When it comes to recruitment, Catherine & Vivienne, the directors of Hall Recruitment, have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are always willing to impart on their candidates. Here are their…
Top 4 Tips…For Writing A Winning Cover Letter
You’re currently looking for a new job.
Maybe you’re actually desperate for employment right now. Thank goodness you found that long lost resume file on your laptop. Sure, it’d be so much easier to just upload that document right onto your favourite employment site, generating that quick, clickable profile. Once you find a position you’re interested in, applying right away may feel like the best move, however taking time to present your very own unique self as clearly and succinctly as possible can only help to ensure the most appropriate interview opportunities! You’re a book on an overstuffed shelf that deserves to be opened, and that right employer will want to learn as much about your previous workplace journey as possible. So keep in mind, the candidates that get read the most have usually taken that overlooked step that guarantees they will stand apart from the rest…
Tip #1…
Write a Cover Letter!
First, grab paper and pen and take pause for a moment. Think back. Interview yourself and really consider where you’ve been and where you’re at in your professional life right now. Here at Hall, we receive dozens of resumes on a daily basis, and while we notice everything from the typos to your training, it’s your cover letter that can be much more personal in showing us who you really are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go.
Tip #2…
Sell Yourself!
YOU are the actual product that an employer is interested in picking up off the shelf. What makes you unique? Your cover letter is the one chance to use your own individual voice. Especially in writing, you can tell a lot about someone by the way they first introduce themselves on a page. Announce and be proud of the talents you can bring to the table. Mentions such as your typing skills, awards and collaborative team accomplishments are examples of important points that are very worth sharing.
Tip #3…
Custom Tailor The Introduction!
Each point on your resume is like history leaping off the page. That road map of your livelihood is informative but it can’t direct the viewer to your current goal at hand as well as a cover letter. This is why each job you apply for should have its own specifically written note. Tailor your quick introduction to the opportunity in front of you. Certain skillsets should only be mentioned if they compliment the role you’re actually pursuing.
Tip #4…
Keep It Simple!
A cover letter should be a short, specific paragraph at most. It’s the teaser trailer to the movie of you- so it tells the audience a lot. Most importantly, it should honestly tell the viewer where you’re at right now. What’s lead you to this point in your career? Why did this specific job post interest you in the first place? Touch on your history, but clearly mention your firm future goals. And of course, your cover letter should only be between 100-200 words. Employers browse a lot of applicants and they need to be able to skim your content while still retaining what may be there to support a choice to meet with you.
Turns out, people DO judge a book by its’ COVER.
Make your intro letter leap off the shelf!
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