How To Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the first point of contact between you and the recruiter. It has to be great! It has to be absolutely convincing to the employer, that you are the right candidate for the job.

Sometimes, a cover letter is all you need to get you the job you really want. In this article you will learn some great tips on how to write the perfect cover letter with a sample format included.

5 Things To Consider When Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

1.Send your Cover Letter Via Email

I’m sure you have come across jobs that require you to send your CV and cover letter on their online recruitment portal, haven’t you?

While this is a common trend, the truth is that when you send  your Cover letter via a Company’s Website, the message will be converted into a plain text email that won’t look very professional.

With that in mind, unless in very unique situations, endeavour to send your Cover letter directly via Email, because you have more control of the look and presentation of your cover letter.

Tip:  To make it even easier and better to read, write your cover letter in the body of the Email as opposed to attaching a separate document.

Also, be mindful of how you name your Cover Letter as it will clearly be displayed when the Email is opened.

Read Also >>> 5 Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid In 2017

2.Make your subject line stand out

An eye-catching subject line will make the employer want to open your Email. HR experts advise that you should outline your most relevant experience in the Subject Line, to grab the employer’s attention. See the end of the article for a sample illustration.

Many times I get emails from job seekers with a Subject Line that reads “Cover Letter”. To be honest, this turns off the employer because it has no personal touch or any value added to it. In such as case, the sender of the Email has not taken the time to write to me on a personal level, they have just sent me a Cover Letter for the sake of it.

Therefore, use a catchy subject line, it will make all the difference.

3. Make your Cover Letter personal

As I have mentioned above, you must personalize your Email and more importantly, your cover letter. Don’t be too professional that you miss to engage the employer. Inject some personality to your Cover Letter. This is the beauty of a Cover Letter compared to a CV.

You are allowed to write from the heart, as a means of persuading the employer that you are the right candidate for the job.

Balance Professionalism with personality.

4. Keep it brief

Don’t tell stories in your cover letter. It should be brief and straight to the point.  Have 3-4 sentences and for easy reading, break the sentences up.

The truth is that employers have so many Cover letters and CV’s they have to go through and the more straight forward you are, the better.

5. Focus on Value Addition

It’s your job to go through the job description of the position  you are applying for very carefully. Figure out what are the most essential requirements, and ensure that your cover letter reflects those abilities.

Don’t bring up issues of salary (unless your are instructed to)and working hours in the cover letter. Instead, ask those questions during the interview.

Must Read >>> Sample Cover Letter for Unadvertised Job

Here’s a Sample Cover Letter for a Sales Professional

Sales Manager, 5 Years Experience – (Subject Title- demonstrates experience)

To: bonifacejuma72@gmail.com

Attachment:  Joyce Mwangi Cover Letter- (How to Name the Word Document)

Salutation: Hello Boniface Juma,   (Personalized Salutation not the usual dear sir/madam)

Hope you’re well. (Friendly tone, not too professional)

Body: (Short, Broken sentences, brief and straightforward)

I would like to express my interest in the Corporate Sales Manager Job I saw advertised on your Website.

I am currently the Head of Sales in Tuzo Company Limited, where I lead a team of 5 sales professionals, responsible for maintaining sales of our accounting software packages to large corporate firms.

With full responsibility for our sales cycle, I oversee the firm’s business development and account management strategies, target setting and reviews for the sales team whilst also continually delivering sales through my own client base.

I am now looking to progress to the next stage of my career, and with 5 years working in the corporate sales field, extensive management experience and a track record, I feel that I could help your company achieve its ambitious targets this year.

I can avail myself for discussion any time.

Regards,
Joyce.

Sign Off:  (Includes Phone Number)

Joyce Mwangi

07 XXXXXXXX

Joycemwangi1@gmail.com

There you have it, 5 ways to write the perfect cover letter. Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them below.

Susan is a Communications Officer at career Point Kenya. Email: susan@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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