The CV is your first impression over the recruiter, Part: Last

Cover Letters

A cover letter introduces and markets you effectively by complementing your CV. It tells your story by highlighting your relevant strengths and motivation for the person and organisation you are writing to, rather than listing all the things that can already be seen on your CV.

Nowadays, cover letters are often optional. However, if you are contacting a recruiter or hiring manager to submit your CV, your e-mail is your cover letter and should adhere to the standard cover letter format. Your cover letter is a key marketing document; a strong cover letter will make someone open up your CV to learn more.

Cover letters serve two purposes. First, they enable a recruiter to

quickly glance at a document to see if you match the position’s

requirements. Second, they allow the company to ask for a writing sample, without directly asking for it.

Always take the opportunity to submit a cover letter if you are given the opportunity. The cover letter gives you scope to showcase what interests and drives you, and your enthusiasm for an organisation and the role. You can use it to align yourself with the organisation’s strengths, values and culture, and highlight in a targeted way your knowledge and strongest, most relevant skills for the position.

There are Three Types of Cover Letter

• Solicited
• Unsolicited
• Broadcasted

Solicited Cover Letter

Most cover letters are solicited; that is, the cover letter is responding to a specific job opening advertised online, on your campus, or anywhere else. The job opening likely lists specific skills or backgrounds desired, and you need to appeal to those specific attributes. Your cover letter should explain exactly how you match those qualities, and should provide evidence using your prior experience.

If you don’t exactly match every requirement, don’t let that stop

you. Sometimes ads are written by recruiters or managers who don’t understand that the combination of skills they want is impossible or very unlikely. Or sometimes you have other skills that may compensate for your weaknesses.

You need to identify what you think the company would want and match that. You can often extrapolate the company’s needs from looking at the company’s other job ads, or from looking at ads for the equivalent job at other companies. If you think this approach seems hard, you’re right. But the good news is that you will have substantially less competition if you pursue it.

Unsolicited Cover Letter

An unsolicited cover letter taps the hidden job market by contacting recruiters about positions that may not be advertised. Obviously, getting a job through these means is more challenging, but not at all impossible. Sometimes positions are created only when a sufficiently good candidate comes along, as is often the case with start-ups. Or other times, a friend inside the company might be able to tip you off to a new opening that has only been advertised internally.

Broadcast Letter

While all cover letters should be tailored, sometimes you have no choice but to create a general cover letter. This is often the case when using online job boards. The job board might encourage you to post a cover letter along with your CV.

If you’re looking for a sales or customer support role, emphasize the skills that those positions have in common (communication, etc.). Recruiters won’t expect your cover letter to be very specific but will look at it for a quick list of your accomplishments and skill set, so make sure to really emphasize what you’ve achieved in your career.

While this letter certainly won’t win any awards for prose or creativity, it’s short, concise, and gets the point across: that you match the employer’s needs and that you can perform the job effectively. It’s communicated to you with employer clearly and effectively.

A cover letter should introduce you, demonstrate how your background matches the job description, and state your interest in the position. When writing yours, keep these five suggestions in mind. Recruiters are busy and, frankly, often just looking for an excuse to toss your application in the trash. They want to hire, too their job depends on it. Their job description will tell you what they’re looking for; it’s up to you to show that you match it as closely as possible. If they say they want a highly quantitative marketer, then you must address that in your response.

If There Is No Job Description

In cases there is no job description to be found, then you’ll need to guess at the preferred skill set. If it’s a software engineering job, try to find out what languages or technologies the team uses. For a job that’s heavy on communication, call attention to your public speaking skills. You can also track down other job ads, both from similar positions with the same company and from the same position at other companies. Look for similarities. If you find that the company always looks for someone with a particular background or that one skill is highly in demand for your position at other companies, then you can safely assume that this position will desire it, too.

Supported with Evidence

Anyone can say that they are hard working, or have strong communication skills; not everyone can prove it. Use your education, work experience, and accomplishments to show the recruiter that you have the skills they need. As with your CV, accomplishments, especially when quantified, carry more weight than any vague discussion of your background:

I have strong public speaking skills, a skill which was developed

through four years of college Speech & Debate Team. In my final year on the team, I placed second in the state-wide Impromptu Speaking category.

