Do you need a cover letter?

Potential employers look at your cover letter first. If the cover letter interests them, only then does your CV get viewed. The answer is yes, you definitely need a cover letter!

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First impressions are important, and tend to stick. It is vital that your cover letter is accurate and concise; triple check it for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors, and get someone to proofread it for you, or hire a professional to work with you.  Ensure that your letter is addressed to the correct person, and that you have spelled their name accurately and also have recorded their job title with precision. Use a standard font such as Arial, ensure the cover letter is clear in the way it is set out, and make sure it is a maximum of one A4 page long. Remember to catch your potential employer’s attention with care and detail, not with poor spelling and grammar!

The content of your cover letter is just as important as its appearance. Relevant, concise information is paramount. Ensure you research what your potential employers want; check their advertisement and use it as a guide when you write your application. Structure your information carefully – your opening paragraph might state where you saw the job advertised, and following paragraphs would outline a very brief overview of your career and current role, your strengths and the qualities you could bring to their organization, and what you intend to achieve. Finally, your closing paragraph would reiterate your interest in the role and why you are suitable for it, and mention your availability for interviews or further discussion.

Your cover letter is the first thing your potential employer will read. Not only is it vital to include a cover letter, it is important to tailor each of these letters to specific job applications. Treat your cover letter as a wonderful opportunity to introduce yourself and connect your skills and experience to the job you are interested in.