9 STEPS ON HOW TO CRAFT AND WRITE THE PERFECT COVER LETTER.

The type or kind of job that you are looking for as a job seeker should be mentioned in your cover letter, you should show that your skills and expertise do match the required skills and experience needed to do the job. As a job seeker you should encourage the potential employer or recruiter to read your resume or CV. The cover letter should be finished off with a call to action, in other words, asking for an interview or a meeting.

Cover letters are being used less these days. A potential employer may want to gain insight into who you are and may still request that a cover letter be included along with your CV in your job application.Your cover letter should explain why you are the candidate of choice and should show that your CV gives evidence of this. As a job seeker if is recommended that your cover letter be adapted for each job post that you are applying for; avoid using a generic cover letter, personalize your cover letter for each job application.

9 STEPS TO WRITING A COVER LETTER:

Format your Cover Letter Correctly and include in your cover letter:

1. Your Contact Information: Include your contact information (name, contact details, and email address) at the top of the cover letter.  Ensure that your contact details are accurate on your cover letter and that they are easy to find for the potential employer or recruiter. Review your details to ensure that you are contactable.

2. Employer's Contact Information: Include in your cover letter the hiring manager's name and company name. The cover letter, where possible, should be addressed directly to the relevant recruiter or hiring manager. This may not always be possible, if you have the relevant information be sure to include it.

3. Write a Strong Opening Paragraph: Grab the hiring manager's attention by mentioning the job that you are applying for and how you found out about it. Introduce yourself briefly and state why you are excited about the position, what attracts you the the job vacancy and organisation and why you are a good fit for the job and organisation. 

4. Job Title: The job title of the particular vacancy that you are applying for should be included in the cover letter.

5. Emphasis interest and Culture Fit: The cover letter should show the recruiter or hiring manager why the job role and the particular company are of interest to you. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the position as well as the organisation.  Employers want to hire candidates who are qualified and enthusiastic about the role and company. Show that you have done your homework and explain why you are excited about the opportunity to work for their organisation. Example: "I am writing to express my interest in the Lead Generation Agent position at XYZ Company, as advertised on your careers page. With a proven track record in sales and lead generation, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your dynamic team and help drive your business forward." Example: "I am particularly drawn to XYZ Company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Your recent initiatives in green technology align with my passion for environmentally conscious business practices. I am eager to bring my skills in lead generation to your forward-thinking team."

6. Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills and Show Case Achievements: In the body of your cover letter a list of your relevant job skills. Summarize how your skills and experience match the job description of the advertised post, focus on your most relevant experience and skills. Summarize the skills that you have that best match the job role that you are applying for. Touch on your education and the core job competencies that make you an ideal match for the job role. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background aligns with the job requirements and highlight your achievements and quantify them where possible. Showcase in your cover letter your achievements relevant to the job post, give the recruiter or hiring manager insight into results that you have achieved or delivered in similar job functions at previous employers. Example: "At ABC Company, I spearheaded a lead generation campaign that increased our qualified leads by 30% within six months. My expertise in CRM software and targeted email marketing campaigns helped streamline our processes and boost our conversion rates."

7. Be Concise and Brief: Your cover letter should be brief, to the point,  and kept to a maximum of one page.

8. Call to Action: Finish off your cover letter by asking the recruiter or hiring manager to contact you, ask them to read your CV or resume and to contact you for a meeting or interview. This is your call to action on your cover letter. Close with a Strong Conclusion: In your closing paragraph of your cover letter, reiterate your interest in the position and thank the employer for considering your application. Mention that you look forward to the opportunity to discuss your application further in an interview. Example: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address] to schedule an interview."

9. Proof Read and Edit: Before sending off your cover letter, proofread it carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the tone and style are professional and polished. It could be helpful to have a friend or mentor review your cover letter and provide feedback. 

EXAMPLE OF HOW-TO LAYOUT A COVER LETTER:

Dear ( Recruiter/Hiring Manager’s Name)

Introduction paragraph:

Use this paragraph to describe the role that you are applying for, why you are interested in this job and the company itself, and what makes you a good fit. 

Example:  I am writing to express my interest in the Lead Generation Agent position at XYZ Company, as advertised on your careers page. With a proven track record in sales and lead generation, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your dynamic team and help drive your business forward.

Second paragraph:

List your relevant skills and include a summary of how your skills and experience match the job description of the advertised post. Summarize the skills that you have that best match the role that you are applying for, touch on your education and core competencies that make you the ideal match for the job.

Example: At ABC Company, I spearheaded a lead generation campaign that increased our qualified leads by 30% within six months. My expertise in CRM software and targeted email marketing campaigns helped streamline our processes and boost our conversion rates. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a perfect fit for this role.

Closing paragraph:

Emphasize why you are interested in the post and why you are a good fit and use this section to describe how you could contribute to the organisation if they were to hire you.

Example: At ABC Company, I spearheaded a lead generation campaign that increased our qualified leads by 30% within six months. My expertise in CRM software and targeted email marketing campaigns helped streamline our processes and boost our conversion rates. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a perfect fit for this role.

Call to action:

Ask the reader to move forward with your application, ask them to read your resume or CV, ask them to contact you for an interview and remember to thank the reader .

Example: Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address] to schedule an interview.

Greeting:

Sincerely,

Your Name

Writing and crafting and effective cover letter is an essential and important part of the job application process that requires time and effort. By following these tips and customising your letter for each job, you will increase your chances of making a great impression and landing an interview. Although it is not always possible to craft each cover letter for job applications. A good generic cover letter is still very important as part of your job application. Despite the evolving job market and declining use of cover letters, a well crafted cover letter can still set you apart from other candidates by showing your genuine interest and effort in pursuing the position. Pay attention to the job application instructions; if a cover letter is requested, it is essential to include one.