Structured and Concise

Your cover letter should show that you can communicate in a concise and structured way. All you need is three or four short paragraphs that clearly address the company’s needs. And remember, when people say that cover letters should be only one page, they don’t mean one full page. Babbling is not rewarded.

Simple, Direct Writing

Never try to demonstrate expansive vocabulary on your cover letter, no one would be impressed by this. You should write to communicate, not to impress. Use short, familiar words, and get to the point.

Professional

As a cover letter is often the best and only writing example a company has, being professional and using correct spelling and grammar is extremely important. You should proofread your own letter multiple times, and give it to a trusted friend to review as well. Additionally, you should address the letter to the individual, if you know his or her name. If you do not know the recipient’s name, never assume a gender.

One start-up founder discovered this firsthand when she posted a job opening for her new company. The ad lacked her name, but mentioned that her background included a PhD in electrical engineering. Over 70 percent of applicants chose to address the recipient of the cover letter as “Dear Sir” instead of a more gender neutral opener. Don’t make this mistake. HR departments are awfully touchy these days about sexism.

Layout

Set it out like a business letter. Brevity adds power, so do not exceed one A4 page in length. An exception is if the job has a person specification consisting of a detailed list of skills, and selection is based on applicants demonstrating in this letter that they have them all (i.e. there is no other application form). In that case you can exceed one page but remember that being concise and relevant is still important!

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. If you are responding to an advertisement, state where you saw it. This tells the recruiter why they are reading the letter, and it gives them feedback on which of their advertising sources are working. You need to think about how you would like to introduce yourself; it could be that you mention the course you are studying and when you plan to finish it along with your place of study.

Why you are interested in the job and the organization?

Explain why you are interested in the job and the organisation. Tailor the letter to the organisation and job description and make it implicit that you have not sent out multiple copies of the same letter to different employers. If you can, say something original about the organisation: don’t just repeat the text from their publicity material. Draw on your research, especially what you have learnt from speaking with their staff

Draw on your research, especially what you have learnt from speaking with their staff (e.g. whilst meeting them at a fair or event, or during work shadowing/experience) as this will demonstrate an awareness and understanding of them that goes beyond the corporate website. Be specific about why the position is particularly attractive for you, and back this up with evidence from your past, or by linking this to your overall career plans, and what you find exciting about this sector.

Why you are well-suited to the position?

Explain why you are well-suited to the position. Refer to the relevant skills, experience and knowledge you have and match what you say to the requirements outlined in the job description. Tell your story and highlight key evidence so that you are building on, but not using exactly the same phrases contained in your CV.

Even if you think that this position is out of reach, your job is to convince the recruiter that you are qualified enough and able to do the job. Focus on your accomplishments and the transferable skills that are relevant to the role. State explicitly how you match the job criteria don’t expect the person reading your letter to infer your skills or experiences for themselves. Support your claims by referring to examples that are already detailed in your CV. You can make a stronger, more credible case by linking different experiences that highlight similar skills or competences.

Conclusion

Reiterate your desire to join the organisation and end on a ‘look forward to hearing from you’ statement, followed by ‘Yours sincerely’ if writing to a named individual, and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you have not been able to find a named contact. Type your name, but also don’t forget to sign the letter if you are printing it out.

A cover letter should roughly match the following template:

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Cell Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear [Recruiter or Hiring Manager’s Name]:

I am interested in the [ Job Title] advertised on [web site or other source]. With a strong background in [list of tangible skills], and [number of] years of experience in [area], I am confident that I can [general problem you can solve].

My qualifications include the following:

[Desired Qualification #1]:

[Proof that you have qualification #1]

[Desired Qualification #2]:

[Proof that you have qualification #2]

[Desired Qualification #3]:

[Proof that you have qualification #3]

[Desired Qualification #4]:

[Proof that you have qualification #4]

I would love to discuss this opportunity further. I will follow up within a [time frame] to confirm that my application was received, and to schedule a time to talk further.

