When applying for a job it is important to remember that you are not the only person applying for that role…unfortunately. There are often 10’s or even 100’s of applications for certain positions so it is your job to make sure that you stand out to the person that is going through the response. One way to do this is to include a cover letter that stands out. Here are our top tips to creating the perfect cover letter that stands out.

  1. Make it personal. If you can get the name of the hiring manager then address it to them.
  2. Use a font that is easy to read. Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri are all great, simple fonts that could be used.
  3. Keep it short. A cover letter that stretches over 2 pages is certainly too long. Make sure it is concise and to the point. Hiring managers do not have time to read war and peace when they have hundreds of other applications to get through.
  4. Think about your opening line. This is your chance to really capture the hearts of those reading your cover letter. Instead of writing “I am writing because I am interested in the Digital Marketing Executive role you have advertised” you could write something like “I believe that my experience launching a new service with an international organisation would make me perfect for the role of Digital Marketing Executive you have advertised.” This clearly shows you have experience within this sector before they have even read any further.
  5. Match your experience with the advert. This is your chance to showcase that you have exactly what they are looking for. Highlight the experience they have listed and show them exactly where and how you achieved that in the past. Use figures, employers love seeing stats and figures on what you were able to achieve.
  6. Don’t repeat your resume / CV. The hiring manager will open that as well so there is no point in just regurgitating what you have already written.
  7. Make sure you add at the bottom how you plan to follow up on the application. Will you give them a call or email in a few days to check they have received if you have not heard from them?
  8. Add a catchy subject line. Make sure your subject line really stands out if you are emailing your application. Remember the hiring manager could receive hundreds of emails every day. You need to stand out.

It is important to remember that it is your CV / Resume that will be looked at before the cover letter Jonathan Pearson; CEO says

“When a CV or Resume is awesome, we look at the cover letter.  If the cover letter is concise, professional and highlights achievements and commitment directly related to the job, we love them”

Are you currently looking for a job? Check out our latest vacancies now and see how we may be able to help you.

If you would like to get receive regular communications from us that will assist you in your job search then don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.

[zc4wp_za50]