|
Writing
Interview Generating Covering Letters
|
 |
 |
A
great CV is only half of your marketing armoury. To really stand
out you need to accompany it with a strong covering letter. CVs
are about bald facts - summaries of your responsibilities and statements
of your achievements. They are limited in their ability to tell
the selector much about your aims and aspirations, and to draw attention
to why you, above all others, fit the profile they have outlined.
A
good covering letter complements your CV. It focuses on your particular
qualifications and experience relevant to the job, and indicates
what you can offer over and above the basic requirements of the
position.
- Stay
relevant and keep it concise and punchy
- Highlight
your skills, experience and achievements relevant to the job
-
Highlight where you can offer 'added value'
If
you are responding to an advert, first break down the details given
in the advert into a 'requirements list'. Then, highlight your skills
and experience against each of the features listed. If you don't
match the criteria at least 90%, then most recruiters would advise
against you applying for the position. If an advert that states
'must have at least five years experience in the electronics industry',
it is unlikely you will be considered if you only have two years
experience in advertising. On the other hand, if you do have a shortcoming,
but feel your skills in other areas might outweigh this, then it
might be worth applying. For instance, the advert might call for
three European languages - if you only have one or two, you may
well be considered.
Your
opening statement……….
The first paragraph should grab the reader's attention. It should
immediately highlight your suitability for the role.
Selling
the sizzle………
The second paragraph should usually outline two or three examples
of achievements which are relevant to your target job and which
will illustrate your suitability. Quantify and qualify these achievements
and highlight what makes them important eg: 'Over the last two years
I have successfully project managed Europe's largest EPOS implementation…'
or ' I am currently responsible for running the group's largest
plant producing more than 50,000 units per week (the highest volume
producer in Europe)'. You may wish to bullet point this section
to make specific points more distinct.
Adding
value…….
The third paragraph might touch on your personal qualities in regard
to the job or the type of organisation you are targeting. Extensive
international experience, experience of dealing with other business
cultures, language ability, experience in dealing with the types
of clients or customers your prospective employer currently deals
with…. these are all areas in which you can 'add value'.
Stating
your aims…………
The fourth paragraph should briefly summarise your suitability for
the role and state why you want the job … fresh challenges,
opportunity to gain broader experience, the chance to exploit your
language skills……….. You should also reflect what
you know about the organisation; you might allude to the fact that
you are excited by the company's aggressive expansion plans or by
their new product developments.
Dealing
with the details…………
The final paragraph should include practical information. Include
salary details if requested (see below). Indicate location preferences
(if requested to do so). Give contact details such as a day time
contact number (see below).
Sign
off your letter with 'Yours sincerely' if you have addressed the
letter to a named person, or 'Yours faithfully' if you started 'Dear
Sir / Madam'.
Size
matters……..
Keep it concise - usually not more than one page. Focus on relevant
facts only. The letter is intended as a 'taster'; well-crafted,
you can usually say everything you need to in three or four paragraphs.
Presentation………
- Type
the letter and lay it out professionally. Only hand write letters
when you have been specifically requested to do so. Word processing
is clearer, easier to read and expected in the business world.
- Use
good quality plain paper, preferably matching your CV.
- Post
your letter and CV flat in an A4 envelope.
Content……….
Include all the details requested in the advert. If asked to
include a day time telephone number, then do. If you absolutely
cannot be contacted during the day, give a number where a message
can be left. If a reference number is quoted in the advert, put
this on the covering letter and on the outside of the envelope.
The
thorny matter of salary…….
Don't include salary details unless specifically requested to
do so. If the advert gives a salary level, then use this as your
guide as to whether to quote your basic salary or include bonuses
etc. If the advert quotes, say, £45,000 and your current salary
is £25,000, most selectors at first sight would consider it
unlikely you have the required level of experience or seniority
for the job in question. If £25,000 is your basic salary and
you have a substantial bonus, you might state 'my current salary
package is £40,000'. If your current salary is more than that
stated, give your basic salary. Requesting salary details is the
recruiter's way of checking whether you are in the ball park for
consideration. If the salary on offer is below what you are currently
earning, but you really want the job and are prepared to take a
drop in salary, make this clear in your letter.
Putting
on a brave face………..
Don't include a photograph unless asked to do so. If you do
send a photograph, make sure it is a good quality, flattering professional
image. A clear head and shoulders shot, in business dress, is best.
Avoid the temptation to send one of your old holiday snaps.
Getting
the details right………
Make sure you follow the application process as stated in the
job advert: get your application in before any stated closing date;
if the advert invites to you send off for an application form, do;
if you are requested to send the application to a recruiter, don't
try to bypass the system by sending it directly to the company.
|