Or

I look forward to talking with you more about this opportunity. Please contact me at 206-555-9323.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Top tips

• Write to a named person if you possibly can – rather than Dear Sir/Madam.
• Check your spelling and get someone else to read it over.
• Check that it says clearly what you want it to say. Are there any sections that are hard to read or follow? If yes, try to simplify the language, avoid jargon, use shorter sentences or take out that section completely.
• Make the letter different each time. If you insert another company name, does the letter still read the same? If so, try to differentiate each letter more!
• Don’t start every sentence with “I”.
• Give evidence for all your claims.
• Be enthusiastic and interested.
• Don’t repeat your whole CV.

Academic Cover Letters

Academic cover letters vary in length, purpose, content and tone. Each job application requires a new, distinct letter. For applications that require additional research or teaching statements, there is no point repeating these points in a cover letter – here, one page is enough. Other applications ask for a CV and a cover letter only, in which case the letter will need to be longer and require more detail.

In all cases:

2 pages is the maximum: show that you can prioritise according to what they are looking for Your letter is a piece of academic writing – you need a strong argument and empirical evidence

Research Statements

Some applications ask for a short research statement. This is your opportunity to propose a research plan and show how this builds on your current expertise and achievements. It forms the basis for discussions and your presentation if you are invited for interview.

Remember to

Tailor each statement to the particular role you are applying for

Make sure there are clear links between your proposal and the work of the recruiting institution.

Write about your research experience stating the aims, achievements & relevant techniques.

Write about your research experience stating the aims, achievements, relevant techniques and your responsibilities for each project.

Write as much (within the word limit) about your planned research and its contribution to the department, and to society more broadly Invest time and ask for feedback from your supervisor/principal investigator or colleagues.

Example of Cover Letters

 

CV Cover Letter (Market Research)

 

Jesus College

Cambridge

CB5 8BL

Ajs22@ cam.ac.uk

07797264505

• Your address and telephone number top right

Ms Jenny Miles

ISIS Research Ltd

The Boathouse

The Embankment

Putney

London

SW15 1HL

• Contact name, contact title and organization address top left

15th April 2006

• Date

Dear Ms Miles

• Write to a named person.

You recently advertised Vacation placements for this summer through Cambridge University Careers Service, and I would like to be considered for the scheme.

• What you are writing about, where it was advertised and what you’re applying for

I was especially attracted by the emphasis on healthcare. This placement would combine any interest in a career in commercial research with a particularly worthwhile market sector.

• Why they attract you
• Selecting a specific aspect of the job
• And how it relates to you

My greatest strength, I feel, is the ability to work with a wide range of people. As you will see from CV, this has ranged from dealing with some difficult bar customers to local business managers-and from the womens’ football team members to senior academic staff. It has, on occasion, required a high degree of sensitivity and social confidence. I really enjoy planning and organizing. My job at the Canterbury Visitor Information Centre was especially difficult at first as they had no formalized booking systems. It gave me considerable satisfaction to see that my suggested design for an electronic hotel booking system has now been adopted on a permanent basis.

• Why you are attractive to them, with special reference to the job description
• Able to deal with all sorts of people (useful for market research interviews)
• Planning and organizing (picks up employer’s own words)
• Specific example of successful planning and initiative
• Reinforces IT abilities
• Responds to report writing requirements of job

The Camelot Post involved writing a brief visitors’ guide leaflet for the park. This helped me to appreciate the need for clear, concise and unambiguous information. It also improved my IT skills as I had to produce it myself. I am fully confident of my numeracy skills.

My preferred dates for a 6 week period would be from 5^th July to 13^th August. I am available for interview any time. As I am particularly keen not to miss this placement opportunity, it could still br possible to renegotiate my plans for travel during September, when I hope to visit Tanzania to research my dissertation. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you.

• Facts about availability clearly stated
• Positive approach to potential problem
• Exploits potential problem to reinforce suitability for market research job (trip will be for research)
• Encourages further contact
• Straightforward final sentence (nothing flowery or hectoring)

Your sincerely

• End with this phrase, not ‘Yours faithfully’

Alison Sprite

·         Type your name below your signature.

