How to writing a good cover letter?
Your cover letter provides prospective employers with their first impression of you. Everyone who sends a résumé should submit it with a cover letter. Not mandatory, your cover letter is the ideal tool to display how you meet the qualifications of the specific job you are applying to.
- • Supplement the information included in your résumé.
- • Emphasize the knowledge and skills you have in relation to the qualifications of the position.
- • Convey in a narrative format what unique qualities you can bring to the position.
- • Enhance your résumé by adding a more personal touch to the package.
When considering the ideal length of your cover letter, the length and content should be appropriate for the position to which you are applying. Aim for a cover letter that is one to two page(s) in length.
1. Be concise.
The ideal length for a cover letter is between one to two page(s). Be sure to emphasize the Job ID and position you are applying for as well as your key skills and accomplishments that fit the role.
- • Avoid repeating information.
- • Avoid including irrelevant information, remember your cover letter is a career
marketing tool, not an autobiography.
- • Edit unnecessary words.
- 2. Tailor your cover letter to the qualifications of the job advertisement.
- • Focus on the duties that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
- • Focus on your most recent experience and accomplishments.
- 3.
Write your cover letter in your own words so that it sounds like you and not like something out of a book.
- • Avoid directly copying material from the job description and placing it in your cover
letter.
- 4.
Proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no spelling, typing or grammaticalerrors.
- 5.
Show that you know something about the ministry or the organization.
- • This is where your research comes in. Briefly demonstrate why you match the skills
and knowledge that they are looking for and what value you can bring to the organization
What’s in a good cover letter?
The header:
- • Your full name
- • Your address
- • Your e-mail address(es)
- • All your telephone numbers (work, home and cell)
Including current contact information will make it easier for Recruitment Services staff to contact you if you are selected for an interview.
As recruitment can be centralized[procces automatic], there is no need to personalize the cover letter with
- "the hiring manager’s name".
- Addressing the letter to
- “The Hiring Manager”
- “To Whom it May Concern” is sufficient.
Make sure to put the current date on your cover letter above the address.
- • This is the introductory section of your cover letter.
- • The objective is to get the reader’s attention immediately.
- • Briefly identify what you have to offer the organization.
- • Identify the main reason why you would be the ideal candidate for the position.
Note:
Some employers may want additional information in your cover letter such as outlining how you learned about the job opening and why you are interested in the position.- • Emphasize your relevant skills, competencies, experience and knowledge.
- • Cite specific and relevant experiences or examples where you gained and demonstrated
those skills, knowledge, abilities and accomplishments.
- • If you have a particular area of expertise, or an educational background that has helped
you gain relevant qualifications, outline this in your cover letter.
- • You may wish to highlight some transferable skills, such as problem-solving or
organizational skills.
- • List any required certifications (i.e. valid driver’s license) that you have that relate to the
qualifications.