Create a captivating cover letter
While a great CV is crucial to getting hired, a winning cover letter is an opportunity to really make your application stand out. A cover letter is your chance to breathe life into your CV. It should weave a consistent narrative that ties your skills and accomplishments together with who you are as a person, reflecting your personal brand and what makes you unique. For both our Mentees applying for jobs or our Mentors supporting them, let's explore the essentials of creating a captivating cover letter.
1. Create a strong sales pitch
The cover letter is an opportunity to pitch a convincing argument that makes it obvious why you are the best person for the job; the right choice to meet the needs of the hiring manager. Set your letter out like a sales pitch:
Introduction
Write a compelling opening statement that hooks the reader. Introduce yourself and explain why you are applying for the role, and express your keen interest in this specific role and company.
Personal Brand
Describe your unique personal brand, touching only on the most applicable experience that supports this narrative. This is your chance to breathe life into your CV, and to make your application much more memorable and relatable than others.
Role fit
Demonstrate your fit to the role, showcasing your expertise and the achievements that make you a great fit for this position. Emphasise the personal qualities and experiences that are listed in the job description, as well as those that support your narrative.
Organisational fit
Demonstrate your fit to the organisation and its culture, explaining why your background and personality will make you a great addition to the team.
Closing argument
End on a high note by summarising your pitch in a sentence. Restate your interest and appreciation for their time. Offer to discuss your experience further, and express your excitement to hear from them.
A Polished Finish
Add a professional signature with your full name and contact information. This adds a personal touch and leaves a lasting impression.
2. Tailor to the company and role
Make sure to research the company and the role thoroughly if you want to write the best possible cover letter. Begin by addressing the hiring manager with a personalised greeting. Mention specific aspects of the organisation, such as culture, mission, values and accomplishments, throughout the letter as you explain why you want to work there. Choose examples from your background that support your pitch for the specific role and company, clearly linking any examples provided back to the required competencies for the role.
Demonstrate a genuine passion for this role and company. Emphasise what excites you! Make sure to balance talking about what you hope to contribute with what you hope to learn. This shows how you plan to grow in the role and company.
3. Avoid rewriting your CV
The hiring manager already has a copy of your CV, so there is no need to repeat the contents of it. Rather use the opportunity to share your compelling narrative; bring up aspects of your background and experience that support the narrative being told. It’s important to prioritise and focus on a handful of key examples.
Don't be scared to ask for help! You can always book a free 1-1 remote mentoring session with ConnectHive for personalised help and feedback on your cover letter, as well as other key skill areas to build your career.