 

CV Cover Letter (Leisure Industry)

Jesus College

Cambridge

CB5 8BL

Ajs22@ cam.ac.uk

07797264505

• Your address and telephone number top right

Ms Marie Hunt

Barracudas Summer Activity Holidays

Graphic House

Ferrars Road

Huntingdon

Cambs PE18 6EE

• Contact name, contact title and organization address top left

10 April, 2006

• Date

Dear Ms Hunt

• Write to a named person

As you will see from my CV, I am in my second year at Cambridge University, studying Geography after one year reading Economics. I originally intended to go into teaching after my degree, as at school I enjoyed teaching remedial maths to Year 7 and discovered I could achieve results through patience and persuasion. However, I’ve since realized that my natural context is not equations in the classroom but activities outdoors.

• Suitability for the job
• Keen on communicating with youngsters
• This keenness is used to give explanation for uneven education history
• Evidence that you have the qualities needed
• Pulls together everything so far with contrast between classroom and outdoors(this job is largely outdoors)
• ‘Natural context’ = clever way of saying you are a natural for the job

Motivating people and making things happen are what I most enjoy. As leader of the College Rag fundraising team, for example, I was really pleased that we doubled the amount our College raised for charity this year. But it was working as a games operator at Camelot Theme Park last summer that convinced me I want a career in the leisure industry. I love working with both children and adults, and particularly enjoyed organizing a mock medieval staghunt in which student actors played the royal hunting party and children were given the roles of hounds, hornblowers and unruly henchmen. This proved very popular and has now been adopted as a regular Camelot event.

• Why you want to work in the leisure industry
• Affinity with major elements of the work
• Evidence you can do it (results)
• Draws most details from the work experience that more closely parallels the job you’re applying for
• Specific details, in the form of mini-narrative(stories hold the attention)
• Enthusiasm trigger words: enjoy – really pleased – convinced – love working – particularly enjoyed

I realize entry to the industry is very competitive and the applicants need as much relevant experience as possible. After visiting the Career Services I found your website and realized immediately that your summer job vacancies are exactly what I’m looking for. My youngest brother (aged 10) has just spent a very happy Easter week at Huntingdon. When I collected him and talked to his camp counselor she said, ‘for this job you need patience, humour and stamina.’ I would use the same words about persuading reluctant women students to play football, and dealing with a stream of rain-soaked customers at the Canterbury Information Centre during a very wet July certainly required me to show all three  qualities on a daily basis.

• Why this particular job: as a way into the industry as whole, i.e. committed
• Has done research: went to Careers Service, used websites, read theirs, talked to someone who appreciated their work, talked to someone doing the job (best possible source)
• Shows understanding of job by quoting an authority, but not the employer or other routine source
• Relates findings to own experience and success, again with specific, vivid, concrete detail

As you may have guessed, my preferred job is multi-activity instructor, but I am flexible and interested in other areas too. My preferred dates for a 6 week period would be from 5^th July to 13^th August. I am available for interview any time. As I am particularly keen not to miss this placement opportunity, it could still br possible to renegotiate my plans for travel during September, when I hope to visit Tanzania to research my dissertation. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email.

• State preference (i.e. knows nature of jobs and which would suit you)
• But willing to be flexible (employers like you to be)Facts about availability clearly stated
• Positive approach to potential problem
• Mention of Tanzania shows outward bound spirit which this job needs
• Encourages further contact

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

• Straightforward final sentence (nothing flowery or hectoring)

Your sincerely

• End with this phrase, not ‘Yours faithfully’

Alison Sprite

• Type your name below your signature

 

Cover Letter (Doctor)

Jesus College

Cambridge

CB5 8BL

Ajs22@ cam.ac.uk

07797264505

Ms Marie Hunt

Nufflied Medical Centre

Nuffield House

Trump Road

Cambridge

Cambs CB1 8NP

Dear Ms Hunt,

Today I am writing to apply for the position of General Practitioner (ICU) with your hospital and I am submitting my letter and CV for further perusal. I am sure that I can bring a warm welcome and comforting smile for those patients who will require my services and will appreciate human touch whenever visited by a physician, and for the same reason I am sure that I will prove to be an asset for your organization.

