Introducing yourself - The cover letter
A curriculum vitae (CV), also known as a résumé, should always come with a cover letter.
The first impression
While the CV may list all your strengths and abilities, the cover letter gives your potential employer a first glimpse at your character, and at times may be what clinches the employer’s preference for you above other applicants. It is also the means for you to ask for – and secure – an interview with the employer.
What to put into your cover letter
You should always personalise – or even rewrite – your cover letters for each job position or company that you apply to. Your cover letter should include the following details in a single A4-sized page:
- Quote the job or position you are applying for and where you read or heard about the job
- When introducing yourself, keep it brief
- Insert the highlights of your experience or achievements to make yourself stand out
- Be proactive in securing a job interview by offering your contact number at the end of your cover letter and mentioning your availability
- Ask someone – a career advisor or friend − to read your first draft to check for mistakes, or to improve on your delivery
- Lastly, sign the letter before sending it out.
Here are some dos and don’ts for writing a cover letter.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Refer to the person in charge by name and correct salutation. If the information was not in the job notice, call up the company to find out. | Send it to ‘whom it may concern’. If you decide to call up the company, do not ask about the benefits and salary. |
| Highlight your achievements or characteristics that show you are best suited for the job and impress them enough that they want to meet you. | Include every single achievement that is already in your resume. The idea is to get them interested enough to take the time to read your CV. |
| Keep the cover letter within a single page. Get to the point and cover all ground quickly. | Attempt a cover letter that is informal, has no structure or is too long. |
| Personalise each cover letter for the job position you are applying for. Tailor the contents to the company and job you are applying to. | Create a one-size-fits-all cover letter and send it to all the different job applications you are seeking. |
| Check that you have provided the right contact details. Provide several means; email address, mobile number and alternative number you can be reached at. | Give the wrong details. It is not the employer’s responsibility to track you down. |
Email applications
When applying for a job via email, you should send your cover letter as the body of the email with your CV enclosed as an attachment. Make a reference to your CV in your cover letter. Be sure to save your CV with your name as the filename before you attach it to the email.
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