A covering letter, or letter of motivation, is something we are advised to include when sending our CV to apply for a job.

Use your motivation letter to show a potential employer that you are enthusiastic about the role they are offering and tell them why you are the best person for the job. I have delivered many coaching sessions on this topic and below you will find my top 5 tips.
Tip #1 - Structure
From the first glance your letter needs to be easy to read. The person reading your letter will probably have received hundreds of applications and your letter needs to stand out, not only in what you say but how you structure it.
I recommend an opening paragraph where you introduce yourself, followed by a couple of paragraphs where you talk about why you are suitable and are the best person for the role. A closing paragraph before you sign off should summarise what you have said.
Try to keep your letter to one page of A4.

Tip #2 - Keep it formal
Show formality right from the start by using the correct greeting:
Dear Hiring Manager
Dear Mr Smith
Dear Ms Jones (use Ms rather than Miss or Mrs)
Only use Mr or Ms if you are sure of the gender of the recruiter for example Sally Jones we would assume to be female. However Sam Smith could be male or female. If you are unsure use Dear Hiring Manager.
For more information on how to write a formal letter or email check out these blog posts:
How to start a business email
Closing a business email
"One of the most important functions of a cover letter is that it allows you to make a good first impression on the employer." Glassdoor Team blog, career advice experts
Tip #3 - Start out right
The first paragraph should refer to the job advertised and where you saw it advertised. You should also reference your interest in the role or company to show you have done some research on it.
Examples of an opening sentence include:
"I am excited to apply for the role of Training Coordinator as advertised on the HR Now website"
"Please accept this letter, and enclosed CV, as my application for the role of Finance Assistant as advertised in Recruitment Today."
Say a little something about why you are interested in the role or company:
"As an enthusiastic reader of your magazine I was delighted to see the position of wellness editor advertised in your latest issue."
"I am a regular user of environmentally friendly products and am enthusiastic at the opportunity to work towards the success of your excellent organisation."
Tip #4 - The details
The next one or two paragraphs should be used to show why you are the best person for the role. Use words from the job description in your letter to connect your skills and experience to the role. The letter shouldn't be a repetition of your CV, instead pick out key skills and achievements and talk about those in more detail.
For example:
"As wellness editor at a national fashion magazine I was able to increase advertising revenue from lifestyle focused companies by 25%"
"Having successfully run my own party planning business for three years I have honed my own organisational skills and developed work flow plans for my team."

Tip #5 - Finish strong
Remind the reader of what you have said:
"With my track record in change management and experience at a number of multi-national organisations I believe I would bring the skills you are looking for to this role."
Finish with a closing sentence such as:
"I look forward to the opportunity of discussing my suitability with you further."
"I am available to attend an interview at your convenience."
5 steps away from a great covering letter
Use some of the examples I have given in your next covering letter.
Leave a comment and let me know how you get on.
Contact me to arrange a personalised coaching session on this topic.
Comments