01Do You Need A Cover LetterLearn about the purpose of a cover letter and why it is necessary Show
02Do Your ResearchCurate your story according to the needs of the role and organisation 03Craft an Engaging Cover LetterStructure your content in a succinct and impactful manner 04Polish and SubmitProofread and review for inconsistencies before submission 01Do You Need A Cover LetterA cover letter is a one-page document that is often used in tandem with resumes. Cover letters present the opportunity to showcase your personality, give context to your accomplishments, and inform them of your suitability for the role in a way the traditional resume cannot.  Why Is A Cover Letter Necessary?
How Is a Cover Letter Different from a Resume?Both a cover letter and a resume aim to illustrate that you have the right skills to excel at the job for which you are applying. However, they are very different in terms of structure and intent. While complementary, they each are unique. Let’s take a look at the following application for a teaching role. If a principal received this graduate’s resume without a cover letter, he might not consider calling this promising young teacher up. Why? Student's Resume SampleHe has prior F&B experience e.g. chef, cashier, closing manager.
Student's Cover LetterHe articulated why his experience in F&B makes him suitable for a teaching role.
The resume alone creates the impression that the student is suited for a restaurant manager position because his key experiences point towards that. However, the inclusion of the cover letter provides invaluable context that shows the principal how these experiences make the applicant a strong candidate for a teaching role. It can set him apart from other candidates by telling the employer:
The cover letter allows him to frame his work experiences to suit the job role. Differences in Resume and Cover LetterResume
Writing a good cover letterExample of a well-written cover letterAn effective cover letter is likely to grab attention from the recruiters and deliver focus on your key skills and experiences. When carefully crafted, a cover letter may land you a chance at interviews even if your resume may be lacking.
Example of a poorly-written cover letterA poorly written cover letter may do more harm than good, and it may even derail your chance at interviews.
A tailored cover letter should always be included in your application because it allows you to share your unique story and distinguish yourself from other candidates.
02Tailor your approach by doing researchAs with a resume, there is no one-size-fits-all cover letter. It should always be customised specifically to the job and company you are applying to. Prepare effective cover letter content by studying the job description, conducting market research, and curating your cover letter to the needs of the role and organisation. Do Your Research
Get more tips on how and where to do your research. Putting Your Research TogetherA good cover letter articulates a great fit between the applicant and the company. Sample StatementI read that ABC has recently pledged 2 million dollars annually to charity through pro-bono services, and is encouraging employees to do the same by implementing reward schemes. This commitment would benefit the community invaluably and I am drawn to the opportunity to be part of this positive force. In the example above, the candidate has used his research on the organisation’s latest news on its corporate social responsibilities to illustrate why he is motivated to take up this role. He has also shown that he has taken the time to understand the organisation by keeping up with the current news. Therefore, before you begin writing your cover letter, start with doing research on the industry, company, and the role. You only have a few paragraphs to make an impression. Each sentence that you include in your cover letter should be purposeful. 03Craft an engaging cover letterThe hiring manager’s overall impression of you depends on the coherence and flow of your letter. Ensure your letter meets formatting guidelines and standards. You want your experience to stand out, not your formatting or style choices. Anatomy of a Cover LetterContent of a Cover LetterAddress and Salutation Objective: To add a personal touch and to invest the reader in the letter How? Address the letter to a named person if possible. You may find the hiring manager’s name via: How do you address a cover letter if you cannot find the hiring manager’s name? If so, use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using greetings like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”. Salutation: A basic cover letter salutation will begin with “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s name. Opening Paragraph Objective: To capture the reader’s attention with a clear and concise introduction. How? The opening paragraph usually includes: Body Paragraph 1 (Interest) Objective: To show your interest and motivation to work in the role and organisation How? Explain why you are genuinely interested in the role by showing knowledge in the role/organisation. I have also read that ABC is expanding its joint venture with XYZ Medicine International, a global leader in oncology, to advance cancer care in Singapore. ABC has exceptional appeal for me because of its vital mission to improving healthcare and reducing illness through research and continuous learning. I am keen in applying the problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills I have honed in my undergraduate studies to contribute to ABC’s growth. Body Paragraph 2 (Technical Skills) Objective: To discuss your fit with the position and the company How? Assuming you have done the research in *link to Tailor Your Approach*, highlight a technical skill that makes you best suited for the role. You should use relevant examples that demonstrate these skills and use keywords or phrases from the job description that reflect the same. Use this framework to craft your paragraph:
Body Paragraph 3 (Transferable Skills) Objective: To discuss your fit with the position and the company How? Similar to Body Paragraph 2, highlight a transferable skill that makes you best suited for the role. Some examples of transferable skills are leadership, collaboration, project management and innovative thinking. You may have developed these skills from your project work, co-curricular activities, overseas exchange, and local/global internships. Use this framework to craft your paragraph:
Closing Paragraph Objective: To have a strong close How? Summarise with polite assertiveness, without sounding pushy or cliché:
Distinguish your cover letter by using different ways to illustrate your examples – e.g. key achievements, statistics, etc. Taking into consideration the tone and culture of the organisation is very important as well. 04Polish and submitFinally, be sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter. Typos and grammatical errors will demonstrate a sloppy work ethic to the employer. Even the smallest error can work against you during the job application process, so take the time to get it right.
Do’s and Don'ts of Cover LetterDo's
Don'ts
01Do You Need A Cover LetterA cover letter is a one-page document that is often used in tandem with resumes. Cover letters present the opportunity to showcase your personality, give context to your accomplishments, and inform them of your suitability for the role in a way the traditional resume cannot. Why Is A Cover Letter Necessary?
