| Many job applicants don't know how to write cover | | | | requires research and genuine thought. |
| letters and as a result fail to convert their written | | | | Chances are, you have less than a minute to make a |
| applications to job interviews. Knowing how to write | | | | positive impression on an employer with your covering |
| cover letters that grab attention and maintain interest is | | | | letter. This means that your covering letter must clearly |
| a central job search skill. | | | | and quickly get to the point. An employer very quickly |
| When you apply for a job, a good cover letter must | | | | wants to know how you match the selection criteria, |
| always accompany your resume when you send it to | | | | whether your written communication is of a high |
| the potential employer. Ideally, an effective cover letter | | | | standard, your skills, experience and qualifications, your |
| will be one page, concisely written and will do the | | | | attention to detail, and your overall level of |
| following: | | | | professionalism. |
| * Capture the potential employer's interest. | | | | People who don't know how to write cover letters |
| * Explain your reason for applying for this position. | | | | often confuse professionalism with flowery, verbose |
| * Explain broadly how you meet the selection criteria | | | | language; even worse, words are often used in the |
| or stated job requirements. | | | | wrong context in an effort to appear more intelligent. |
| * State why you believe you would be the best | | | | Needless to say, this mistake will land your application |
| person for the company (how you would benefit the | | | | in the trash. |
| company). | | | | Cover letters should be written in plain English using |
| * Inspire the employer to offer you an interview. | | | | formal but simple and natural language. Use positive |
| In your cover letter, you need to highlight your skills and | | | | language and avoid any mention of negative situations |
| experience that address specific job requirements and | | | | in previous employment. They should be printed and |
| show that you can do the job you are applying for. | | | | proof read so that there are no errors in the |
| Mention any relevant experience and qualifications that | | | | document. Do not indent your paragraphs; instead, use |
| can support your claims. | | | | block paragraphs with a line space in between them. |
| You also need to mention aspects of your character | | | | Make sure there are no smudges or marks on the |
| that would benefit your prospective employer such as | | | | paper. |
| dependability, punctuality, motivation, problem-solving | | | | If you are still unsure of how to write cover letters, |
| and natural leadership skills. | | | | there are many wonderful online resources available |
| Your cover letter should also explain how you would fit | | | | that can guide you in the process. There are free |
| into the organization and indicate that your own | | | | cover letter templates that can be downloaded as |
| personal values would be a good match to the image, | | | | guides as well as informative websites and books. |
| values and goals of the organization. To do this, | | | | Like anything, practice makes perfect. Once you know |
| however, you have to know what these are and to | | | | how to write an effective cover letter, your chances |
| have seriously considered how your own image, | | | | of gaining an interview will increase immeasurably. |
| values and goals would fit into the organization. This | | | | |