The internet has changed how people apply for jobs but serious corporates and even SMEs still follow the “traditional” was of considering job application.
Given the high rate of unemployment, especially in Kenya, a single job opening often attracts hundreds and thousands of applicants.
Applying for a job requires two major things:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Of the two requirements above, many job applicants prefer sending a CV while overlooking a cover letter.
Most employers have limited time to go through all the application on most occasions, such things as not having a cover letter lead to immediate disqualification from the job.
A cover letter is a single-page letter that a job applicant includes with their job application.
Why do you need a cover letter?
The main purpose of a cover letter is to introduce the applicant to the employer. Inside the cover letter, the employer gets to get a preview on the applicant on:
- The name of the applicant
- The job the applicant is applying for
- The skills that the applicant has and whether they match the job they are applying for.
- The applicants’ communication skills (in writing).
The cover letter must be convincing. The employer must be interested to read to the end and the applicant must start by capturing their attention.
The applicant must check on the spelling mistakes. Imagine an employer coming across a screaming spelling mistake in the first paragraph? What makes the applicant think the employer would read on?
The applicant must keep the letter short and “sweet”. A cover letter is meant to be a summary, not a speech. It is actually a summary of the CV. Do not write more than one page.
Before writing the cover letter:
- Find out who to address to: The cover letter must be addressed to a specific person, if possible, mention the position the addressee holds. Avoid statements like, “Dear sir/madam” or “To whom it may concern.”
- Dig more information about the job: the cover letter should show exactly what the applicant is applying for. Mention the job and stop using phrases like “I would like to apply for the job” or “Am writing to apply for it.” What?
- Find out more about the company: know the company and talk about it. Do not look as though you have doubts about the company.
In summary, a cover letter should have:
- The name of the applicant
- The contact details of the applicant
- The name of the job
- Name and contact details of the addressee (company)
- Name of the job
- List of relevant skills and experience
- Why one needs the job.
Avoid the following in your cover letter:
- Spelling mistakes
- Copying and pasting a whole CV
- Bragging
- Putting the main points at the end
- Too wordy