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A cover letter is like a sales letter. It should answer the employer's needs and requirements. That is to say, it is very employer-centered.
Before you begin your cover letter, make sure that you have done a sufficient research on the employer, and read through all the requirements posted on the ad.
What should be included in a cover letter?
- Your address
- Date
- Recipient's Information (Including name, title, company name and address)
Make sure the recipient's name, title and address are correctly spelled. - Salutation
Address the recipients with names instead of “Sir / Madame”. - Opening paragraph — Which posts are you applying for?
- Second Paragraph - Why are you interested in the post?
- Third Paragraph - Your strengths, achievements and experiences. Provide evidence. Do not copy directly from the resume, choose the best three that are relevant to the post.
- Closing Paragraph - Request an opportunity for interview. Do remember to include you contact no.
Styles and Formats
- Minimize the uses of personal pronoun like "I", "we" and "my" for it sounds too self-centered.
- Demonstrate your keen interest, and sell yourself without being aggressive or over-confident.
- Highlight your achievements with supported facts.
- Be concise about your points. Let the employer know that you are a focused person.
- Be consistent about the font and font size.
- Be business-like. Avoid using informal or too old-fashioned tone.
- Arrange the letter in a readable manner, with adequate margins and spacing.
- Customize your cover letter to match the employer, never send standardized letters to all employers.
- 1 page maximum
- Use good quality A4 paper that matches your resume.
- The most common type of resume is “FULL BLOCK” format, in which all lines of the letter start from the left.
Points to note:
- Send out your finished cover letter as soon as possible, for some of the employers might start recruiting before the application deadline.
- Remember to sign your letter.
Source: Placement Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University