Your cover letter will either convince an employer your CV is worth reading, or they’ll file it under ‘meh’.
In some ways, your cover letter is your most important document because it frames how your CV/resume will be read.
So, how do you mesmerise potential employers? Easy, use my 3 Rs to nail your cover letter every time.
1. Read
It seems obvious but, so easy to miss. Read the ad and then re-read it. Make a list of all the descriptive words, like punctual, trustworthy, etc. Look for any that are repeated or said a different way, for example: cheerful, good sense of humour, positive. This is what I call a ‘key’, it’s what they’re really looking for.
If you’re not responding to an ad, check out the website ‘work for us’ page or values statement. Read and list in the same way.
2. Relate
Think of an example of when you demonstrated one of the ‘keys’. Relate your experience to the ‘key’ by writing the story in two sentences or less.
And, also under Relate, make sure you address the letter to a person. If you don’t have the name, call the business and ask who receives employment applications.
3. Red Pen
Draft your letter including your 2 sentence story and expressing your enthusiasm for the role. Then pull out your red pen (if you’re old school like me) and check spelling, grammar, phrasing. Draw a line through any waffle that’s crept in, be merciless! Unless, the ad specifies a long cover letter, short is good.
Think of this page as prime real estate, every word has to earn its place on your cover letter. When you’re finished, it’s a good idea to ask someone else to proofread it for you, just to be sure. Spellchecks are great, but they’re not foolproof.
So, now you have my trade secrets to nailing cover letters. Go and try it, and if you get stuck or need a proofreader, Jumping Fox Ink is here to help. Get in touch for a free quote for proofreading, resumes, CVs and cover letters.
