Letters to the Influencer: Cover Letters

MAKING SEPTEMBER COUNT

DAY 3: September 3rd, 2017

On Day 2, we conducted an extensive examination of Resumés and Curriculum Vitae, highlighted apparent variations between them, underscored their relevance to the employment/admissions process, and furnished preparation tips. If you missed that, you can check it out on the blog via www.theseptemberfresher.blogspot.com .

Today, we consider another extremely vital document to the recruitment process – The Cover Letter. We have already concluded in a previous edition, how tasking it is for hiring managers to review hundreds of Resumés/CVs in so little time. We also understand now, that some wee robots called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have taken over that review job.

Chances are that apart from you, another 70% of those who have applied to the role have submitted resumés that match the position, and would make it past the ATS. So what stands you out? A one-pager aptly named The Cover Letter!

Your Cover Letter is the recruiter; the hiring manager is the Influencer! While your resumé can highlight major skills, experience and experience, there is a limit to the level of detail you can convey about yourself through that document. The cover letter facilitates so much more. The Cover letter makes a case for why you should be hired over others.

·        An opportunity to be ‘Human’. Several times over, I have listened to prospective job applicants complain that the resumé lacks a human face. You are unable to promote your most exciting of gifts, your alter ego, your worldview, and more mundane things like your hobbies, for want of space and to avoid the risk of overstepping boundaries. The cover letter offers you that little extra space, use it. There are times when the Influencer hires you clearly on the strength of one or two things they have found in your cover letter.

·        Make your application stand out. The cover letter offers you an opportunity to go into a bit more detail about relevant qualifications, experience and skills and show your passion for the role and company. By showing your knowledge of the company in a cover letter, you prove to the hiring manager that you have done your homework.

General Writing Tips

·        Always send a cover letter. Even when the recruiter doesn’t request one, it gives you the extra edge. However, when there is an explicit requirement not to, you should follow that.

·        Explain relevant information. The resume doesn’t give you the opportunity to explain certain facts, like why you’re applying for the role of Customer Representative when you clearly have a background in Accounting. Cover up with the cover letter.

·        Match each letter to the role. While you’re making applications to several companies, it might seem difficult to tailor each cover letter to the requirements of each. Avoid the urge to Ctrl C, Ctrl V. Needless to say, it makes your application stand out.

·         Review and Edit Consistently. You should spellcheck and manually check for any spelling, grammar and any other possible errors (I have fallen victim of this several times). Also consider a second-eye review.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

XXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXX’

XXXXXXXXXXXX

21st February, 2017.

Name of HR Manager

Title

Organization

Address

City, State

Dear Mr. /Mrs. (Last Name),

APPLICATION FOR XXXXXXX

I refer to your publication in several electronic media and job boards, advertising openings for the Management Trainee Programme in Finance at XXXXX, Nigeria for 2017 and hereby apply for the opportunity.

I am a graduate of Accounting from XXXXX, Nigeria, with a First Class grade, and graduated at the top of my 250-student class and faculty. I am also a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Additionally, I am a Microsoft-certified Office Specialist. These, I believe, have provided me the additional edge in my career.

Through my work leading and working with teams of people, I have developed excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal and technical skills in my area of expertise, and have had series of opportunities to demonstrate these in my previous internship experiences at XXXX, XXXX and XXXX. I currently am with XXXX. These hands-on learning experiences place me in a good position to add superior value to the XXXX brand, while advancing professionally.

I understand that XXXXXXXX is one of the world’s most valuable and diversified multinational companies; a highly structured environment which requires the best hands and brains to fill various functions to sustain competitive edge and maintain its position as market leader in its various business units, while creating superior value for its customers, employees and other stakeholders. I am confident that my skillset and worldview would be a perfect fit for the XXXXXXX function of the organization.

As I would be willing to further discuss my skills, competencies and interest in this opportunity with you, I have attached a copy of my résumé.

I look forward to corresponding with you soon.

Yours faithfully,

(SIGNATURE)

Full Name

Author’s Note 

The views expressed and points raised here, though not exhaustive, are an outcome of my careful study, research and observation. Do you need to prepare a winning CV/resumé and Cover Letter and are pressed for time? You can send me a mail via mailthefresher@gmail.com or call +2348138800012. You can also reach out via LinkedIn through Olumide Ibikunle for discounted assistance.

Have a Splendid new Week!

Olumide Ibikunle

03 | 09 |2017