I enjoy writing targeted cover letters in partnership with clients. We have a lot of success with them. Every paragraph is a ‘punchy’ selling point, which goes to the heart of the job application. The best cover letters target an application. Generic cover letters fail.

A cover letter shouldn’t be more than one page.

Don’t use the same cover letter for different job applications. Your cover letter needs to show that you know what the job involves and what the organisation is looking for. Be as specific as you can about your skills and qualities and how they match the job or organisation’s needs.

Try to contact that person so you can ask questions that can help you match your cover letter (and resume) to the job. Questions you could ask include:

Does the job involve working as part of a team?

Who would I be reporting to if I got the job?

Can you tell me more about the kind of people you’re looking for?

Is there a position description I can look at?

Put your name and contact details at the top of the cover letter. You don’t have to give your postal address, but you do need to include your email and phone number. Make sure you’ll be able to answer the phone number you give.

At the start of your cover letter, explain which job you’re applying for. You can either do this on a line by itself, eg, Application for Stock Controller position”) or in the opening paragraph.

Write a paragraph about why you want this particular job. What is it that excites you about the position?

Include two paragraphs which matches your skills and experiences to the job description. If you’re answering a job ad, either the ad or the position description may provide a list of skills and experiences that are essential for doing the job. It may also provide a list of “desirable” skills and experience. Address those too.

 For more information on cover letters, send me an email.