Why Writing a Covering Letter so Hard and What You Can Do About it

Writing a covering letter for a job application can feel daunting because it requires you to condense your skills, experience, and personality into a concise, compelling narrative that stands out from the crowd. Here’s why it’s challenging and how to tackle it effectively.

Why Writing a Covering Letter is Hard

1. Self-Promotion: Many people find it difficult to talk about their achievements without feeling boastful or awkward.
   Solution: Focus on facts and outcomes. Instead of saying “I’m amazing at sales,” say “I increased sales by 30% in six months by implementing a new client follow-up system.” This highlights your success without seeming arrogant.
2. Customisation: Each job requires a tailored cover letter, and figuring out how to align your experience with the job requirements can be time-consuming.
   Solution: Start with a strong template that outlines your main skills and achievements, then customize the specifics for each application. Research the company and job role to align your experiences with what they’re looking for. Mention specific projects or values of the company to show you’ve done your homework.
3. Conciseness: You need to be brief yet thorough, striking a balance between detail and readability.
   Solution: Be selective about what you include. Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements that match the job description. Use bullet points for clarity and to break up text. Aim for one page, making every word count.
4. Fear of Rejection: The pressure of knowing that this letter could be the deciding factor in whether you get an interview can be stressful.
   Solution: Shift your mindset. Think of the cover letter as a conversation starter rather than a final judgment. Be genuine and express your enthusiasm for the role and company. Remember, this is just one step in the process, not the final verdict on your worth.

What Should Be Included in a Cover Letter

1. Header: Your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information.
2. Salutation: Address it to a specific person if possible.
3. Introduction: Mention the job you’re applying for and where you found the listing. Grab attention with a strong opening statement.
4. Body Paragraphs: Detail your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. Explain why you’re a great fit for the role and how you can contribute to the company.
5. Closing: Reiterate your interest in the role, thank the employer for their time, and express your eagerness for an interview. Include a professional sign-off.

Top Tips for Writing a Covering Letter

1. Research the Company: Understand the company’s values, culture, and recent achievements. Tailor your letter to reflect how you align with these aspects.
2. Personalise Each Letter: Avoid generic letters. Mention specific projects, values, or challenges of the company and how you can contribute.
3. Showcase Your Value: Use concrete examples to demonstrate your accomplishments. Quantify results when possible (e.g., “increased sales by 20%”).
4. Be Concise: Keep it to one page. Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills.
5. Use a Professional Tone: While it should reflect your personality, maintain professionalism. Avoid slang and overly casual language.
6. Highlight Soft Skills: Mention skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these in the past.
7. Proofread: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression. Read it aloud or ask someone else to review it.
8. Match Your Cover Letter to Your CV: Ensure consistency in terms of formatting, tone, and information. They should complement each other.
9. Be Honest: Authenticity is key. Don’t exaggerate your qualifications or experiences.
10. Call to Action: End with a strong statement expressing your enthusiasm for the role and a desire to discuss your application further.

Our Take

Cover letters can be tricky, but they’re also a great opportunity to make a personal connection with a potential employer. Think of it as your chance to tell your story in your own words. With the right approach, you can turn this challenge into a powerful tool for landing your dream job.

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