Sep 18 2008
What’s a cover letter & why do I need one?
Here is some good advice for anyone new to the job hunting scene. If you want to make your CV count - you need to crack the cover letter. As a whole employers will generally read the cover letter attached to the front of your CV in near totality - but will skim through the actual contents of the CV thereafter.
To be fair when going through a stack of 100 CV’s it becomes a calling card on quickly summing up a potential decision makers interest in reading on about your skills, experience and talents.
The format of a cover letter can vary - but essentially - you need it to be short, neat, to the point, relevant to the position on offer and most of all convincing. As a platform giving the employer a chance to recognise the job experience (directly related to the available position) the cover letter can make or break your chances of getting called for an interview.
A cover letter needs to be written in a professional format with only a few sentences in each paragraph. The heading should consist of the jobseekers address, and the employers address with a gap between the two. Be sure to address the person / decision maker who will be executing the hiring process - if you don’t know who that is, you need to find out.
Barker. P Bandana
8547 Varrissa Way
Bellville, Cape Town
South Africa
May 30, 2008
Cheryl Peters
HR Manager
Crest Side Publishing
25 Northwood Str
Plumstead, Cape Town
South Africa
Dear Ms. Peters
The initial paragraph should outline how it was you found out about the available position - and must only be a sentence or two.
Attached is my CV for my application to the journalist position advertised in the Argus Newspaper. I believe I would be an ideal candidate for the position based on experience and excellence.
The second/third paragraphs should summarize the relevant job skills that make you an ideal candidate for the position, further explaining the skills outlined on the resume.
As you will see from my attached CV, I have the educational and professional background required for this position. I have over three years experience in the same industry, and consider myself to be a very dedicated and enthusiastic worker. I would be honored to have the opportunity to work for your Company.
The final paragraph is for closing and should thank the decision maker for taking the time to read the letter. It should also ask to set up an interview be sure to include possible days or time frames when scheduling an interview is most convenient.
I believe setting up an interview would be beneficial for the both of us, in order to discuss my professional background and my possibilities as one of your employees. I am available any time before noon, and can meet after business hours as well.
The letter should end with a formal closing, which will include a signature as well as the name typed out.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
_________________
Barker. P Bandana