Jessica's presentation on how to write a cover letter.

1. HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

2. • Your cover letter should be well-presented,
concise, and to-the-point.
• Do not include pictures.
TOP TIPS

3. TOP TIPS
• 3-4 paragraphs.
• Aim for half a page to two thirds of a page.
• Remember, employers spend less than a two
minutes looking through your application!
• Stand out from the crowd!

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH
• Take some time to look into the role you’re applying for and
the company – and use this information to tailor your cover
letter accordingly.
• Once you have more information, you’ll be able to make it
clear in your cover letter how your skills and abilities match
up with what the employer is looking for.

5. WHAT TO RESEARCH?
• When writing a cover letter, you should find out:
• What does the company do?
• Who are their competitors?
• Who are their target audience?
• What does the role involve?
• What are the essential skills?

6. STRUCTURE

7. HEADER
•INCLUDE:
•Your name
•Your contact number
•Your email address

8. • Start with:
• Dear Mr/Mrs (last name), if you know the
name of the person.
• If not, Dear Sir/Madam,
• or
• Dear Hiring Manager,
STARTING THE LETTER..

9. PARAGRAPH 1
• Opening the letter – Why are you getting in touch?
• The opening paragraph should be short and to the point, explaining
why you’re getting in touch.
• You should include:
• Who you are.
• The position you are applying to.
• Where you found the opening, e.g. an advertisement website, in a newspaper, from
somebody else already working at that company.
• State a brief summary of your qualifications or state your interest for the position.

10. • Why are you suitable for the job?
• Briefly describe your professional and academic qualifications that
relevant to the role, and why you would be a good fit for the job.
• Mention a few examples of measurable achievements in your career,
e.g. if you have completed specific training.
• Don’t repeat information!
PARAGRAPH 2

11. • Close the letter by saying you are a good fit based
on your qualifications and experiences.
• Reiterate your interest in the role.
• Include a call to action – in this case, ask them to
give you a call and schedule an interview.
• Thank them for their consideration.
PARAGRAPH 3

12. • Sign off your cover letter with ‘Yours sincerely’
(if you know the name of the hiring manager)
• Or
• ‘Yours faithfully’ (if you don’t),
• followed by your name.
CLOSING THE LETTER

14. AN EXAMPLE
Dear Ms Jones,
My name is Harry Styles and I am writing to express my interest in the role of Junior Information Systems Operator that you have advertised. I
have recently completed two years Vocational training in Microcomputing Systems and Networks, and have had a life-long passion for
information technology, and so I believe I a perfect candidate for this position.
As well as my recent training in computer networks, I am also trained in Information Technology, and I have experience working with popular
computer programmes that I will be able to apply to the position of Information Systems Operator in your company. I am a highly motivated and
independent individual who would excel in this role.
Based on my qualifications and experiences, I believe I am a perfect fit for this position, and I am highly interested and motivated in working for a
company with such a prestigious reputation as yours. Please, do not hesitate to get in touch to set up an interview, in which we can discuss my
application further and, please, see my attached CV for more information.
Thank you for your consideration,
Yours sincerely,
Harry Styles

15. LET’S MIND MAP…
• In groups of 2 or 3, or as a whole class,
create a mind map, writing down everything
that should be included in a Cover letter, as
well as the top tips.

16. WRITING A COVER
LETTER
• It’s your turn!
• Using a company that you already know of, or
imagining the name of a company of your
creation, write a Cover Letter for a job opening in
your field of training.
• You can use false names, or the names of your
classmates!