JOB seekers often underestimate the value of a cover letter to the application process and end up writing pieces that either go to the bottom of the recruiter’s pile, or worse. The cover letter is an opportunity for the job candidate to illustrate his/her communication abilities and market him/herself to recruiters. The quality of it determines whether you are called to an interview or not, so should therefore be well-written and targeted.

We got some good advice from Ann Marie Thomas of the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ) and compiled this list of how to produce a letter that gets noticed.

1. Research the company and the position

A background check on the company to which you are applying is one of the most important steps in cover letter writing, and it will help during your interviews. It is important to familiarise yourself with the company’s mission statement, goals, values, and significant achievements. These will help inform your choice of workplace, and will allow you to verbalise your cover letter.

2. Tailor your letter to the particular job you’re seeking

Don’t include expressions like “…or any other job that suits my qualifications” and don’t write one standard letter for all your applications. It should be specific to the job and company to which you are applying.

3. Personalise the letter

The days of “Dear Sir/Madam” are long gone. Personalise the letter using the relevant manager or recruitment consultant’s name. Job seekers must be more proactive and diligent in crafting cover letters. Recruiters are pleased to read a letter when they are addressed personally. It also suggests an interest in the company.

4. Don’t regurgitate your CV

Your letter should introduce you to the recruiter and articulate why you are a good match for the role; it shouldn’t list your qualifications and experience since they are already on your résumé or CV. It should state clearly the position for which you are applying, the skills you have that are relevant to the position, and specific things you accomplished in your previous job.

5. Avoid fancy fonts

Use a standard, easy-to-read font. Using fancy fonts may force employees to put your cover letter at the bottom of the pile with the intention of never giving it a second glance. Fonts such as Times and Arial are examples of standard and easy to read ones.

6. Avoid clichéd expressions

A dynamic cover letter is a great way to ensure that your cover letter stands out. Rather than frequently used terms such as ‘organisational skills, committed, ability to deal with stress’, give examples that provide evidence of this. A success story creatively intertwined in your cover letter will work in your favour.

7. Watch your tone

When you review you cover letter make sure that the language used is not boastful. Regardless of how qualified you are you do not want your employees to feel that you are an egoist or that you believe that you are entitled to the position.

8. Use positive and forward-looking language

Write: “I am prepared to quickly familiarise myself in a new specialist field” rather than “As I have been unemployed for some time now, I am no longer familiar with the most recent developments”. The former suggests that you adjust to the work environment easily. However, the latter is docile and suggests hesitance to learn.

9) Limit your letter to three or four paragraphs

The first paragraph should spark the employer’s interest. Provide information about the benefits the employer will receive from you and list two or three of these benefits. The second paragraph should provide details about your professional and/or academic qualifications. If you do not have a lot of solid experience in the field you are trying to enter, focus on key skills that can easily transfer from your previous work experience to the job you are applying for. Use the third paragraph to market yourself. State why you are a good fit for the position, while showing knowledge of the company. In the fourth paragraph ask for the job interview, and express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job. This should fit on a single page.

10. Edit and proofread

The small stuff is often the most important process of writing your cover letter. Ensure that your letter is free of all errors. Proofread and ask others to double-check for you as well. The most unattractive thing is for your propective employer’s first impression of you is that you are clumsy, or that you are not keen on details.