Although it may sound a bit outdated, when you apply for a job, you should include a cover letter along with your CV. It may feel like a burden, but you can use it to your advantage. There are many skills and experiences that would be difficult to include in a CV, but highlighting them in a cover letter can add something extra to your CV that will make you stand out from the crowd. That way, if there are points in your CV that don’t seem very interesting or need explaining, you don’t have to worry that they’ll just look at it and make the wrong decision. Think of your cover letter as an explanation to your CV.
Simple, clean editing and formatting is important. It’s fine if it’s not more than a few pages, and best if it’s under a page, according to Harvard experts. Indeed, someone who might have to read a hundred cover letters doesn’t have time for a novel that says the same thing as your CV. You certainly won’t go wrong by choosing a familiar font and size. It’s essential that you send it in PDF format.
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Rather than including what’s in your CV in sentences, you’re better off responding to what’s in the job advert. Since you want to convince them why you are the best person for the position, write about the experiences and skills that the ad describes as expected or an advantage. It can also be an extra to start with the most important thing, i.e. why you are the perfect person for the job.
It’s best if you know exactly who to address the letter to, but it’s also important to make sure your style is neither too casual nor too formal. Try to be more literate instead of formal.
While it’s important to appear enthusiastic, don’t get carried away. You can write a line or two about why you want the job, so that you feel you know what the position is about and you’re looking forward to it.
