How to write a cover letter
In a competitive job market, a well-crafted CV and cover letter are your gateway to securing an interview. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, tailoring your cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences is crucial and the team at Crescent Consulting have put together a few tips to help you create a professional cover letter.
While it may seem time consuming, it is necessary to adapt each cover letter to the position you are applying for. There is nothing more off putting than seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the wrong job or addressed to the wrong person or company. Your cover letter should demonstrate your dedication and willingness to pursue the role you are applying for. It is an opportunity to add your personal touch, show off your writing skills and separate yourself from other candidates.
Most organisations prefer a cover letter that emphasizes your relevant work experience and key skills. Your should addresses any information that’s not obvious in your CV, such as why you are motivated to move on from your current role or location. . Ideally your cover letter will fit on one page and include the following:
Your contact details, the date & the recipient’s address: Start with your name and your contact details, the date and the recipient’s address block that includes the name of the Hiring Manager, the company name and address. If you are unable to find the address, including the city will be sufficient.
Salutation: To whom it may concern… has its place but not in a professional cover letter. Find out who is responsible for the hiring and address your cover letter appropriately. Often job adverts include the name of the hiring contact at the bottom of their advert so this can be used in the address.
Introduction: Start with a personal introduction, state the role you are applying for and what motivated you to apply for this position. Make sure you mention the company name in your motivational lead in.
Relevant skills and experience: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what the job advert says you will need.
Evidence or examples: Briefly summarise qualifications, successes or achievements that support your skills and experience.
Other information: If you are changing career path, need to relocate, require an accredited employer work visa, or have any other special request or situation, this should be briefly explained in your cover letter.
Closing: Let the hiring manager know that your CV has been included for consideration and that you are looking forward to their response. Again, emphasise how keen you are to work for this organisation.
Once you have written your cover letter, proofread, with the following in mind:
Keep it Concise: Aim for your cover letter to fit on one page. Use concise language and avoid long sentences. Avoid slang, abbreviations, lazy language.
Relevance is Key: Include only information relevant to the job you are applying for. Tailor each cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to the role and company.
Review and Edit: You can utilize AI tools but it’s important to review and personalise your cover letter. There’s nothing more off-putting than receiving a cover letter with generic content. Have someone proofread your cover letter for clarity, grammar, and formatting consistency.
We have included a simple cover letter template for you to use below but if this one isn’t right for you, there are many available online. www.careers.govt.nz is a great place to start if you are looking for more resources and templates to help you write a professional cover letter.
There is a separate article in our resources to help you write a standout CV.