Here is a summary of my attached resume:

Medical

♦ Accident and emergency (A&E) medicine experience. ♦ Keeping up to date with the latest treatments, medicines and medical developments. ♦ Experience of providing care to patients on hospital wards and outpatient department.

Surgeries

♦ Assisted in the operating theatres in surgical operations. ♦ A willingness to accept responsibility. ♦ Experience of working in a pressurized environment.

ICU

♦ Administered and implemented all physician order accurately. ♦ Assisted patients in admitting and discharge of all patients. ♦ Maintained record of all nursing functions and provided update to it. ♦ Participated in various counseling sessions for health and emotional support to patients. ♦ Analyzed patient treatment plan and prioritized patient requirements. ♦ Monitored patient care plans and implemented as per facility requirements. ♦ Ensured compliance to all policies guidelines and procedures.

Management

♦ Experience of the day to day management of a busy doctors practice surgery. ♦ Able to lead and motivate staff. ♦ Ability to prioritize work loads during busy periods.

My ability for helping those who are not well gives me tremendous joy for this profession. I take immense pride in working and diagnosing skills will prove to be an asset for your organization.

I would like to meet you in person for discussing my experience and qualifications further and you will come to know that I will be the perfect fit for this job. You can contact me at any time on 0546561420 or e-mail me at drsyedsyed@gmail.com. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Syed N Syed

Enclosure: CV

 

Consultant Cover Letter Example

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Cell Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

I am a second-year Smith Business School student interested in interviewing for a full-time consultant position with The ABC Consulting Group.

I believe that The ABC Consulting Group has the ideal culture in which to pursue my goal of becoming a strategic business leader and thinker.

My professional experience and Smith Business School education prepare me to be successful at The ABC Consulting Group. Leading a high-level project to develop a China entry and growth strategy in the new media industry for Television Networks Asia gave me invaluable global strategy experience.

Furthermore, interviewing senior executives and entrepreneurs of top media and technology companies gave me the unique opportunity to engage in high level business discussions with leaders of industry.

While at DEF Consulting as a consultant, managing global information security projects gave me experience in the consultative and client service approach. As a joint-degree student (MBA/MA International Studies), I have the flexibility in both language and culture to operate successfully in many different contexts.

Finally, as a musician and producer of my own record, I have developed the capacity to think creatively and entrepreneurially.

I firmly believe that I will be a good fit in The ABC Consulting Group's collaborative, entrepreneurial, and intellectual culture.

I am excited at the prospect of working for The ABC Consulting Group upon graduation and have enclosed my resume for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name

Medical Doctor Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Cell Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms. Mercado:

As a skilled Medical Doctor with 16 years of experience providing general practice examination, diagnosis, and treatment services to a wide variety of patients, I am pleased to present the enclosed CV detailing my credentials. My background providing an exceptional level of patient care positions me to substantially assist your medical facility in meeting and outperforming its healthcare goals.

From leading evaluative consultations and performing diagnostic tests to ordering and interpreting lab results and prescribing medications, my experience in managing direct patient care and enhancing patient satisfaction positions me to excel in this role. Furthermore, with my earned reputation for superior communication skills and an excellent bedside manner, I am sure to positively impact patient relations in this capacity and increase patient loyalty and referrals.

Highlights of my experience and qualifications include:

·                     Excelling throughout 15-year career as a General Family Physician with Associates of Medical Health through the St. Patrick Medical Center, diagnosing physical and mental illnesses, disorders, and injuries while prescribing individualized medications and treatment plans to restore optimal health and wellbeing.

·                     Administering treatments, vaccinations, and specialized medical care to approximately 28 patients each day.

·                     Utilizing deep and exhaustive knowledge of diverse medical conditions to assist in providing appropriate medications and treatments to patients.

·                     Provided vital support in surgical procedures as needed including OB/GYN procedures.

