Sell Yourself!
If you are applying for a job somewhere you’re really interested in, let your letter reflect this. You are a master wordsmith; the English language is your weapon. You want to give reasons why they should hire you not reasons why you want to work there. This is another example of where a little research will set you apart. List your strengths and experience as they relate to the job, tailoring each individual cover letter to each job. Have you worked in a bar before? That means you have experience with customer service, cash handling, health and safety, stock checking/taking, cleaning and maintain standards, and working as part of a team. Make whatever experience you have relative to the job that’s on offer. Can you type 50WPM? Have a full license and access to a car? Did you pick up conversational French during a summer trip? If it’s connected to a job on offer, it’s worth mentioning.
- Tone
It’s okay to let a little bit of personality into the letter when appropriate. A formal and friendly conversational tone is best; this is not a Facebook message about your two week trip to Playa Del Bikini. Everyone likes to joke but there’s a time and a place for it, a cover letter is rarely one of them. Overall, when you read over the letter it should ideally be brimming with enthusiasm, confidence and professionalism. Let it convey your competence using plain terms. Keep it positive……you can, you do, you will.
Pointers:
- Keep it short and sweet
- Perfect grammar and spelling
- Simple layout
- Sell yourself
- Answer what is asked
- List relevant skills
- Be enthusiastic
If writing is not your strong point then asking a friend to assist you or even getting help from a professional agency is always an option. Really though it’s easy to master the art of the cover letter. Now you might want to clean that outfit from your debs because you will be going to an interview very soon!
What top tips do you have to share on writing a top-notch cover letter? Did your expert cover letter help you land your last student or graduate job?
This is the second article in a top series by our writer Chris Loftus on how to write a perfect cover letter – stay tuned to the blog for more articles coming soon!
