So you have a killer CV that you\u2019re very proud of and you see a job you\u2019d love to apply for and it\u2019s full steam ahead\u2026 until you realise that they are also looking for a cover letter\u2026.and your enthusiasm grinds to a halt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where should you start? And what should you include? (or indeed exclude, as the case may be). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take nothing else away from this blog, please take this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your cover letter should be more than \u201cplease find attached my CV\u201d but should definitely be less than an entire regurgitation of your CV.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I suggest 3 main parts: <\/p>\n\n\n\n INTRO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You should refer to the advertisement, where you saw it and attach your CV or application form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BODY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A paragraph or two (or alternatively in bullet points) highlighting specifics on what you can bring to the role and pointing them to where to read more in your CV. The cover letter should peak the reader\u2019s interest and make them want to read the attached CV. Showcase your strengths. Connect yourself to the role here and show where you match what they are looking for and can add value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OUTRO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Say that you are interested in the role! Give your contact details and invite them to contact you. Thank them for taking the time to consider your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can add to your letter something that you found of interest about this company, something topical or something about them that is attractive to you. This shows that this is not a standard, boiler-plate application and shows that you have done some research about the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your cover letter should give a flavour of who you are and what you can bring. It can make the difference between your CV being considered or not. Make sure it looks and reads professionally, no matter what level of job you are applying for and entices the reader to find out some more about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collette Bryson<\/a> holds a Diploma in Life and Executive Coaching from Positive Success Group and a Certificate in Career Coaching from Irish Lifecoach Institute. She came to coaching following a career in general legal practice spanning 20 years where she covered a wide variety of practice areas. She is also a qualified mediator. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHere are my tips for how to prepare your cover letter, and what to look out for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What to write about:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stand out details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What to avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Looking for a job? Head to our employment hub!<\/a><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"So you have a killer CV that you\u2019re very proud of and you see a job you\u2019d love…","protected":false},"author":273,"featured_media":2369,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","filesize_raw":"","csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[512,5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2367","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-getting-started","8":"category-supports","9":"cs-entry"},"yoast_head":"\n