization.
• Standard and Conservative Cover Letter. This format is advert related, job and position directed. It follows the traditional pattern of self-introduction and highlighting your core strength and values that you will bring to the job if employed. This letter is best for the traditional-styled job such as law, accounting, business, engineering etc.
• Adaptive / Creative Cover Letter. This letter is highly flexible and allows for adaptiveness. It is common to the profession that has to do with individuals with creative minds and ability. For example, creative writers, artists, copywriter etc.

INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD COVER LETTER

• Make it official and should be formatted as an official letter
• It must be brief and concise no long story. It should be a maximum of an A4 paper and less
• Highlights key achievements in quantitative and qualitative terms ( Use figures and percentages to describe your achievements)
• It should be error free, check spelling and grammar
• It should be properly closed ( Your sincerely, yours faithfully, with best regards etc)

WHAT A GOOD COVER LETTER SHOULD CONTAIN.

• Applicant Details as contained in official letters
• Hiring managers name or position( Name is preferred if it is known)
• How or where you found the vacancy
• Why you considered yourself most suitable for the job
• The values or what you will do for the company
• Closing statement

CONTINUE TO: BEST WAY TO SEARCH FOR JOBS AND JOB OPENINGS

Sharing is caring!