Overview
A cover letter will be your first impression when a company processes your application. You should have all of the reasons why you are the best candidate listed, as many employers only quickly browse your CV. For each position you apply for, the cover letter should be unique and the cover letter should always accompany your CV, being placed before the CV.
Cover Letter Objectives
Your cover letter is your introduction. The objective of the cover letter is to make the employer set your application aside to be reviewed more thoroughly, which should eventually lead to an interview. Cover letters should not be full of fluff but rather with specific information that relates to the position you are hoping to fill. You do not want to be overzealous but you also do not want to blend in with the rest.
The cover letter is an optimal way to answer the questions that employers ask routinely and also to clear up anything in your CV which may call for any concern. Your cover letter should address that you are the right person for the job, that you have the experience necessary and that you also offer the company additional skills such as being multilingual. You will also be able to explain any doubts that may arise from your CV. For instance:
- What was the reason for switching jobs frequently?
- Why do you desire to work internationally?
- Are you able to commit to long term contracts overseas?
- If you have only worked for one company, will you be able to adjust to a new workplace?
- Although you have experience in management, are you able to manage employees from a multicultural perspective?
- There are many different types of computer languages, what is your specific experience with them?
The Layout of Cover Letters
Depending on the type of job seeking situation that you are in, there are different types of cover letter formats that are appropriate to use. Here are the 5 types of cover letter formats:
- Standard cover letter
- Response to an advertisement
- Cold solicitation
- Networking
- Follow up/thank you letter
Many employers respect the fact that you have taken the time to handwrite a cover letter. Nevertheless, some people’s handwriting is not very clear and in this case the most professional way to write a cover letter is by typing it. Printed or handwritten cover letters are both acceptable ways to write a cover letter. All cover letters should include the date, contact name, title, company name and complete address. The heading of the cover letter should consist of either “Dear Mr. or Ms.” with the last name following the title and end with a short and simple closing, such as “Sincerely” with your signature.
In the case that there is not a specific individual to write to, you can address the cover letter to the Human Resources Department.
Format of the Cover Letter
Cover letters are not as complexly written as other documents. However, in their simplicity they must address all your important points and stay with a frame of one page. There should be a maximum of four paragraphs which include the following information:
First paragraph:
- Stating the position in question
- How and where you came to know about the position and company
- Why you are interested in the position and working for that particular company
Second/Third paragraph:
- Detailing any related experiences and useful skills for the desired position
- Explaining why you are the right person for the position
- Mentioning an important aspect of the company
- Linking your career goals with the company
Fourth paragraph:
- Restate your interest in the position and company
- Mention that you will follow up with either ringing, emailing or via another communication source.
- Express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply, their time and consideration.
The Follow Up
Follow ups should not be done right away. You should wait between two and three weeks after sending in your CV before you can perform a follow up. Follow ups can be in the form of an email, letter or by ringing. Many companies do not have the time or the manpower to acknowledge the receipt of every CV. Therefore, it is not uncommon that companies do not follow up for the receipt of the CV. You should always have copies of the cover letter and CV when following up to a company in case they did not receive the originals.