If your CV is what bags you an interview, think of the cover letter as the CV’s warm-up act. Most employers will at least skim through the first paragraph even if they switch off after that, so it’s crucial you grab their attention from the off.
Ever wondered what an ideal cover letter should look like? Well there isn’t one really – the ideal cover letter will change depending on the position and company, and even your personal circumstances.
But if you’re finding it difficult to get started, here’s a template to start you off:
Dear X [Always try to find a name to give it a personal touch],
I am writing to you today with regards to the senior designer role you have advertised, because I believe I am the ideal candidate for the position. My current/last role has more than prepared me for this position, and I can say with confidence that I have all of the qualifications, skills and experience you require.
As you will see from my CV, I hold [list your top qualification here, but make sure it’s relevant], and this has equipped me with a strong understanding of [the area of expertise required by the role]. It also demonstrates my self-motivation and my passion to succeed, as gaining this qualification took considerable work and dedication. It has, however, enabled me to [list some of the top skills your qualification gave you and why they’ll matter in the job you’re applying for].
While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in my present position, I am keen to take on a new challenge and feel this role would offer me a greater opportunity to put my skills and experience to good use. I have been one of the most successful members of my current team, and over the course of the last year I have [give them a few of your top achievements and really sell them. Remember, make them relevant to the job you’re applying for. Let them know you will work wonders for them too.]
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work for as prestigious a company as X and would like to thank you for the time you have given to considering my application. I look forward to meeting you at the interview stage.
Yours sincerely,
X
This is your golden opportunity to shine. Your cover letter should not just be a repeat of your CV, it should add something new (although it’s best to avoid inconsistencies!).
You don’t want to hit them with too much info, so only highlight the best bits and keep it to one side of A4. Find out which skills are your most valuable by entering your CV into the ValueMyV tool, then really go to town promoting them. After that your CV can do the talking.