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If you’ve seen a job advertised that you want to apply for, you might be asked to send your CV along with a cover letter.
A cover letter is, as it suggests, a letter that offers a short personal introduction. It explains who you are, why you’re applying, what your strengths are and why your skills fit the role.
Below, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to write a cover letter and what to include to stand you in great stead for bagging that job!
It’s a good idea to go to the company’s ‘About us’ page where you can read what they’re like, see their mission statement, grasp their tone and get a good idea of what they are looking for in a new recruit.
We’d also suggest you take a look at their social media accounts, and Google any recent news articles about them that you can refer to. If you want them to be interested in you, you need to show they you’re interested in them.
You’ll want to keep your cover letter short and punchy. Any longer than an A4 page is too much. We’re talking four paragraphs, keeping to the main points.
Start by finding the name of the hiring manager, the person listed in the job advert and address your letter to them. Nothing screams ‘no enthusiasm’ more than a message that starts ‘To whom it may concern’.
Remember that the person reading your letter could also be wading through 100 others, so you’ll want yours to stand out. Avoid the standard ‘I’m applying for the cybersecurity role as advertised on LinkedIn’.
Go for something bolder, like: ‘Fixing and securing systems is what motivates me, making this cybersecurity apprenticeship a perfect fit for my goals’.
Getting the balance right here is crucial. You want to show that you’re keen to learn and excited to work there because you’ll bring positive energy to the team. But coming over as desperate is not a good look.
You’ll need to include why you want to work for the company and how your strengths perfectly suit the role. Keep it brief but give good examples of experience you have that would fit in well with what the company is doing.
It might look something like, ‘My cybersecurity skills have been honed through hands-on practice and independent study, exploring how systems work and how to protect them. I’ve enjoyed taking part in online courses and controlled experiments, enabling me to apply my knowledge in the real world’.
To close your cover letter, you’ll need to be short and direct, without being pushy. You could try something like, ‘I’d love to come in and speak with you about what I’d be able to offer your company in this role. I appreciate your time and consideration.’
Don’t forget to sign off with ‘Best wishes’ or ‘Regards’ before adding your name at the end. Read your letter and double check it for spelling, grammar and anything that sounds unnatural.
Ask someone who knows you well to read the letter and see if it sounds like you! If you do use AI to help you write it, make sure you can answer any questions when quizzed in your interview!
