CVs and Interviews

Preparing a cover letter

I believe formal cover letters are becoming like the dinosaurs. There is less emphasis on them for a number of reasons. Firstly change in technology means that most applications are online application or emailed applications. Therefore cover letters are now in the form of a few lines to support the CV. The other reason is that most cover letters resembled solicitor letters rather than sales pitch documents. Most jobseekers used standard letters and language regurgitation their CV.

Cover letter for impact

Having said all of this I still deal with employer who put emphasis on cover letters. It is important to use them properly. I rarely read a cover letter because of the second point above. I find them all the same and very boring to read. I normally go straight for the CV but I guess that is because I have review millions of the applications over the years.

A cover letter is an opportunity to get your personality across and to provide information not appropriate for the CV. You can get as risky as you need but this will depend on you and your circumstances. For example if you have sent off many applications without any response you might try a riskier or creative strategy. I heard of one jobseeker that crumpled up his cover letter before he put it in the envelope. His opening line on the cover letter was “I took the liberty to crumple up this cover letter to save you time before you threw in the bin”. I like it!!

Cover Letter Template

Below is an idea about what you should include in the body of the cover letter. Please not that I am not providing information on the layout, salutation etc. You will see that the middle paragraph is your license to get creative.

Cover Letter – Opening Paragraph
You should state the reason for writing the letter (try and catch the eye)
You should state the position / type of work you are applying for.
You can mention how you heard of the position or company.
Mention the enclosed CV

Cover Letter – Middle Paragraph
This is your opportunity to sell yourself.
Your CV has the detail so just point out key skills and unique selling points.
Explain why you want to work there (try to mention something relevant about the organisation – i.e. recent market performance, new product or its recent expansion).

Cover Letter – Closing Paragraph
Indicate your availability for interview with times when you can be contacted.
State when you will follow up.
Thank the reader for the time and consideration given to your application.

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Tags: Cover Letter, CV Preparation, CV Writing Service, Dublin, Ireland

This entry was posted on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 3:03 pm and is filed under CV, CV Expert, CV Writing Service, Cover Letter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.