Unless you’re instructed otherwise, always send a cover letter with your CV.
Even if a recruiter doesn’t even read it (having been burnt out after thousands of ‘blah blah blah’ cover letters), they’ll notice if it’s missing. Your CV now has far less chance of even being read, let alone being taken seriously.
Cover letters serve as both your introduction and pitch – it makes the connection between the advertised position and your skills, attributes and experiences. Every cover letter must succinctly answer:
- Why do you want the job?
- Why should the organisation want you?
Letter’s of Note featured an excellent example of an effective cover letter – written by six year old.
Having heard that the director of the National Railway Museum in York, Andrew Scott, was soon to retire after 15 years at the helm, Sam Pointon sent the following letter to the museum in an attempt to fill Scott’s shoes.
Dear Mr. Tucker
Application for director
I am writing to apply to be the new Director of the National Railway Museum. I am only 6 but I think I can do this job.
I have an electrick train track. I am good on my train track. I can control 2 trains at once.
I have been on lots of trains including Eurostar and some trains in France. I have visited the museum before. I loved watching the trains go round on the turntable.
On the other side is a picture of me.
Hopefully I can come and meet you for an interview.
From
Sam Pointon
While Sam missed out on the position, his endearing cover letter earned him his dream job of the museum’s Director of Fun – a position he still holds to this day.
6 cover letter insights we can learn from Sam:
1. Concise – Sam doesn’t waffle. A cover letter should be three to four paragraphs. Use your words wisely; make each one count.
2. Tailored – Don’t use a template. Recruiters can smell these a mile away. Sam tailored his letter for the organisation and position. A tailored cover letter, showing evidence that you’ve researched the organisation and position, is more than basic manners. It shows that you’re serious about the job, and a good demonstration of your work ethic. Of course, find out who will be reading your letter. Do some research, even if it means calling up the organisation itself. It makes a big difference.
3. Why you? – After explaining why you want the job, make the connection between the position and your attributes, skills, and experiences. Carefully pick your top three reasons why you are an ideal candidate and elaborate briefly.
4. Make an impression – Remember, a recruiter may scan hundreds of cover letters a day. Is yours ‘just another cover letter’, or does it stand out? Your aim is to make the recruiter pay attention. Don’t rely on stunts – measured enthusiasm is all you need. And it almost goes without saying that even a great cover letter will make a poor impression if it contains spelling and grammar mistakes. Proof read it. Again. And again.
5. Tone it down – no one likes an arrogant applicant. Don’t tell the reader that you’re an ideal candidate. Confidently make your case, and let them decide where you stand. Sam didn’t say, “I can do this job,” but “I think I can do this job.” While I’m not advocating such language, the tone is appropriate.
6. Sign 0ff strong – thank the reader for his consideration, ask for the opportunity to discuss the role further (ie, an interview).
Your cover letter is your application’s handshake. Make it count.
A free Innovate CV can help you with your job search!
Relevent articles:
Say NO to CV Vagueness (and here’s how…)
Why your McJob Could be the Smartest Career Move you’ll ever Make
Top Nine CV bloopers Ever (and how to Avoid Making them)
Love it!! Well done Sam!!
Too cute! Made my week
I am going to use Sam’s letter to introduce cover letters to my high school students! Thanks for sharing Sam’s letter and your insights.
What a fantastic idea! I’m sure Sam’s letter will grab their attention. Best of luck with the project!
Hey Adam – I really like #’s 1 and 5 – both very important! Although I think that if a template is used as a starting point, it can help with #1 – sometimes a blank page gets filled up without some structured guidance. Agree that a template used poorly can deliver a very generic CL. Thanks for sharing this fun example and bringing it to life for us!
Thanks for stopping by the blog and commenting, Tim! I agree, templates can often help. As long as the user doesn’t become enslaved to the template, it could potentially provide very useful assistance.
Never underestimate the power of the cover letter. Employers love it when the candidate knows something about the organization and is able to show them what they have to offer based on the job description.
Great job, Sam!
Nice one Sam. A good cover letter can make all the difference and can be a great ‘shop window’ to the CV.
I agree whole-heartedly. I think the cover letter is the grease between the cog of your resume and the fly-wheel of the reader (recruiter, HR, Hiring Manager). If its missing, the process locks-up.
This is what an enthusiastic person need to have. The cover letter is written in excellent conveying what he want and why do they want him. True inspiration story of six yr kid help us learn many things. Best of luck sam for your future.
I was talking to a recruiter (corporate) recently, and he wants to see them. A lot of people will tell you, “Oh, you don’t need to do one anymore, they don’t get looked at”. At some firms that may be true, and lacking that specific knowledge of a specific recruiters likes and dislikes you will be better off doing one every time. Whether it gets read or not.
Congratulations Mr Pointon. I wish you every success in your role.
Great, now we are competing with six yr olds..LOL….
This is brilliant just shows how far a good cover letter can go in an application I’m definitely taking notes