Writing a cover letter? Here's how to write a great one.
It’s rare that you’ll be asked to provide a cover letter here at Aegis. But if you are, keep it simple and make sure you’re genuine in whatever you write.
A covering letter is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself, your skills, experience and demonstrate your ‘fit’.
So here are some tips for writing a great letter
- Start by talking about what you would bring to the company, role & opportunity
- Be brief - get to the point
- Skills & experience - link your work experience to why you are suitable
- Motivation - recruiters want to know what motivated YOU to apply
- Demonstrate why YOU are the right person - be clear on how you can potentially solve the position's problems and challenges
How to structure your cover letter
Paragraph One
- Outline the title of the role you are applying for e.g. I am applying for the project manager role
- Say why you’re interested in this job
Paragraph Two
- Summarise and highlight what you would bring to the role but don't simply rewrite your resume. Supplement and say what it can't.
Paragraph Three
- List your method of contact e.g. mobile, business number, home number etc
- Write you'd like an interview in person or by phone
- Thank the recipient for his or her time and consideration
- Say that you look forward to hearing from the recipient
Beginning and Ending the Letter
- Address the letter to the person listed as the contact in the job advert (if none listed call the company to find out)
- If you know the name of the person you are writing to (e.g. Mr J Smith) sign off ‘Yours sincerely’
- If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to (e.g. Sir or Madam) sign off ‘Yours faithfully’
Some basic DOs and DON’Ts
- Check your work for spelling & grammatical errors
- Only provide accurate information
- Save your letter in MS Word or PDF
- Avoid overselling yourself –you’ll come across as over confident