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