A good CV is like a bikini, brief and interesting. But, for an executive with extensive experience, a two or three-page CV may not be enough to convey your qualities, skills, and strengths. This is why it is important to get help from a professional CV writer and write a powerful cover letter.
A good cover letter complements the contents of the CV; it doesn’t regurgitate them.
However, unlike the resume, the cover letter should connect the owner of the CV and the job offer. It should invite the prospective employer to read your CV and convince them that you are the right person for the job.
For a cover letter to convince the reader to spend more time on your CV, it should observe these rules.
It Should Be Authentic and Inviting
For starters, if you are looking through generic templates, stop searching. At least for a while.
If you’ve already picked one, does the style (format) and front match with what is on your CV’s?
This is especially important to check if you’ve had a professional CV writer prepare your resume. If the format of your CV differs considerably from the cover letter, it’s an instant turn-off for many senior-level recruiters. It shows a lack of attention to detail and messes your brand.
Work with the CV writer to prepare a cover letter that is authentic and inviting.
Addressed Personally to the Hiring Authority
You would be given a break if you wrote “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To the hiring manager” salutation if you were looking for a lower grade position. But a cover letter for an executive role shouldn’t be impersonally addressed.
Personally addressed cover letters and emails are more likely to be read. On the other hand, when the hiring authority sees an impersonal salutation, it says that you didn’t bother to check out the company and find out who is hiring. In other words, you don’t care so much about the job.
It’s more engaging to address it personally to the hiring authority.
Have a Powerful Start
The most important part of a flight is the take-off and landing. Your letter should have a powerful take-off. Don’t waste words, start by giving a powerful impression of your personality.
Questions are a good way to grab a reader’s attention. Also, you can start by outlining your strengths. If it’s a referral job, consider dropping the name of the referee.
Whatever you do, grab the reader’s attention at the onset and keep them hungry for more.
Write a Confident, Precise and Succinct Body
The body is not your chance to brag and become mundane. Just as the CV writer worked on the resume and made it brief but powerful, so should the body of the cover letter be.
Do thorough research of the hiring company, and understand what are the, as well as their hopes and ambitions. Draw parallels with your experiences, talent, and skills. Lead the reader to connect the dots and draw a conclusion that you are the perfect fit.
Each sentence should confidently express your personality, and your ability to “meet the need” of the employer. Keep in mind there may be several applicants. The recruiter will use robots to filter applicants. So remember to use keywords. But keep it succinct.
Closing
Close the cover letter with a powerful call to action and skip the effusive ‘thank you’ statements. Instead, demonstrate a genuine interest in furthering the discussion.
