A cover letter is another chance for you to highlight your credentials that may be hidden in your CV. In the past, the cover letter is typically a separate document that is mail/post out together with CVs to potential employers. With today’s advance technology and with the internet changing our lives in drastic ways, job portals have made it possible for applicants to upload a specific cover letter, or type out a specific cover letter message.

There are generally two types of cover letters and these can be:

• Application Letter — written in response to an advertised vacancy.
• Prospecting Letter — written to inquire on possible openings.

There’s no excuse for not using the cover letter to secure an interview opportunity! Here are some ways you can include and modify the traditional cover letter to make it exceptional to each case…

1) When submitting applications through email, it may be a good practice to type the contents of the cover letter into the email body. Alternatively, you may also consider including the cover letter in your CV as one document when you cannot type or include a separate cover letter.

2) Your cover letter should complement your CV and be written with a personal touch that communicates the facts of your CV. You may want to include the title of the position you’re seeking on the subject line, along with your name and some credentials, some examples include:

• “Sales Director for APJ — Bernard Lim; President’s Club”
• “Financial Controller — Karen Goh; 10 years experience in China”
• “Marketing Director — Sim Sue Lynn; Social Media Expert”

But of course, how to go about writing your cover letter?

1) Write your cover letters for a specific purpose

2) Include why you are interested and highlight your most relevant skills or experience to the position

3) Keep the cover letter to one page, about 3 paragraphs

4) Include a contact number and email address that can reach you and follow up.

In the meantime, you might want to contact PeopleSearch for a confidential discussion on what’s available in the job market, or know more about writing a good cover letter. We would be happy to help, so catch us via email at marcom@pplesearch.com