Understand the Employer and Company
Yes, sending the same cover letter to too many companies saves you time in the short-term time but decreases your chances of getting a job – customising your cover letter for each application will help you stand out from other applicants.
Do some background research of the company and learn about their business needs and company culture, and highlight how you will meet those needs once hired. This approach will show that you care about the organization and that you will fit well within the company.
Highlight your passions, knowledge, experience and personal interests to the hiring manager in relation to a specific role.
Sell Yourself
Avoid the temptation of “begging” for the job or opportunity. Rather, explain why you’ll be an asset to the company if hired. Point out your attributes to the organization, why your application should be considered and why you think you’re a perfect match.
Address the Letter to Someone
Try and address the hiring manager by name instead of the usual ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ salutation.
Make an individual connection with the hiring manager in your letter (usually their name will be in their email address). If a name is not given on the job advert or email address, try calling the company and asking for their first name from the receptionist or their assistant. Google, Facebook, and Linkedin are also great sources for finding a person’s name and surname so you can personalize your cover letter.
Show Passion and Zeal
Communicate that you’re really interested in the position and the type of work the company is doing. Illustrate how you have grown professionally in order for you to fulfill the role being advertised. For example, if you want an opportunity at a five-star hotel, highlight how you have worked part-time at a small boutique hotel over weekends while you were studying.
Your passion and inspiration will be a huge selling point. In your cover letter, elaborate on one or two real-life experiences, interests and passions indicating how your ideas are aligned with the company’s business goals and objectives.
Focus on Activities, Tasks, and Responsibilities
While drafting your recent college graduate cover letter, you need to emphasise the abilities and skills that make you an ideal candidate. Avoid focusing on your grades. Rather, shed light on activities and duties (E.g. internships or leadership roles in the school). This will not only show that you are a competent as a student but will also illustrate that you have real-world working experience.
Edit, Format and Proofread your Cover Letter
Read through your letter, fixing any mistakes or grammatical errors. Use simple language that is easy to understand. Your letter should be brief and to the point. Find a mentor or friend to look at your cover letter (and CV) before submitting it.
A recent graduate cover letter should follow a formal business letter format. Start the letter with your name, address, phone number and email address on the upper right of the page together with the date that you send the letter.
The devil is in the details! Before sending your cover letter and CV, ensure that the hiring managers’ name, company name and their job title are spelled correctly.
Uncertain of Your Professional Goals?
Do some career research before drafting a recent graduate cover letter cover letter. Make it easy for employers to see your skills and abilities, upfront. It is your job to convince them that you are a good fit for the job. Remember to customize your cover letters for each job application.
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