Your cover letter is the first thing the hiring manager will see—think of it as the first impression of the first impression. No doubt, you would want it to be a great introduction. But how can you stand out in a pool with tens, hundreds, or thousands of applicants?
Your first instinct would be to do this through your experience and skills; after all, isn’t that what matters most? Whereas this is generally true, your résumé is already filled with your experience, skills, and education. Your cover letter has to sell you as a unique individual—your passion, your reasons for applying for that specific position, and the value you intend to bring. You will have to link your motivations with your qualifications, but you need to convince the hiring manager that you are the perfect match for that job.
With the competitive job market, every single detail of your application must be tailored to the position. This is especially true for applications in North America and Europe, where a more personalised approach is expected—you stand out by showcasing how you are uniquely suited to the position. Your application should be specifically yours, containing peculiar details that both differentiate you from the crowd and sell you for the position.
Even in Zimbabwe, companies are catching up and asking for motivation letters—so it’s best to apply like you mean it. Let’s look at a few crucial points.
1. After going through the job advert, look up the company
If you’re planning on sending out an international application, this is an important step. More than matching your qualifications to the job requirements, you need to home in on something that motivated you to apply for the position. This can be the company itself and the great work it does, or a program/ project that captured your attention, or their work style. Whatever you choose, it should be linked to the work you’ll be doing—and best to link your motivation with the value it will allow you to provide. For example, through their online work program you’ll be able to merge your computer skills with your teaching experience to better educate their students. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t mention personal gain—high salary, paid-for exotic travel/ vacations, or similar.
2. Introduce yourself
Armed with the research you have done on the job requirements and the company, tailor your introduction (in the cover letter) to the position. Describe what motivated you to apply, write about your experience and how it matches the position, and close with a promise of the value you intend to bring.
3. Prove that you’re a perfect match
Match as much of your experience, skills, education, and personal attributes to the job requirements and the company. But you’re not supposed to write an essay—focus on the main points—usually listed first on the job requirements. Proving that you’re a match involves talking about something you have done in the past, which is similar to what is required in the new position.
Let’s look at an example cover letter
John Tatenda
4 Ruth Drive
Avondale, Harare
jtatenda@gmail.com
+263 77 642 2113
10 November 2020
Mr. Jones
Human Resources Manager
DevTop Technologies
31 Stalk Street
Harare
Dear Mr. Jones:
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER POSITION
I have followed DevTop Technologies ever since I learned about your Zero Harm EnviroProgramme. As a passionate safety, health and environmental officer, I believe in your philosophy of leaving a positive footprint and a better world for future generations. That is why I was immediately interested in this position when I found out about it. Through 11 years of experience, I have come to value the importance of creating safer work environments for increased productivity, improved worker morale, community enrichment, and to maintain a stellar corporate image. I am excited about joining your team and enabling healthier environments that will foster your most innovative technological solutions.
Your Save a Life Initiative was of particular interest to me because I implemented a similar programme at Boyle Industries, which has come to be known as BoostyourBuddy. Through this programme, we were able to reduce accident occurrences by 56% and to eliminate fatalities since programme implementation two years ago. I believe in a collaborative approach in promoting the utmost health and safety. Central to this philosophy is unparalleled teamwork, open communication, and routine training. I will continue with this same dedication as I foster a safety culture in your organisation.
I have headed community outreach initiatives similar to your Meet the Community Projects. Through this experience, I have learned to listen, to determine our full environmental impact, and to bolster my safety awareness. Consequently, I have enjoyed strengthening our corporate responsibility projects and improving our corporate image. I will utilise this experience in ensuring that you remain a positive presence in the communities you operate and to maintain your excellent corporate image.
I look forward to joining your team and fully applying myself to making your company great. Thank you for your time and consideration. I will be ready for your call if you would prefer to discuss how I can be an asset in your organisation.
Sincerely,
John Tatenda
To get all the important information, advice, and tips, check out The CV Design Guide PDF eBook or get the FREE Cheat Sheet.
Do you need a writer to grow your business? WhatsApp, email, or call the author.