Industry decision-makers tell us over and over that the cover letter is the key to the first stage of a hiring process. While a resume lists skills and attributes, the letter conveys personality and reveals whether the applicant is sincerely interested in their company in particular. They tend to look for two main components in a cover letter:
- The applicant has clearly researched their company (this is evident through references to projects, etc.)
- The applicant has a keen interest in their industry (this is often demonstrated through personal projects and endeavours the applicant undertakes on their own time – blogs, social media dedicated to sharing particular interests, volunteer activities, etc.)
Note: Errors with spelling and grammar errors disqualify applicants immediately, regardless of qualifications and content.
Quick Tips
Developed effectively, a cover letter conveys some personality, illuminates your education, skills and experiences, and showcases your skill in written communication.
- Cover letters are intended to highlight the specific skills, experience and attributes you have that match with the needs of a given employer.
- Do not simply repeat the content of your resume! Instead, build on the relevant skills and experiences for the particular company/opportunity.
- Conduct research on a company and compare the position of interest with your current values, interests, and qualifications (like educational background and relevant experiences.) Putting this information in a table format may be helpful.
- Show your personality and your communication skills!