Tips on Writing a CV Cover Letter

<< Back to Previous Page

How to Write a Top Selling CV Cover Letter

A cover letter`s most vital task is to secure you a job interview. By using specific tools when writing your CV cover letter you can and will be noticed. A cover note should be considered to be your CV`s most vital marketing tool.

 The average recruitment agent will spend around twenty seconds scanning your cover letter for relevant keywords. Provided the keywords identified in your cover letter are relevant to the job advertisement, your main objective is met. By taking note of the simple advice to follow, your cover note will get you noticed and sell your CV to the busiest recruitment agent.

A cover letter should communicate two very specific selling points of your job application. When writing your CV cover letter you should ultimately concentrate on both the functional and personal message your cover letter is communicating. The functional message your cover letter should deliver should be impactful, accurate information that sells your unique value add in an engaging approach.

The personal message your cover note should convey is compressed yet descriptive. The personal message should express your professionalism and proficiency, as well as your confidence and positive approach. Look for clues hidden in the job ad that you can relate these values to your job application..

 Rule One: The CV Cover Letter Title.

You should plan to title your job application cover letter by beginning with an action verb. Action verbs also known as power words, effectively illustrate your insight into the statement you are making. By using these words to title your job application cover note delivers a far more impactful message than any other title. A good example of such a title is; Proficiently Prepared Cover Letter, or Professionally Written Cover Letter, or A Custom Prepared CV Cover Letter.

Rule Two: Cover Note Layout and Presentation.

Firstly, if you plan on submitting a hand delivered application, be sure to use standard A4, white paper for your cover letter. Don`t try to stand out from the hordes by using multi coloured paper and wild fonts. Keep the presentation of you job application, including your cover letter neat, tidy and neutral. Follow a professional letter layout by beginning by left aligning the following; your name, address, contact information and the date (each on its own line). Skip a line and begin by addressing the recipient. The content should now be right aligned and should include the name of the recipient, their designation and the company by which they are employed. Finally skip a line and personally address the cover letter to the relevant recipient, E.g. Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss Blog, Dear Sir/ Ma`am.

Rule Three: Your Cover Letter Format.

Always remember when writing your job application cover letter that you are talking to a real person. Consider who your "target audience" is and by paying attention to clues found in the job advertisement, attempt to talk directly to that targeted person. After preparing the basic layout of your cover letter now you can proceed to the format of the cover letter. The opening paragraph of your CV cover letter should clearly and concisely detail the position that you are applying to and where you found the job advertisement. Follow this with an "elevation sentence" which is an impactful statement no longer than a single sentence explaining what makes your application relevant. Next to follow is the body of your cover letter which will be detailed in the rule number four. Finally close your CV cover letter with a final summarised statement detailing what sets you apart from other candidates. Thank the recipient for their time and respectfully close with your regards and your name and contact details.

 Rule Four: Cover Letter Content.

The body of your cover letter is also referred to the cover letter content. This content is what will directly sell your job application. It is vitally important that this information expresses both your transferrable skills as well as the relevancy of your accomplishments to date. Use power words and proceed with your functional skills and relevant achievements. Action verbs (power words) unmistakably describe your unique understanding and experience of specifics, pertaining to the job vacancy. Use quantifiable examples to clearly illustrate your achievements, remember measurable results clearly communicate your success. Following this information, summarise your understanding of the firm and express your interest in joining the team. By displaying your knowledge and understanding of the company you convince the reader how well your skills compliment the organisations culture.

 Rule Five: Be Proactive in Your CV Cover Letter.

Just before closing, suggest a possible date in which you could meet with the recruitment agent for an interview. We suggest; count ten days from the date of your application and use this as a proposed interview date. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to display your passion and efficiency. Be sure to wait for a confirmation response from the recruitment agent. Again, wait ten days from your application date and only then contact the recruitment agent (unless otherwise advised). Follow up with the specific agent and confirm receipt of your application. Be polite and professional and smile as you speak on the phone.

By sticking to the above CV cover letter rules, you can be sure to grab the attention of any recruitment consultant. It is important to sell your skill and accomplishments in a concise yet persuasive manner. You only have twenty seconds to make a sticky impression and that`s why you want to make use of every asset you have working in your favour.