How Is a Cover Letter Different from a Resume?Both a cover letter and a resume aim to illustrate that you have the right skills to excel at the job for which you are applying. However, they are very different in terms of structure and intent. While complementary, they each are unique. Let’s take a look at the following application for a teaching role. If a principal received this graduate’s resume without a cover letter, he might not consider calling this promising young teacher up. Why? Student's Resume SampleHe has prior F&B experience e.g. chef, cashier, closing manager.
Student's Cover LetterHe articulated why his experience in F&B makes him suitable for a teaching role.
The resume alone creates the impression that the student is suited for a restaurant manager position because his key experiences point towards that. However, the inclusion of the cover letter provides invaluable context that shows the principal how these experiences make the applicant a strong candidate for a teaching role. It can set him apart from other candidates by telling the employer:
The cover letter allows him to frame his work experiences to suit the job role. Differences in Resume and Cover LetterResume
Cover Letter
Writing a good cover letterExample of a well-written cover letterAn effective cover letter is likely to grab attention from the recruiters and deliver focus on your key skills and experiences. When carefully crafted, a cover letter may land you a chance at interviews even if your resume may be lacking.
Example of a poorly-written cover letterA poorly written cover letter may do more harm than good, and it may even derail your chance at interviews.
A tailored cover letter should always be included in your application because it allows you to share your unique story and distinguish yourself from other candidates. 02Tailor your approach by doing researchAs with a resume, there is no one-size-fits-all cover letter. It should always be customised specifically to the job and company you are applying to. Prepare effective cover letter content by studying the job description, conducting market research, and curating your cover letter to the needs of the role and organisation. Do Your Research
Get more tips on how and where to do your research. Putting Your Research TogetherA good cover letter articulates a great fit between the applicant and the company. Sample StatementI read that ABC has recently pledged 2 million dollars annually to charity through pro-bono services, and is encouraging employees to do the same by implementing reward schemes. This commitment would benefit the community invaluably and I am drawn to the opportunity to be part of this positive force. In the example above, the candidate has used his research on the organisation’s latest news on its corporate social responsibilities to illustrate why he is motivated to take up this role. He has also shown that he has taken the time to understand the organisation by keeping up with the current news. Therefore, before you begin writing your cover letter, start with doing research on the industry, company, and the role. You only have a few paragraphs to make an impression. Each sentence that you include in your cover letter should be purposeful. 03Craft an engaging cover letterThe hiring manager’s overall impression of you depends on the coherence and flow of your letter. Ensure your letter meets formatting guidelines and standards. You want your experience to stand out, not your formatting or style choices. Anatomy of a Cover LetterContent of a Cover LetterAddress and Salutation Objective: To add a personal touch and to invest the reader in the letter How? Address the letter to a named person if possible. You may find the hiring manager’s name via: How do you address a cover letter if you cannot find the hiring manager’s name? If so, use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using greetings like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”. Salutation: A basic cover letter salutation will begin with “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s name. Opening Paragraph Objective: To capture the reader’s attention with a clear and concise introduction. How? The opening paragraph usually includes: Body Paragraph 1 (Interest) Objective: To show your interest and motivation to work in the role and organisation How? Explain why you are genuinely interested in the role by showing knowledge in the role/organisation. I have also read that ABC is expanding its joint venture with XYZ Medicine International, a global leader in oncology, to advance cancer care in Singapore. ABC has exceptional appeal for me because of its vital mission to improving healthcare and reducing illness through research and continuous learning. I am keen in applying the problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills I have honed in my undergraduate studies to contribute to ABC’s growth. Body Paragraph 2 (Technical Skills) Objective: To discuss your fit with the position and the company How? Assuming you have done the research in *link to Tailor Your Approach*, highlight a technical skill that makes you best suited for the role. You should use relevant examples that demonstrate these skills and use keywords or phrases from the job description that reflect the same. Use this framework to craft your paragraph:
Body Paragraph 3 (Transferable Skills) Objective: To discuss your fit with the position and the company How? Similar to Body Paragraph 2, highlight a transferable skill that makes you best suited for the role. Some examples of transferable skills are leadership, collaboration, project management and innovative thinking. You may have developed these skills from your project work, co-curricular activities, overseas exchange, and local/global internships. Use this framework to craft your paragraph:
Closing Paragraph Objective: To have a strong close How? Summarise with polite assertiveness, without sounding pushy or cliché:
Distinguish your cover letter by using different ways to illustrate your examples – e.g. key achievements, statistics, etc. Taking into consideration the tone and culture of the organisation is very important as well. 04Polish and submitFinally, be sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter. Typos and grammatical errors will demonstrate a sloppy work ethic to the employer. Even the smallest error can work against you during the job application process, so take the time to get it right. Do’s and Don'ts of Cover LetterDo's
Don'ts
Get inspiration with writing cover letterAcknowledgementsWhat is the first part of a letter called?The Salutation
The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always formal. It often begins with “Dear {Person's name}.” Once again, be sure to include the person's title if you know it (such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr).
What gives us a first impression of a company or a person?Showing confidence when you greet someone for the first time gives a good first impression. Etiquette expert Emily Post suggests you should always do five things when meeting someone – look them in the eye, give a firm handshake, greet them by name, say your own name slowly and clearly; and smile.
What are the 3 parts of a cover letter?A cover letter should be 3 paragraphs – Introduction, Sales Pitch and Conclusion.
How do you make a good first impression at work?10 steps to make a great first impression at work. Get enough sleep. You may have received this advice when prepping for a big exam or event. ... . Dress appropriately. ... . Be a little early (or at least on time) ... . Smile and make eye contact. ... . Introduce yourself. ... . Take initiative. ... . Ask questions. ... . Listen and take notes.. |
