Cover Letter or No Cover Letter? The debate is real.
Some companies do require one, others say they don’t read them. However, depending on your situation, a Cover Letter could have added value as it is a valuable space to express what you can’t in a résumé. Things like:
– Why do you want to work for this company and this role?
– Why are you transitioning from a different job / industry?
– Why do you have a gap in your resume?
– Why are you looking to relocate?
Whatever information that needs to be shared to make your application stronger.
1. Keep branding consistent with your résumé.
2. Add name of Hiring Manager, Position, Department, Company Name & Physical Address.
3. Name job you are applying for, how/where you came across it.
4. Mention why you want to work for THIS company (Pick 2-3 facts about the company & why they appeal to you.) and THIS role.
5. Introduce yourself in terms of soft & hard skills in line with the role making you a suitable candidate.
6. Share a story highlighting most skills required connecting them with company needs. Give details & achievements related to the job description. You can use the T-Chart method or bullet points.
7. Say how you understand the needs of the role, how you can help & how this job makes sense as a next step for you.
8. Thank the reader for their time, say you attached résumé for review, provide a call for action.
9. Use your own language in terms of style. Paper & spelling as per country standards
10. Cover letter should be 1 page & contain keywords company cares about.
Templates have no substance and no soul. Don’t use them.