The Truth about Cover Letters

Do you want to know what’s that secret formula behind a winning job application? Check out some hard truths below about Cover Letters, and the role they play in making a job application successful.

1. 1. Not always necessary
      A cover letter makes better sense in conjunction with a good CV.
      If your CV is rejected, your cover letter most likely won’t be read at all.
   2. Have a strong CV
      Most recruiters prefer going through the CV first, to assess if the candidate is a good fit for the job profile. Bottom line – Your CV decides if you are going to get the recruiter’s nod of approval
   3. It’s an ornament!
      A cover letter is like an ornament to your job application. Cover Letters can create a great impression in conjunction with an impressive CV for a job application. That doesn’t mean you fill long passages of your career history in the cover letter! It’s best to limit the length to about a page with all the vital information you want the recruiter to know about you.They have very little effect with generic or redundant information from your CV. An interesting cover letter can seal that deal.
   4. Specific and targeted
      Make your closing argument in a few strong and concise points instead of lengthy prose describing your experience. It is vital that your Cover Letter covers three key points to give your application that edge over others.
      a) Why are you applying to this company?
      b) Why are you applying for that particular role?
      c) Why are you the right candidate for this role?
      In the end remember this – your cover letter is only going to get read by the recruiter when you can demonstrate what value you bring in for the applied position through your CV.
   5. Address the recruitment manager personally
      Another thing that many candidates get wrong while sending out cover letters is how they address the recruiter in the introduction. It’s important that you look up the person in charge of recruiting for the role while sending out the cover letter and address them personally. For example, the recruiting manager was a Ms. Sylvia White and you end up sending out a cover letter that addresses her as “Dear Sir” or “To whomsoever concerned”, or using an incorrect name to address, would make your cover letter less desirable to read.
   6. No grammatical errors please!
      And last but not the least, it’s very important to thoroughly proofread your cover letter and your CV and eliminate spelling or grammatical errors. The quality of your cover letter is your chance to make a good impression on an employer. Strong communication skills and a sharp attention-to-detail are key to any job, so hiring managers will be looking to see these skills play out in your cover letter.