Why Every Job Application Needs One
First impressions are important, right?
When applying for jobs, submitting your resume and cover letter is your first impression to a prospective employer. Given their significance, it’s crucial to invest time and thought into them. While some may not see the importance of a cover letter, it plays a crucial role in the job application process and should not be underestimated.
In this blog, we talk about the importance of the cover letter and how to write one that will help you stand out from the crowd!
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that complements your resume, discussing your motivation, career objectives and how you align with and contribute to the company. The objective of the cover letter is to introduce yourself to the person or organisation offering the job you’re seeking, and it is equally as important as your resume.
Where a resume highlights your experience, professional background and qualifications, the cover letter can showcase your personality, motivation for applying for the role and why you believe you are the best candidate for the position in a way that a resume alone cannot capture.
A well-written cover letter is your chance to shine. It allows you the opportunity to showcase your strong interest in the role, highlighting your relevant skills, experience, passion, and reasons for applying.
The key is to customise your cover letter for each job application. That means providing a tailored cover letter for every job that you apply for.
Yes, this will require more work for you! However, customising your cover letter is what will help you stand out from the crowd. It demonstrates to your potential employer that you’ve taken the time to read the ad thoroughly, you’re serious about the position, and not going to waste their time.
Using the same generic cover letter is obvious and off-putting to employers.
In your cover letter, make sure to:
- Include the name of the business and the contact person’s full name (if provided).
- Specify the name of the position you are applying for.
- Do your research on the company to tailor your letter to their needs and highlight your skills that are relevant to the position.
- Include your experience, skill set and competencies the employer is seeking. Refer to the job ad.
- Clearly state why you are applying for the role.
- Answer specific points from the job ad and respond to the requirements of the role using keywords they have used in the ad.
- Include five reasons why you believe you’re the best candidate for the job.
- In the closing paragraph, request a meeting to discuss your application.
- Should be 1 page in length.
In today’s competitive job market, where employers are inundated with applications, a well-crafted cover letter can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. Show the employer you’ve read the application thoroughly, you’ve paid attention to detail, and you’re genuinely interested in getting the job.
To help you create a strong application and gain access to a cover letter and resume template, invest your time in Keyba Careers’ Crash Course: How to Prepare for a Successful Interview. Your future self will thank you!
In this course, you will
- Explore the key to writing a winning resume and cover letter.
- A comprehensive guide to preparation for mastering job interviews, leveraging positive body language, and preparing responses to interview questions.
- Maximising the effectiveness of references in the recruitment process.
