Some employers require a cover letter as well as a CV in application for their vacancy. Cover letters are an opportunity to be specific about why your skills match this particular vacancy and why you'd be a good fit for this organisation. Unfortunately, cover letters are also a potential stumbling block, so you have to get them right. Mistakes here can mean you've fallen at the first hurdle. Here are three tips to help you write a winning cover letter.
- It’s not all about you (that’s your CV’s job)
- A cover letter is about how you can help the employer. So, indicate that you’ve read and understood its mission and requirement (it’s on the website!), and how you’d fit in and help.
- Brevity is the soul of wit
- Keep it short! Max five paragraphs on one page and avoid verbosity. Make your point in as few words as possible. Edit it once to cut out unnecessary fluff and tautologies. Then edit it again.
- Check grammar and spelling
- Check; double-check; then check again. The best way to show your attention to detail is poor, is to misspell on your application.