Advice

How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV

Staffing Solutions cover letter article

When you apply for a job with a curriculum vitae (CV), it’s essential to include a cover letter, also known as a cover letter. This letter allows you to make a favourable first impression, using narrative in your tone of voice to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to review your attached CV seriously.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a CV

While your CV provides a detailed and often lengthy look at your experience and credentials, the cover letter is an opportunity to call out your most important qualifications and make a compelling case for your candidacy for the role at hand. Here’s what you need to know to write a successful curriculum vitae cover letter.

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Organisation

The CV cover letter should be tailored to the unique and specific requirements requested by each organisation you are approaching.

Each letter needs to provide detailed information about why you are qualified for the specific job in question and should outline the reasons for your interest in the company or organisation. Being particular is advantageous.

Even if you’re applying for two similar roles in two different hospitals, the two hospitals may serve diverse populations or require slightly different responsibilities for people in the role. Your letters to each hospital should reflect that.

Use your cover letter to identify the skills or experiences most specific to the job, rather than copying the information directly in your CV.

What to Include

As a candidate, it’s tempting to feel like the cover letter is unnecessary since it is likely that all the pertinent information is included in your CV. Still, as you can see, the cover letter is a helpful tool in your application. Here’s what to keep in mind as you write a cover letter.

Format Matters

The content of your cover letter should be brief and structured. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs in your letter. Start with a salutation. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name often appears in the job advertisement. Avoid “Sir” or “Madam” if possible.

Start With an Introduction

Typically, the first paragraph will be an introduction — if you are applying to a job ad, mention it here. Mention the job title, reference number, and where and when you saw it. The first paragraph is also where you should note if someone referred you to the position.

The Body of the Cover Letter

The body of the letter, the second and third paragraphs, should highlight your relevant skills and experience. Highlight your transferable skills, achievements, and versatility. Explain what you can contribute and what makes you stand out from your competition.

Include mention of your current or last job, qualifications, and professional and academic training, tailoring your information to make it as relevant as possible to the organisation or job applied for.

In the body of the cover letter, you can mention personality traits relevant to the role at hand. You can also use this space to ask why you’re interested in this specific role at this company.

Conclude the letter by briefly summarising why an employer may want to meet and employ you. Include a polite expression of interest in further dialogue with the recruiter. Do mention that you would like the opportunity to discuss your suitability further in a personal interview and that you await a response in due course.

Follow Instructions

Sometimes, an advertisement will indicate that a more substantial letter is required. Always follow specific instructions and include any information if it is specifically requested. For instance, some employers may ask you to have your current salary or your desired salary range.

Make Sure the Letter Reads Well

Ensure that your CV cover letter flows freely. You do not need to match every point on the job description precisely. The reader should be left with the impression that you are a potentially valuable addition to the workforce. The letter should be readable and engaging.

Proofread Before Sending

You’ll want to be sure your letter is free from grammar or spelling errors. It should also be presented — using standard formatting and common readable fonts (such as Times New Roman or Verdana) in an appropriate size.