What is a Cover Letter and What you Should Include in One

If you are currently at the tail end of your degree then you are probably starting to go on the hunt for a job now that your studies are at an end. At some point during your search, you will probably be asked to write a cover letter to accompany your application or CV. But what is a cover letter?

Its basic dictionary definition describes it as a letter sent with and explaining the contents of, another document or parcel of goods.

So where should you start? Here are a few general tips on what is recommended to be included in a cover letter.

It needs to introduce you

Grades and facts about you are one thing, but actually describing yourself and explaining who you are, aside from the figures and qualifications you have is key.

A lot of employers look to find someone with both skills and a personality rather than just exam smart. Maybe mention things that you do in your spare time; things that might be a little quirky or unusual but still a selling point to an employer or company.

Mention the job or sort of job that you’re applying/looking for.

This one is pretty straightforward. What you are writing must correspond to the job offer you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a role as a writer then maybe include something that demonstrates your love of such i.e. writing poems or novels etc.

If you aren’t sure, it’s best practice to have more than one CV suited to different jobs. Remember, a CV is not ever final, it can and should be edited to suit every job you apply to.  A specialist CV is always better than a general one.

Match the skills that you have, along with experiences required by the job or position.

Matching your cover letter to the job that you are applying to is crucial. Never use the same letter for different jobs. It needs to show that you have done your research and that you are aware of what the role you are applying for entails. This shows the employer that you are dedicated and generally interested in the job that you are applying for.

If you can find out who will be reading the letter in question then this is a huge bonus. This also shows that you have done your research. For example, if you were to find the job you are applying for in an advert then usually there will be a name somewhere on it.

It needs to encourage the reader/employer to actually read your resume.

You don’t want to put the reader off before they have even considered you for the role. Make it quick-paced, catchy and punchy. Get straight to the point, don’t get carried away with the wording. They could get bored and will be less likely to put your resume on the yes pile and more likely to push it aside.

You need to reveal a little about yourself, without repeating everything that is already in your CV; they don’t want to be reading the same things twice.

Finish with a call to action i.e. requesting an interview or asking to meet etc.

It always shows when you can round off an email, letter or any other professional correspondence well. By writing something too chatty it can look a little improper.

Phrases such as ‘I look forward to hearing from you.’ And ‘I hope I am considerable for the role in question and I shall eagerly await your response.’ Sound a lot better than, ‘Thanks’ or just a simple ‘Yours sincerely.’ It shows that you care about what you are applying for.

It shouldn’t cover more than one side of A4. It is only a summary after all.

Even if you are eager for the job you are applying for, don’t overstep the mark. One page is all you need, maybe even only half a page. Displaying it properly is a great thing to do too.

Microsoft Word has a fair few templates to choose from when a cover letter is considered. Making that little extra effort and taking the care to display your credentials professionally also proves that you are dedicated to the cause/ job/ placement etc.

Include any questions and queries that you might have about what you are applying for.

It is probably wise that instead of firing off a separate email including your questions, pop them in your cover letter. This will show the person reading it that you are keen to learn more about the role and that you are not shying away from any uncertainty. It will also show initiative to learn new things and makes you look as though you have done plenty of research surrounding the job role in question.

Questions you could pen are as follows:

• Does the job involve working with others?
• Is it team-based work?
• What is the pay rate?
• What are the main responsibilities that would be expected of me?
• What are the hours I could be working?
• Is there a uniform or dress code? Etc.

BONUS: General details that should be included that are essential include.

Your full name and contact details are obvious starting points to a cover letter. A full postal address is not necessarily required, however you should include your email address and contact number.

The phone number that you provide should be one that you are accessible on at most times of the day, otherwise what is the point in providing it?

These details should either be included here or on your CV, but it is crucial that they are included somewhere otherwise how will they contact you about the job?

So whether you are applying for a placement, job or a place on a course, it is vital that you include all of the above in a cover letter that sells who you are as a person before they meet you.

Inspiring Interns is a recruitment agency specialising in all the internships and graduate jobs London has to offer.