Succeed at your cover letter in 10 lessons.

It tends to become more and more informal, and some recruiters even accept that it is simply integrated into the body of the email to which the CV is attached. However, there are still some essential rules if you want to succeed in your cover letter.


1. Personalize
Know who to address your letter to: by starting with the name of your contact person, you will retain their attention. If you can't get it even after a phone call to the company, use at least their exact title, for example Mr. Human Resources Manager.
The bad example: "Madam, Sir,"


2. Work on the hook
It is essential. Neither too classic nor too familiar, it must announce the general tone and make you want to go to the end of the letter.
The bad idea: "How's it going?"


3. Be original
Copy/pasting can be tempting, especially if you are sending applications in a chain. But recruiters are tired of generic letters. The worst? Forgetting to replace the company name.
Overused: "Leader in its field, your company..."


4. Don't take it for a second CV
No need to dwell on your diplomas and your background. You can discuss your experiences, but only if it sheds light on your skills or personality.
The illustrated argument: "I proved myself in management between 2008 and 2010 since I was then manager of a team of X people."


5. Do your research
Surf the Net, read the press, talk to company employees... In short, perfect your knowledge of your future employer and prove in your cover letter that you know enough about them to be sincerely interested.
The good example: "Your turnover increased by X% last year and you plan to develop further in region Y..."


6. Follow a plan
The classic? You, me, us. Start by explaining what you know about the company, move on to your presentation, then link these two aspects in the last paragraph.
The magic formula: "That's why..."


7. Eliminate mistakes
If you don't even bother to reread your letter to eradicate spelling mistakes, why should the recruiter believe in your motivation?
The catastrophe: "I hope you agree to meet me."


8. Keep it short
Recruiters have little time to devote to each application, one page should be enough to summarize your qualities and your motivation.
The "trash can" guarantee: "Blah blah blah, blah blah blah..."


9. Sell yourself
This is the purpose of the cover letter: to explain why you match what the employer is looking for. Link your qualities to those displayed in the job offer, explain the coherence between your values and those of the company, and show yourself in your best light... Without overdoing it!
To avoid: "I'm the best."


10. Don't miss your exit
Before the polite formula, don't forget to reiterate the purpose of your application: the goal is to get an interview!
The sentence that works: "I remain naturally at your disposal if you wish to meet me."


Severine Degallaix.


Jobintree.com

Posted on September 13, 2012.