If you’ve been actively looking for work recently, you’ll have noticed that no company accepts CVs handed in in person any more. This is due to data protection legislation, which requires organisations to inform candidates, immediately after they submit their CV, of all the details regarding data processing; and this is much more practical to do via a digital platform. And you might be wondering, why are we explaining this in a post about cover letter templates? Because in the digitised recruitment processes Competition is growing exponentially, and competitors are emerging from every corner of the world. In other words, if you want to stand out and add value to your CV, you’ll need to offer something extra to to get that first interview, such as, for example, a covering letter.
Would you like to know how to make one? Well, carry on reading this post, where we explain the template for a cover letter which you can customise to suit your needs.
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
One cover letter It is a way of expressing your reasons, interests and motivations for apply for a job, an academic programme, a scholarship or any other opportunity. The aim of this letter is to let recruiters know about other aspects of you beyond your academic achievements.
And what’s more.
Highlight your qualities and skills: This allows you to highlight your relevant skills and achievements that make you an ideal candidate for the role or opportunity.
Express your interest: It gives you the chance to explain why you are interested in the opportunity and how it fits in with your professional or academic goals.
Customise your application: it should be tailored to the specific role you are applying for, demonstrating your commitment and knowledge of it.
Explaining gaps in your CV: if there are gaps in your employment or academic history, the cover letter gives you the opportunity to address them in a positive light.
Showcase your personality and values: you can share your values, goals and passion, which helps the assessors get to know your personality and determine whether you’re a good fit for the organisation or institution.
Stand out from other candidates: A well-written cover letter can make all the difference in a competitive selection process, allowing your voice and personality to shine through beyond your CV.
How do you write a cover letter in 10 steps?
- Header and personal details
Start the letter by writing your name and other personal details in the top right-hand corner.
Next, write the date on which you are writing the letter.
2. Greetings
Address the letter to the recipient. If possible, find out the name of the person who will be receiving your application and use it in the salutation. For example, «Dear Mr Pérez» or «Dear Admissions Committee».
3. Introduction
In the first part of the letter, state the reason for writing and mention the position or opportunity you are applying for.
Please briefly explain how you found out about this opportunity and why you are interested in it.
4. Motivation and objectives
Spend a paragraph or two explaining why you are applying for the role or opportunity.
Highlight your professional or academic goals and how they align with what this opportunity has to offer.
5. Experience and skills
Highlight your past experiences, achievements and skills that make you an ideal candidate.
Link your experience to the requirements or qualities that the role or opportunity calls for.
6. Fit in with the organisation or institution
Show that you have researched the organisation or institution and explain why you would like to be part of it.
Highlight how your values and objectives align with those of the organisation.
7. Closing remarks and farewell
End your cover letter by expressing your interest in an interview or an opportunity to discuss your application in more detail.
Use a formal closing, such as «Yours faithfully» or «Kind regards».
Leave space for your signature.
8. Signature and contact details
Sign your letter by hand if you are sending it in printed form.
If you are sending the letter by email or online, simply write your name below the closing.
9. Proofreading and editing
Carefully check your letter for grammatical, spelling and stylistic errors. Make sure the letter is concise and clear, avoiding unnecessary repetition.
10. Format and presentation
Use a neat and professional layout for the letter, with appropriate margins and an easy-to-read font.
Add headings and spacing to make it easier to read
What tone should we adopt when writing a cover letter?
When you sit down to write a cover letter, it is essential to maintain a professional tone, whilst also ensuring it is personal, positive and enthusiastic. You should convey confidence in your skills and your interest in the role or opportunity you are applying for, but also to show humility and gratitude Thank you for considering my application.
It is important to avoid sounding arrogant or conceited, but don’t forget to highlight your achievements and experience in a modest way and focus on how you can contribute to the organisation’s success or organisation. Furthermore, ensure that your tone is clear and concise, avoiding the use of unnecessary jargon or informal expressions that are not appropriate for the context.
What’s more, don’t forget to tailor the letter to the company the organisations you’re applying to, for example: by mentioning them, adding their logo or designing it using their corporate colours.
If you’d like to find out more about how to stand out from the competition and establish yourself in the job market, subscribe to Educa.Pro, experts in digital skills development and digital transformation.
