When you are looking for a job, any extra will help you to gain points over other candidates. Originality goes hand in hand with skills and this combination results in your CV being one of those chosen to move on to the next level: the interview. A good way to achieve this goal is to write a cover letter: a document in which you present yourself in a more natural and simple way. In short, a first approach to who you are, what you can do and why you may be suitable for the job.
The cover letter, on the one hand, aims to attract the attention of the person who receives it, so that they will then consider your CV as it deserves. On the other hand, it is a sample of your image as a person and worker. It will be your business card and has the function of replacing you when you are not present. It is the best presentation of your personal brand . Normally it is a paper document but if you want to be original and go a step further, you can consider making a short video of yourself (approximately 2 minutes) in which the recruiter can see you for the first time before deciding whether he is still interested in your candidacy.
1. What type of application are you applying for? :
We must differentiate between a cover letter in response to a job offer and a self-candidacy. Which should we write? Without a doubt, both. Although the first may have more chances of success, since you are applying for a position that you know needs to be filled, we must explore all the avenues available to us. Of course, keep in mind that you should use different templates.
Job offer: We must mention the source where we found the offer and the date, as well as the reference, if it is indicated in the advertisement. By having more information about the position you are applying for, you have more possibilities of personalizing it to adapt it to the required needs.
Emphasize that your goal is to participate in the selection process; suggest holding an interview and provide contact information for this. If you have chosen to make a video, you can include a link to the site where you have it hosted, for example, YouTube.
Self-application: Send it to companies that you think may have positions that fit your profile, that is, companies in your sector that you find interesting. Define the area you are applying for, do not leave the subject completely open, it suggests desperation and is not the image you want to convey. Focus the letter on the skills that most identify you with the indicated area and on the interests of the company. Express your interest in being in contact with them.
For example: "Hi! My name is Marta and I was browsing through companies in the sector and I found yours and it turns out that I love it! I am a Community Manager and I work as part of a team, so I would fit perfectly in your Digital Marketing Department. In addition to managing social networks, I also write on a blog (insert link to the blog)/make videos (link to your channel)/design infographics (link to your portfolio), etc."
This is just an example of how you could start, but use your imagination and adapt your message depending on the sector you are targeting.
2. Structure:
Even if you use a template, it should give the impression that it was created exclusively for the company, so focus on their needs, not yours. Do your research, check their website, what their values, mission, vision, etc. are, but never forget to include the following information:
Your data : Don't skimp on information, you want to be located.
Your details : Personalize it. The more details you know about the recipient, the better. (Name and surname, position, department, etc.) If you don't know this information, you can call the company and request it.
Greeting : It can be a formal greeting since it is our first contact (Dear Mr. Emilia Pérez,...), list of brazil cell phone numbers or dare to be closer whenever, when researching the company, you believe you can take that liberty.
Introduction : Always specify the reason for the letter and remember that you are not only trying to find a job to leave unemployment or change companies, you are offering them an important human resource that will undoubtedly add value to the company.
Development : This is the most important part of the letter, in which you must briefly show the capabilities and strengths that make you the ideal candidate for the specific position offered by that particular company.
Conclusion : Once you have presented your arguments, all you have to do is emphasize your interest in continuing to be part of the process by highlighting your availability and contact methods.
Farewell : Along the same lines as the greeting, respectful and cordial. (“Looking forward to hearing from you, I thank you for your attention and send my regards.”).
Signature : Since it is an exclusive letter for that company, it can be handwritten. If you choose to do it in digital format, at least include some detail that personalizes it.
Place and date : It makes a good impression to indicate these details. (“Jaén, August 25, 2016”).
If you have opted for the video option, you can follow this same structure, adapting it to the format. Make a short script and take care of the lighting, clothing, gestures, even the furniture.
3. Present your project:
Explain your work project and your professional goal. Emphasize past experiences and/or projects you are currently involved in. Take care of your personal brand . If you are just starting out and do not yet have a clear idea of your goals, explain the roles you feel most comfortable with and show that you can bring added value to the company.
4. Take care of your style:
First of all, be careful with spelling mistakes, as they give a very bad impression. In addition, communication skills, both oral and written, are a highly sought-after asset for companies today. Read and re-read the text as many times as you consider necessary and, if possible, ask an acquaintance to take a look at it to get another point of view. The length should not exceed one page, so you will have to put your synthesis skills to use, avoid redundancies.
5. Propose an interview to the recruiter:
Let's be clear, that is the real objective of the letter, to convey a positive image that will captivate the interviewer and reach the next step of the selection process, which is none other than the job interview. Also, show yourself confident and determined, saying that you will contact the company within a few days to discuss your candidacy. Of course, do it, don't be embarrassed or afraid of being annoying, show your interest in being part of that company.