Cover Letter: 4 key- points to consider

Oct

The cover letter is one of these documents that alongside with the CV, are considered the most difficult to tackle in career management. The most frequent question I get is whether a cover letter is necessary. My answer is, yes.

A cover letter is necessary because it balances out a CV which is by definition loaded with achievements and short, to the point sentences. The cover letter allows us to address the employer on a more emotional level: we can write longer sentences and we can be a tad more personable. Even if there is no need to write an actual cover letter it is still necessary to send a cover e-mail as a means of making the most of an opportunity to create through words an "emotional bonding" with the employer. There are many rules about how to write a cover letter. Cover letters should be short, with no grammar or spelling mistakes for example. This is absolutely true. Today however, I would like to go beyond these rules and give you guidance on 4 key points that will make your cover letter stand out.

1. It''s about them
Every job post represents a employer''s need. It is important to understand and address that need matching it with our own unique skills and talents.

If for example, the advert is about a Lawyer with experience at courts, there is no need to repeat what is clearly outlined in our CV but it is important to decode the skills and qualities necessary for the position and show them off (provided with possess them of course). In this case, even if our experience is shorter then the other applicants'' there is a good chance that the employer might invite us to an interview because we deeply understand what the job (and their need) is.

2. Structure
It would be beneficial to break our cover letter/e-mail down in 3 parts:

Α. Introduction
In the first paragraph we state the position we are interested in and where we have sourced the job advert from. The most crucial piece of information though, is to demonstrate why we are suitable for the job. So, instead of saying that " I believe I have all the qualities/skills to do the job" we can write that "Having worked as a Lawyer for X years and having represented X clients'' cases at court, I believe that...."

Β. Connection
The second paragraph is about connecting our unique personal brand to the position. This is where we unfold the skills that make us unique AND link us with the job. We always keep in mind that the best candidate is actually the "best fit" candidate and we try to demonstrate how the position fits in with our career plans, aspirations and unique abilities. Let''s remember that "the question of fitting in" with an established team is the biggest worry an employer can have. It is to our advantage to make them feel secure.

This paragraph is also our chance to address any issues that might rise up in the employers'' mind when they read our CV: we might not have exactly the required work experience, or live at a distance from where the post is based, for example.

C. Ending on a high
Let''s pick our works very carefully for the closing paragraph to leave the reader with a sense of dynamism and energy: " I look forward to meeting you to further discuss how the skills/ experience I have developed/ accumulated fit the current need for a ..."
Also, let''s not forget to give information on our availability and thank them for their time.

3. 25% off
This might actually sound like a recipe but it works! Try to write the cover letter and leave it to rest. After a couple of hours read it through as if you were the employer, or ask someone else to do it for you. Based on the feedback try to re-write it cutting down 25% of its length. You are ready to send it!

4. Unique content

To ensure our cover letter/e-mail will hit the spot, it needs to be unique. One unique letter for every unique employer. Try to make them feel special, this is how everyone of us would like to be treated at the end of the end...

Until next week, take good care of your career.

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