How To Write A Cover Letter

In my last blog I shared some of my best CV tips, things to avoid, and how I prefer to see a CV structured. 

This week, it’s time to master the cover letter.

Firstly, if you’re ever deliberating whether writing a cover letter is actually worth it, because you think employers automatically disregard anything they need to spend more than two minutes reading, you’re wrong, and that’s probably why you didn’t land that interview you really wanted.

I touched on the difference between a CV and cover letter last week; your CV is full of fact, it details very clearly the experience you have that will enable you to add value to the role.

Your cover letter, on the other hand, is where you add the colour surrounding that experience. This is where you display your personality, and show the employer you’re more than a bunch of grades and work experience. 

Similarly to your CV, a cover letter needs to very specifically address the job description you’ve been given. It helps to take a copy of the description, and highlight the employers key candidate criteria.

However, whereas your CV needs to be very concise and to the point, the cover letter is your opportunity to include all the stuff you wish you could include within your CV, the content you reluctantly delete to ensure its not too long.

So, here’s an example of what to include:

Who, what, why 

Open the letter by clearly stating who you are, what you do, and why you’re applying for the role. For example, if you’re John from accounts applying for as role as Head of Accounts, you could say;

“As an established senior accountant with over 10 years experience in the financial sector, I believe I possess the expertise, market knowledge, passion and agility to excel as Head of Accounts within your organisation.”

What you’ve achieved and why you’re suitable

Next it’s time to add colour to your experience. This is the body of your letter. It needs be engaging, and direct - you really need to sell yourself. Don’t feel embarrassed to let the reader know where you excel, your personal achievements and what you’re really great at. 

Your highlighted criteria from the job description will lead your structure here. It’s important you link your experience with what the employer is looking for. For example, if i wanted a Head of Accounts to manage a small team of three, John could include something like;

“One of the main objectives in my current role is mentoring my colleagues and ensuring that, as their manager, I understand how I can support and ensure their productivity levels are consistently improving. To do this, I ask for weekly reporting slides, organise regular catchup meetings and employ an open door policy, so they feel comfortable asking me for advice at any time.”

Reading this, I instantly know this candidate has the required managerial experience, so he’s already impressing me. 

The future

It makes sense to end your cover letter with ambitions for the future. Here, i’d reiterate why this particular role excites you and why you’re worthy of an interview. 

Let them know you’re looking forward to hearing more about the opportunity, and leave the relevant contact details. 

Once you’ve sent the cover letter, it’s always a good idea to follow up with a phone call a week later. 

Good luck!