Do Not Underestimate the Importance of the Cover Letter

Ever slogged over your resume and still were not shortlisted for the lack of a polished introduction? A cover letter, more often than not, is the most overlooked aspect of a person’s job search. As a formal opening, a well-drafted cover letter introduces you to the potential Recruiter. It not only presents your qualifications and work experience but also defines the purpose for sending the resume. It brings a note of professionalism to your job application and persuades the Recruiter to review your resume and consider you as a competent candidate for your dream job.

Some important tips that can help you write an effective cover letter:

• Keep your letter short and precise.
  Your cover letter should not be more than one page long. A short cover letter will introduce you and pique the curiosity of the recruiter such that the recruiter is more inclined to go through your CV.
• Personalize the letter for each job
  While applying for a job, include the name of the recipient and the name of the company name in the cover letter. Moreover, do some research about the company and the respective job opening and tailor your letter to exemplify your fitment with the needs of the organization you are applying to.
• Follow a structure
  The cover letter must be well-structured and organized. An example structure could consist of three paragraphs. The first paragraph should include details of the job opening – how you heard about the job, why you are suitable for the position and show that you have done your research before applying. The goal of this paragraph is to make a connection with a recruiter. The second paragraph should highlight your most relevant experiences and qualities as they relate to the position you are applying for. Focus on the employer’s needs and how your skills and experience will make you a perfect fit. However, a caveat, this content should not be a copy of your resume. Finally, in the third paragraph, draw the recruiter’s attention to the attached resume, request and interview and thank the reader for his or her time and consideration.
• Proofread
  Use simple and clear English. Run a spell check on your cover letter. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes are a complete no-no.

Finally, ensure that you have provided your complete and correct contact details to be able to get that interview call!