You’re happy with your CV and you’ve created your personal Skills Summary. You’ve found some jobs you could see yourself doing and you’re excited to apply. But the application requires something called a cover letter. What is a cover letter? Why do you need one? And how do you write one that will help you get the job you want? Keep reading to find out!
What is a Cover Letter?
Your CV is concise and informative. It is essentially a fact sheet about you, telling your employer exactly what they need to know about your skills and experience. Your cover letter is a little more personal and introduces you to a potential employer, not just your skills. Your cover letter gives an insight into your personality and your motivations. It tells a potential employer more about why you want the job you’re applying for. It gives them an idea of why you would be suitable for the role and how you might fit in with their team.
Cover letters may be required or they may be optional, but writing one is always a good idea. A well-written cover letter can make a memorable first impression. It can set you apart from other candidates, highlighting your enthusiasm and your unique skills and talents. Writing one also helps you to examine your own motivations for applying. It helps you think more deeply about why you want the job and whether this is the role for you.
Because a cover letter should be specific to each job, writing one can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore. But here’s why it matters:
- It’s your first introduction to your potential employer: If they have received applications from several equally qualified candidates, your cover letter can help you stand out.
- It shows enthusiasm: Employers know that people are applying for lots of different jobs and theirs isn’t the only role you are considering. But they want to know that you do want the role – your cover letter shows them why you do.
- It can make up for experience and skills gaps: When an employer writes out their requirements for job applicants, those requirements are often a wishlist. Most candidates will not tick every single box and, for most jobs, that’s OK. People bring unique sets of skills to their roles that are often more valuable than some of the things listed. Your cover letter can show a potential employer why you would be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single requirement.
- It expands on your CV: As mentioned above, your CV is like a fact sheet. And that can be frustrating! Your cover letter is a place you can go into more detail about specific examples. It can highlight exactly why you’re perfect for this role. By linking your skills to their job requirements, you give an employer clear reasons to consider you.
What to Include in Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter should answer three key questions:
- Why this role? Why are you applying for this job specifically? What draws you to the role?
- Why this company? Different companies hire for very similar jobs. Why do you want to work for this company in particular?
- And why you? Why should an employer choose you over another equally qualified candidate?
To get started, you can follow this simple structure:
- Start with why you’re writing: Companies often hire for multiple roles at once. Mention which job you are applying for and why it interests you.
- Show your enthusiasm: Highlight what it is that excites you about the role.
- Expand on your skills and suitability: Give one or two examples to show how the skills listed on your CV suit this job specifically.
- End on a high: Confirm your interest in the role again, note that you are available to interview, and thank them for their time.