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What to Include in a Cover Letter
What to Include in a Cover Letter
Firstly, what is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a letter generally sent in addition to your CV when you apply for a job. It is supposed to introduce you as a person and why you’d be ideal for the job. You want to make your cover letter as good as possible, as it’s normally the first thing employers will read about you.
A cover letter shouldn’t be a repeat of your CV, instead, it should highlight things you mentioned on your CV, and elaborate on them to emphasise your skills.
But, what exactly should be included in a cover letter?
Before you start writing your cover letter make sure you know as much about the company and the job you're applying for as possible. This will give you a huge insight into what to include and the essential skills and type of person they are looking for.
There is no strict format with cover letters, but there are some questions which hiring managers will expect to be answered in your letter:
Who are you addressing?
- Choose an appropriate and formal salutation for the opening of your letter. If you know the person, use their name, if not, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ works fine.
Why are you writing the cover letter?
- Generally a short section detailing where you saw the job advertised, or who told you about it.
Why would you be a suitable candidate for the role?
- When answering this question, it’s important to know the exact skills they are looking for, and reference each one individually. It’s also important that you only detail relevant qualifications and skills.
- This is the time to show you have the ability and qualifications to complete this role successfully, so make the most of it.
Why You? What would you bring to the company that makes you stand out?
- This is where fully understanding the company and the type of people they hire will be of benefit.
- This is also an opportunity for you to address your career aspirations, as long as they tie into the skills needed for the job you’re applying for.
How to end the cover letter?
- As with your salutation, you also need a formal closing line as well.
- For example, this could be ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Thank you’ ‘Sincerely’,
The questions detailed aren’t an exhaustive list, there is so much more you can put into your cover letter. These questions are some initial core questions to get you thinking.
Stay Safe,
Team Affecto