When applying for any job, putting your best foot forward from the very start is always the best approach. That is the purpose of a cover letter. Whether you have found yourself sweating profusely at the “add a cover letter” option or have just accepted that cover letter writing is part of the whole job application process, there is no doubt that many applicants have had similar thoughts.
Is the cover letter worth writing? Will recruiters read it?
It is always safer to assume they will, so putting your best foot forward from the get-go is the safest option. You want them to be able to open the document, skim through it and be able to decide at that moment that you are worthy of consideration. There are a few approaches you can take when writing a cover letter and while the process may seem like an exhausting one, there are ways to make it easier. Creating a bespoke cover letter may seem like the smart thing to do to stand out and if you have the time to do so, then go right ahead! The perks of creating a general cover letter (that you can adapt) though means you will save a lot of time and effort- something that you will be thankful for if you are applying for many roles!
How to Get it Started
Always start with your own details. As soon as the recruiting team read it, you want them to know who you are and how they can contact you. If possible, address the cover letter to the contact person listed on the job advertisement. If there is no name, that is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the company. Do not hesitate to be proactive in finding out any necessary information about the role. To find out the name of who will be viewing your application, be proactive and try to give the company a call. That way not only will you be able to find out the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter, but you can start building a rapport. Adding that bit of personal touch will give you an edge on the competition right from the start and almost guarantees your application will be read.
Once you have addressed the cover letter, if you were able to make contact, give yourself the opportunity to personalise the letter by referencing the discussion you had. If you did not make any prior contact, that is okay, just address the advertisement.
Why Should a Recruiter Read Your Resume?
Overall, the aim of a cover letter is to demonstrate interest and to have the recruiter read your resume. Having one that is too long-winded, goes into too much detail or does not entice the recruiter to keep reading is what you want to avoid. When writing your cover letter, a good structure is key. Break it down into these three steps.
A Strong Opening
Think of the opening of your cover letter as a mini-elevator pitch. The cover letter is where you want to be adding in those little teasers. It is your first impression to convince the recruiter that you are suitable for the role. Whether it is the person whose task it is to create a shortlist of candidates to pass onto the hiring manager or to the head of the company themselves, you want them to keep reading. Make it interesting.
Relevant Achievements and Strengths
In the opening, you have started to communicate your value and why you are suitable for the role. The next step is to demonstrate some of your strengths or achievements that are directly relevant to the position. Using bullet points here is a great idea. Keeping to between 3-6 highlights ensures your letter remains short, sharp, and relevant. Read the job description carefully and feel free to change these to suit the position you are targeting. The objective here is to prove that you have the relevant skills needed to succeed in the role, making a stronger case than just writing down previous job titles. Remember this is a cover letter, do not go into too much detail that you have already covered in your resume. Another advantage of having just a few bullet points is that you can always go back and adjust your letter to make it more relevant to the roles you are applying for.
Note: When it comes to requirements like Key Selection Criteria that typically come with Government roles and some other professions, stay tuned as we will be showing you how to tackle them soon.
How to Close it Out
Once you have said all you need to say, you want to close out strong. After you have addressed all the important information and checked you have kept it to less than a page- nobody looks forward to reading a long-winded cover letter, it is time to close it out. Wrap it up courteously but also confidently! While it is always polite to say thank you for viewing your application, you can finish on a stronger note. Phrases such as “I look forward to hearing from you” or “I look forward to arranging a time for an interview” are a great way to show confidence and that you believe you are a worthy contender for the role.
Still a Little Lost? That is Where We Come In.
Even with a concise guide, creating a cover letter can be an overwhelming task. It can be hard to know what to talk up, what experience is relevant and just knowing what to include. If you are still struggling to write that cover letter, then that is where we come in. At Alpha Resumes we want you to succeed, so our professional team can help. With our professional resume writing services in Melbourne, we can arm you with a cover letter that is going to knock any recruiters socks off. Do not hesitate, get in contact with us today.
