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A recruiter’s tips for writing a cover letter

A recruiter’s tips for writing a cover letter

 

We all know job hunting can be tough. And sometimes, sending your CV simply isn’t enough. A great way to make your application stand out is by writing a cover letter. Cover letters can give hiring managers a push to interview you.

 

So if you’re having trouble finding a job, check out our tips for writing a cover letter!

 

What is a cover letter?

 

A cover letter is a letter that accompanies your CV in job applications. It tells the company more about yourself, your skills, and why you’re right for the role. Cover letters should be kept to one A4 page.

 

Top 7 tips for writing a cover letter

 

Use the hiring manager’s name

 

It’s best practice to address the letter to the hiring manager directly. It’s much more personal than just writing ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. But it’s not always easy finding the hiring manager’s name. You’ll need to check the company website, the job advert and LinkedIn. If you’re having trouble finding it, don’t dwell on it. Move on.

 

Tailor each cover letter

When writing your cover letter, DO NOT carry out a copy-and-paste exercise. Each cover letter you send should be different. That’s because each employer will be looking for different skills. And you’ll also want to write about why you want to work for that specific company. So this will be tailored to each application.

 

Echo the job description

Writing your cover letter shouldn’t be a stab in the dark. It’s more strategic than that. Use the job description to highlight all the key skills and keywords mentioned. Then, reflect on your own experience with these skills. These skills should be the focus of your cover letter.

 

Expand on your CV

You really don’t want your cover letter to duplicate your CV. That would be a waste of time. You want to add new information that backs up what you’ve said in your CV. This is your chance to shout about your achievements.

 

Include stats

Stats and numbers make your argument more powerful. So think of how you can express your success in numbers. But always make sure your numbers are truthful and accurate. Here are some examples to inspire you:

 

  • “I achieved top salesperson after six months at the company.”
  • “I streamlined the workflow, which reduced the processing time by 20%”
  • “My annual target was £250k in sales. I achieved this in 8 months.”
  • “We had to ensure all calls were handled within an average of 5 minutes. My average was 4 minutes 30 seconds.”

 

Don’t ramble

True to the spirit of this tip, we’ll keep this one short. Your cover letter should only be one A4 page. So make every.word.count. The fewer words you use, the better.

 

Show passion

Your cover letter shouldn’t be a tick-box exercise. It’s not just about listing skills that match the job spec. It’s also about showing a genuine interest in the company. You want to come across as enthusiastic. Passionate employees are the best kind!

 

Change your career with us!

Changing your career is a huge task. And sometimes you need the help of a trusted recruiter. Here at Fixed-Fee Placements, we’re always looking out for new talent. Click below to get in touch, and a team member will be in touch if we have any suitable vacancies.

 

Get in touch

 

Vanessa Ramkissoon

Vanessa Ramkissoon | Recruitment Content Expert