·                     Documenting patient information and communicating with ancillary staff.

·                     Performing an array of administrative tasks including records management and prescription order submission.

·                     Earning my medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1997.

With my expertise in providing direct care and treatment for a variety of patient types, I am confident that I can greatly contribute to your practice. I look forward to discussing this opportunity, and my qualifications, in further detail.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Benjamin R. Zamora

Entry Level Analyst Cover Letter Example

Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Cell Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname,

I would like to express my interest in an entry-level analyst position with XYZ Company. Throughout my job search and conversations with investment advisors, I have come to respect the professionalism that characterizes your firm and its employees. I am confident that XYZ Company’s values and objectives would highly complement my own strengths and enthusiasm. I would like to be considered for your Investment Banking Analyst Program, or a similar position that requires refined analytical and communication skills.

I was impressed to learn of your recent acquisition of Hamburg Group, a tactic which I see as indicative of  XYZ Company’s commitment to achieving growth and success in the future. Innovative and exciting approaches such as this, coupled with XYZ Company’s highly regarded Analyst Program, convinced me that this is the ideal environment to begin my business career.

Evidence of my leadership and analytical skills can be seen in my responsibilities as analyst intern at ABC Company, and my commitment to academics. My educational background in government and business, combined with my internship experiences, has been excellent preparation for an analyst career with XYZ Company.

Please review the enclosed resume and references, and consider my application for your Investment Banking Analyst program. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in New York and explore the company environment, as well as possible job opportunities. I will call your office next week to discuss these possibilities.

I look forward to exchanging ideas with you concerning a career at XYZ Company and the positive contributions I would offer as a member of your organization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

First name Last name

Checklist

·                     Look at your CV as if you were the recruiter. After a quick scan, can you pick out evidence of each of the job requirements?

·                     Is your CV two pages in length? (Some employers request a one-page CV, and academic CVs can be longer, but most CVs are two pages in length.)

·                     To ensure your CV is easy to read, is there about the same amount of text on both pages, and have you avoided large chunks of text?

·                     Have you used formatting tools (e.g. bold, italics, capitals and spacing) consistently?

·                     Have you asked your Careers team for feedback on your CV and covering letter? (Please take a list of job requirements with you.)

The basics

·                     Two sides of A4

·                     Correct spelling and grammar

·                     Name at the top (not Curriculum Vitae)

·                     Education in reverse chronological order

·                     No unexplained long gaps in Education or Experience

·                     GCSEs, SSC, HSC summarized not listed

Format and visual style

·                     All text neatly aligned according to set margins/tabs

·                     Bullet points used rather than paragraphs of text

·                     Font size 11 or 12 and one style

·                     One method of emphasis for headings (Bold, Italics or Underlining)

·                     Clear rather than crowded

·                     No photo

·                     No “protected characteristics” i.e. date of birth, gender

(If the recruiter has specifically asked for it)

Job Searching Web Sites

One of the most common ways today's job seekers uncover employment opportunities is by using online sources. There are hundreds of job boards, both generic and niche, as well as aggregators, social media channels, networking groups and staffing company websites to choose from. The good news is they provide plenty of listings. The bad news is you can be easily overwhelmed by so many options. Here generally considered the best job search websites around. There are many others, of course, but this list of best job search websites should give you a good starting point for your next job hunt:

 

·         Indeed                        www.indeed.com

·         Robert Half                www.roberthalf.com

·         CareerBuilder           www.careerbuilder.com

·         Job.com                     www.findjobinfo.com

·         The Ladders              www.theladders.com

·         LinkedIn                    www.linkedin.com

·         Glassdoor                  www.glassdoor.com

·         Monster                      www.monster.com

·         SimplyHired              www.simplyhired.com

·         Us.jobs                       http://us.jobs

• Link Up                      www.linkup.com
• idealist                       www.idealist.org/en/
• Dice                            www.dice.com/
• BD Jobs                     www.jobs.bdjobs.com

After exploring the above list of the best job search websites, you might consider registering with more than one site since each offers a slightly different experience and list of benefits. Good luck!