How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
Most Kenyans cannot tell the difference between an application letter and cover letter. The truth is; they are one and the same thing and is sent together with your CV when applying for jobs.
A job application letter is intended to explain to your prospective employer why you are the best qualified candidate for the position. As much as it might sound like a highlight of your skills and qualifications, it must not be a duplicate of your CV.
Why? As your initial written contact with an employer, its main goal is to clarify and interpret parts of your CV while highlighting experiences and competencies that relate to the position for which you are applying.
What steps should you follow when writing a job application letter?
Header: This includes both your and the employers contact information (name and address) and the date.
“If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature,” says Colm Cavey, a Professional Career Consultant with over 24 years experience.
Salutations: Kenyan job seekers make a mistake of having generic greetings such as ‘Dear Sir/ Madam/ Human Resource Manager’. Do a thorough research and begin your letter with ‘Dear Ms./Mr./Mrs. Last Name of the HR’.
Subject: If you are sending an email application, the subject line of your email message should state the job you are applying for. This spells out to the employer who you are and the kind of job you are looking for.
Body of Letter
This is where you convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.
“It is divided into three paragraphs: The first one explains your reasons for writing the application letter. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found it; the newspapers, online or through a referral,” says Florence Mukunya a career advisor at Corporate Staffing Services.
The second paragraph, as she further explains, is your sales pitch. What can you offer the employer?
“Point out why and how your skills and experience are a good fit for the job by providing specific examples that demonstrate your abilities,” she adds.
“The third paragraph says thank you to the HR manager for their consideration and it is where you give your contacts so that they can follow up,” Ms. Mukunya says.
Finish off your application letter with a typed name and signature if you are sending hard copy job applications then proof and edit your letter.
A job application letter must be properly organized, formatted and spaced so it’s readable and makes a lasting impression on your potential employer.
For career advice contact us at cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke