1.   Address it correctly. 
If your cover letter begins “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager”, it lacks personalisation, and you’ve missed an opportunity keep the reader’s attention.  Take the time to find out who to address your letter to, normally this information will be included in the job advert, but if it is not, google or give the company a call to find out, and check you have the spelling correct.

2.   Follow instructions. 
Often a job advert will ask you to share specific details in your application.  This is a strategy used to filter those applicants who have thoroughly read the advert and are interested in the vacancy enough to take the time, from those who are sending out bulk applications.  If you have specific instructions, follow them, this demonstrates your ability to follow and take instruction and your attention to detail.

3.   Catch their attention with a meaningful opening sentence. 
Cut to the chase, be upfront and honest as to why you are interested in the position/company and what it is about the position that interests you.
Try something like “I’ve always wanted to work for a small family owned business like (enter name of company) because I believe my knowledge of (relate your skills back to the company) can add value to your team.” Remember – what’s in it for them?

4.   Spell it out. 
What value can you bring to the position and the company?  Address the specific requirements in the job description/advert and include your reasons, skills and motivations. This highlights reasons for the recruiter/employer to progress your application. 

Tip:  If your application progresses, you may be asked to give examples of specific skills/experience. Prepare the answers for these in advance, so you can be on the ball with those questions and strengthen their perception of the benefit you can bring to a company.

5.   Be specific
List some (but not all) of your past achievements and your strengths, rather than your employment history – this can be read that in your CV.  You do want to demonstrate your achievements, but the employer only needs to know the ones relating to the vacancy.

6.   Closing your cover letter 
Always add a call to action at the end; “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position (name the position) further and can be contacted on (add your mobile number).”

Finally, run the spell check or ask a friend or family member to check for grammar and spelling before you send it off. 

If you are applying for one of our roles at PN Personnel you can always ask us for feedback.  As recruitment professionals who have read through thousands of cover letters and CVs we are happy to provide constructive criticism so you can craft a cover letter which stands out from the rest.