With the new year around the corner, the festive holidays are a great time to think about a career change. In the lull between Christmas and New Year you can use the time to reflect on the last year and think about the direction you want your career to go in. It is also valuable time to research potential jobs, perfect your cover letter and update your CV.  

Your cover letter is the first thing your potential employer will see from you. If you want them to even consider your application or CV, it is vital to get the right information across in a well-written, professional manner. To help get your career change started we have pulled together some top tips for creating your cover letter.

Keep it professional

Unless you know the name of the recipient of your CV, then using ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ is completely acceptable. When signing off your letter remember to use ‘Yours sincerely’ if you have named the recipient or ‘Yours faithfully’ if not.

Strong first and last paragraphs

Your cover letter should not sound generic. The first paragraph should state what you’re applying for, where you saw the job advert and a brief summary of why you want the job at this particular company. The final paragraph should recap your skills and reiterate why you are right for the job. It is also a good idea to end on a positive note such as ‘I look forward to hearing from you soon’.

Highlight the main skills you possess for the role…not the skills you don’t

Choose two to three of the most relevant skills/experiences from your CV which make you a great fit for the role on offer. Use these to form the basis of each paragraph explaining in brief detail how they match the criteria for the position with evidence. Remember you are selling yourself to your potential employer – do not highlight skills that you don’t have i.e. ‘although I do not have experience of this…’.

Research

Make sure you emphasise your enthusiasm for this specific role within this company in particular. Research the company thoroughly and explain what it is that attracted you to apply to work for them. What would make you an asset to that company?

Reflect your personality

Your personality can help you stand out from the crowd. If your potential employer identifies a quality in you that will enhance the team and the company it is more likely they will want to find out more about you within an interview. Are you naturally enthusiastic and sociable, or do you have a passion for the latest technology? Mention it if you think it is relevant.

Read through it more than once

Read it yourself, get someone else to read it and read through it yourself again. Grammar and spelling mistakes will stand out. One might be forgiven, but any more than that will make it appear like you have not taken any time over it.

If you are really unsure about how to put a cover letter together, or you want some reassurance that you are on the right track, take a look at someone else’s. Friends and family are sure to be on hand to help. Even better would be to find someone who receives applications themselves to give advice.

Ten Live’s recruitment experts are here to discuss a potential career change with you. Over the festive period we are available between Christmas and New Year to help answer any questions you may have in the lead up to a career change.

Our team of recruitment consultants are experts in their fields, highly-skilled and experienced in placing the most talented individuals with top UK and international companies. We will go that extra mile to support candidates throughout the recruitment process and even after you have been placed in a role.

Ten Live can help you find a new job to follow the career you’ve always wanted. For further information get in touch with specialist recruiters at info@tenlivegroup.com or call 01236 702 007.