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.
