In collaboration with CVs.co.uk, Impressive
CVs has taken this opportunity to explain the importance of a
cover letter, highlight why your CV should never be sent without one,
and outline what needs to be included in a cover letter.
Why is it important that your CV be accompanied by a cover letter?
First, the majority of people do not send cover letters with their CV, so
just by sending one will help you stand out. It is all about getting
noticed and leaving a lasting impression with the reader.
Second, a cover letter allows you to quickly detail why you are qualified
for the role being applied for, what you can bring to the company, and
why you are right for this role.
Third, a cover letter is used to introduce you as a person and allows you
to add a personal touch.
Fourth, and probably most importantly, a cover letter gives you the chance
to sell yourself.
What needs to be
included in a cover letter?
Demonstrate knowledge of
the company – this helps to build rapport with your reader.
Explain your background,
experience and how you can contribute to the company at this particular
time.
Summarise your experience, include your most relevant skills, and emphasize
your most relevant achievements i.e. those most appropriate to the job
being applied for.
Highlight the most important
points from your CV. Ensure you reword sentences and do not copy sentences
verbatim from your CV.
Persuade the employer that
you are confident you can do the job.
Convey enthusiasm – enthusiasm
sells.
Explain what appeals to
you about both the role and the company.
State when follow up will be. This will help set you apart from other applicants
and will show your enthusiasm for the role. But, you MUST then follow
up.
Important tips when
sending out a cover letter
The letter MUST be personally addressed to someone by name. Again, most
people do not take the time to do this. More often than not, all it
takes is one simple phone call. This shows that you have taken time
to research the role and it also allows you to then follow up your application.
It must be laid out as a
standard business letter. If you are applying for a specific vacancy,
include the Job Reference.
Your letter should not be
more than one page long. There is the tendency to write pages and pages,
but you will just lose the reader. Keep words, sentences and paragraphs
short. It is recommended that there should be no more than four or five
paragraphs, or 200 words.
The letter should be printed
on a good quality paper, typically 100gsm in weight and watermarked.
Ensure that the stationary used for your CV and Cover Letter are the
same.
Some of the questions we at Impressive CVs, are frequently asked:
Can I have one letter
that I can send out to all jobs I apply for?
Yes, but the letter needs to be adapted to the role being applied for. Although
this is time consuming, it will significantly increase your chances of
being invited to interview. Use your cover letter to bring out your matching
skills and credentials.
What if they require
salary details?
There is some contention about this issue. It is our recommendation, however,
that you leave salary details off your letter, especially if there is
no mention of salary on the advertisement. It can take you out of the
running before you begin. If you decide to include your salary, do not
provide specifics, as this will weaken your negotiating powers later on.
What if I do not have all the skills they require?
Do not draw attention
to skills that you may lack. Focus on what you do have and on any other
skills or experience that would be an added benefit.
What if the advertisement
does not request a cover letter?
It is still necessary
to send one.
For advice or help with writing your CV or Cover Letter, contact Impressive
CV - specialists in the design of interview-winning CVs and Cover Letters.
For further information, please visit our website: www.ImpressiveCVs.co.uk
or call us on: 0870 420 5494.
