How To Write A Cover Letter That Gets You Interviews

Create an attractive cover letter and you can really increase the chances of landing an interview. This is because employers become more likely to browse your CV if the letter meets their requirements. How then you can you create an effective cover letter? What information ought you include and what style ought you use? Fortunately you can create an attractive letter within minutes using the tips below. Read on and discover how to encourage employers to browse your CV!

Length

The cover letter need be long enough only to cover the following points: the role you're applying for and the reason for your application; two or three sentences addressing the biggest requirements of the position and examples of your experience; another sentence encouraging employers to contact you and contact details. This can be managed in three paragraphs.

Employers after all are using the cover letter to determine if an applicant's CV is worth browsing. Hence it need contain only enough information to prove you're a credible candidate. It's a little like browsing an electronics website when you're looking for a new stereo: you're looking for products that match the rough specification you have, but don't require a full product overview yet. Hence a cover letter ought simply pique employers' interest.

Style

The cover letter ought be the document equivalent of a granola bar: containing the most goodness in the smallest possible space. Hence the opening sentence ought state: the position you're applying for; the pleasure you feel at applying for the role; and the contributions you hope to make at the business. The second sentence (and next paragraph) ought state: the experience you have at meeting the position's key requirements; and examples.

Employers after all often face stacks of applications taller than Mount Everest. Hence they scan the letters hoping to find relevant candidates quickly. In consequence a cover letter that wins you interviews recognises that employers are rushed. It conveys the important points immediately and is written to be scanned.

Tone

The tone of the letter ought establish two things: the enthusiasm you have for contributing to the employer's business; and the expertise you have in the position advertised. To do this state the experience you have and then state the benefits to the employer. Someone applying for an admin position for example might write: 'During employment at Example company I created a simplified database collating our suppliers' details and existing stock levels. This means I can give you reduced stock shortage rates.'

Employers after all are seeking applicants who can make their business better. This might mean the applicant is a salesperson experienced at turning leads into revenue. This might mean too the applicant is a human resources manager great at boosting productivity. In short then the cover letter ought scream to the employer: 'Hire me and you benefit this way.' This makes interviews all but certain.