When you’re applying for a job, don’t make the mistake of thinking your CV will do all the talking, knowing how to write a cover letter is really important.
If you don’t know how to write a cover letter, it is first important to understand what it is. A cover letter is designed for you to highlight exactly why you are the person for the role, so read through our list of dos and don’ts to give yourself the best shot at landing your dream job.
Don’t say ‘Dear whom this may concern’ if you know the recruiter’s name
If the instructions say to send your application to John Smith, make sure you address your application to John Smith.
This is the first thing employers are looking at: can this person follow instructions?
Journalism is not an industry where you can afford to not read closely and do things by the book.
It is your first impression – make it count.
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Do mention relevant work experience
We are sure the part-time job you had at a chip shop when you were 16 taught you a lot about the value of hard work, but is it going to directly help in your role as a production assistant? Probably not… It is always about quality over quantity.
You only have an A4 page to provide specific examples of you proving you are qualified for the role.
Cover letters are concise for a reason so use the space wisely.
Don’t make a general cover letter template
Recruiters have read hundreds of cover letters about people who are passionate about their (non-specific) work and how much they want to work for their (unnamed) company.
This is first impression of you as a journalist and lacking nuance and looking lazy is not a great way to start off.
Putting in a little more effort at the start will pay off.
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Do research the company and role
Making sure you understand what the role requires of you and what the company does means you can write a tailored cover letter.
Knowing a publication’s values, history and readership shows your enthusiasm and gives you a better insight into what type of candidate they are looking for.
Don’t discuss your lack of experience
If a job description lists six desirable skills and you possess four of them, the least helpful thing you can do is talk about what you can’t do.
Instead, use examples of times you have done something similar or been able to quickly adapt and transfer your skills.
Do spell check
We know it sounds silly, but there really is only one shot at a good first impression.
Typos, grammar mistakes and rogue punctuation marks are famously unwelcome in journalism and in your cover letter too.
Spending five minutes before sending it off checking it over is never time wasted.
Now you know how to write a cover letter!
Read our tips on how to write a perfect CV.
Credit to Kaboompics on Pixabay.