When you apply for a job online or via email, your cover letter is your first chance to make a strong impression to your potential future employer. So how can you make sure that it is a good first impression, and that your job application won’t just be tossed aside or quickly forgotten amongst the pile of other applicants? Read more for my top tips.
Below are my TOP TIPS that are vital for making a strong first impression in your job application cover letter.
1. Do your research.
This is a step that is often missed by candidates. When you are applying for a job, it is not only important to show your potential future employer that you have the required skills to be competent in this role, but you need to also show that you know something about the institution you are applying to. And this means doing your research about the institution – what they pride themselves on and what it would be like to work with them – and then including these insights in your cover letter. This will show the employer that you have taken this job application seriously, and that you are passionate about working for this institution in particular, rather than just dispensing your CV widely and non-specifically.
2. Correlate your skills with the selection criteria.
A vital aspect of a good cover letter is showing that you would make a great fit for the position. The employer can see the difference between applicants that have submitted a generic cover letter, and applicants that have really considered what this institution is seeking. Read the position description carefully. What skills and experience are they looking for in applicants? Include a few sentences demonstrating that you have the specific skills and experience they are looking for to fulfil their key selection criteria.
3. Show enthusiasm for the role.
Overall, the employer wants a doctor who is going to be safe, and who is going to fit in well with the team and the work environment. So remember to show a genuine enthusiasm, both for the institution itself and for the geographical location if this job would require you to move. Use positive phrases throughout your cover letter and always end your letter with an affirmative sentence.
These are my TOP TIPS for writing a cover letter. For more case-specific advice and professional editing and formatting, book in with me for cover letter services.
