A cover letter is a document that is submitted along with a CV or resume which introduces the individual. A cover letter gives a summary of the individual's working or professional experience. It is designed to let the employer meet a prospect in a more personal way.
Many people today mistake a cover letter for an application letter. They are both used to reach out to prospective employers but serve different functions. See what makes them different. https://work.chron.com/application-letter-vs-cover-letter-5451.html
Usefulness/uses of a cover letter.
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A cover letter gives more weight to your resume.
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It allows you to sell yourself to a prospective employer even before a physical interview.
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Cover letters also help explain employment gaps and other less attractive aspects of your CV.
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Cover letters allow you to make a good first impression without being tense or nervous.
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It also increases the chances of you getting a job as the employer already knows what you are about even without a physical meeting or interview.
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It is also a great opportunity to showcase your written communication skills which employers look out for. Here's a compilation of things you can do to improve your writing skills. https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/120-sms-marketing/personal-development/1455-how-to-improve-your-writing-skills
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Cover letters are a great way to express your knowledge of the company and interest while explaining how you are a perfect fit.
How to write a cover letter that converts.
Before proceeding to write a cover letter, note the following:
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Cover letters should not be more than a page
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Make research on the organization to which you are seeking employment.
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Generously use action words and adjectives.
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If you are job hunting, then always remember to edit your cover letters. Cover letters should be tailored to the different jobs you are applying for. One cover letter does not fit all applications.
Writing your cover letter.
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As with formal letters, your cover letter should have two addresses. Your address should contain your contact information.
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Address the letter properly. It should be addressed to the hiring manager, director, proprietor, etc by name.
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Write an opening paragraph that introduces you by way of stating your qualifications and achievements and the position you are interested in. It should include a brief work history or experience.
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Explain why you are interested in the job and how you came across the Job opening.
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At this point you might be tempted to talk about your work experience, resist that temptation as your CV or resume already contains that and including it in your cover letter would be pointless. Rather you should explain employment gaps and talk about your skills and how they relate to the job you are seeking.
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If you are inexperienced, you should go ahead to highlight aspects of your personality which would be beneficial and talk about other projects or work you have engaged in that proves your capability.
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Avoid cliches like; "able to work under pressure" and "fast thinker"
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Go ahead to include what the company stands to benefit from having you on board.
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Conclude by thanking the reader for reading and expressing optimism about a positive response from the organization and sign off.
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Proofread and make sure it is free from typographic and grammatical errors. Here are tips on how to improve your grammar. https ://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/120-sms-marketing/personal-development/1550-how-to-improve-my-grammar
A cover letter should have a minimum of 3 paragraphs and a maximum of 4, all in a single paged document. If you change your mind and decide to go into business instead, we have you covered on how to write excellent business proposals. https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/122-sms-marketing/sales-and-marketing/1523-guide-to-writing-business-proposals-that-close-the-deal
All of us at SmartSMSSolutions wish you the very best in your search for a job, we are rooting for you.
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