As the saying goes, it’s never too early to make a bad impression, and this holds particularly true when it comes to cover letters. With the current intensity of competition for graduate positions, avoiding common mistakes is crucial! Even if you are a great fit for the company and the advertised role, a few mistakes in your cover letter can eliminate all the chances of you securing the interview and letting yourself to impress the recruiters.
So, here are the few tips that can help you in writing a cover letter:
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Address Appropriately: Tailor your tone based on the company culture. Research the organisation to choose between formal or informal address.
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Personalisation is Key: Craft a unique cover letter for each application, showcasing your understanding of the company and how you align with its needs.
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Be Concise: Stick to relevant information. Recruiters are time-pressed; provide a snapshot of your skills and experiences without unnecessary details. Remember, cover letters are needed to excite the recruiters about the opportunity to speak to you, and not to bore them with having to read your autobiography.
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Proofread Thoroughly: Avoid errors by checking multiple times. Use a word processor and seek a second set of eyes, especially if English is not your first language.
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Employer-Centric Approach: Structure your letter from the employer’s perspective. Highlight what you bring to the company, not just what you seek. At this point recruiter mainly thinks about how you can benefit them, so no need to tell them what do you look for in a perfect company.
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Polished Layout: Even without design skills, ensure a visually pleasing layout. Use a standard font, break paragraphs for readability, and maintain consistent font size.
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Delay Money Discussions: Save salary discussions for later stages of the hiring process. Don’t mention it in your cover letter unless explicitly asked, to avoid appearing money-focused.
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Highlight Company Benefits: Center your cover letter on how you’ll contribute to the company, emphasising the mutual benefits of the potential partnership.
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Human Touch over AI: While AI can assist, don’t rely on it entirely. Ensure your cover letter reflects your unique voice and is not perceived as AI-generated or copied.
Remember, a well-crafted cover letter is your first step towards securing a job. Treat each phase of the job search process as an opportunity to demonstrate your fit with the company.
What did you find the most difficult about putting together a cover letter?