Applying to companies right after you graduate with a bachelor’s/master’s degree is only natural. Preparing your CV is the first step you take when beginning to apply for jobs, but is that enough today? In addition to your CV, recruiters now also like to have the applicant send their cover letter. You might have heard the term, but it’s likely you don’t really know what it means.
A cover letter plays a significant role in helping you secure a job or atleast get you an interview invite. It is a one-page document that gives the recruiter/prospective employers insight into your personality and professional expertise. It helps them understand your suitability for the job role you are applying for.
A CV conveys your professional skills, work experience, achievements and of course your educational qualifications. However, the details shared about a candidate in a CV are restricted and mainly technical in nature. Unlike this, a cover letter expands the information mentioned in your CV in detail.
A cover letter must communicate who you are, your personality, your professional as wel as interpersonal skills. It must provide information about your background, the purpose for choosing your career, your educational qualifications, achievements you gained, challenges you faced, if there was any educational gap in the process and what was the reason behind it, your work history and your job role in each and how you progressed.
The most important thing to include in your cover letter is your purpose to apply for the job with the company, why you want the position, why you feel you are a perfect fit for the position and what value will you bring to the table for the company, and what skill sets do you own that aligns with the role applied for.
Here are a few things you must add to your cover letter to make it more impactful:
Write a cover letter that is personalised. You might be applying to multiple positions in different organisations at the same time. Don’t circulate the same copy to every organisation you want to apply to. Personalize it for each. Include certain pieces of information that are relevant and independent to that particular company only. This shows that you have done your research, have a thorough understanding of the company history, background and also the requirements of the job role you are applying for.
Be honest. Mention the setbacks and challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. If you have any career gaps, talk about them and mention the reason. This shows that you are honest, accepting of your flaws and willing to make amends. However, be careful not to make it too negative which might damage your reputation.
Mention strong reasons why the company must appoint you. Don’t hesitate to state why you are a perfect fit for their company. Show them you are valuable by making valid and strong statements. Support your points with examples or evidence.
Ensure your cover letter is free from grammatical and spelling errors. Spotting a grammatical and spelling error hurts the eye immediately. Make sure your copy is error-free. Make atleast two people read your cover letter so that you can make the changes if needed before sending it to the recruiter.
Use the correct contact. Address the cover letter to the appropriate person and company. If you do not have the name of the hiring manager, use ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam. If you are completely unaware of who the cover letter might reach, simply state, ‘To Whom It May Concern.’
Keep your cover letter brief. It must not be more than a page. Make sure your sentences are short and easy to read. Use simple and professional language. Ensure your cover letter looks neat and well-structured.
A cover letter can make or break your job application. It’s thus important to write it well.
