Job Search Step 2: Draft a covering letter

Step 2 of the Job search process: Drafting a covering letter

At first thought, this seems like a simple enough request. Send-in your resume with a brief covering letter that will outline your suitability. Think of it like the trailer for a movie. If the trailer is good, you'd see the movie right? Small wonder then that effective trailer producers are a much sought after bunch.

What's surprising is the number of people who fail to send in covering letters with their CV's, even well-written ones. Why? My guess is sheer laziness. I mean, here is an opportunity to use additional space to reel in the recruiter, pique their interest and to differentiate yourself from the competition. Common sense would dictate that it is a mandatory requirement that one must grab and fully utilize.

Remember that the first thing a recruiter sees is the subject of your email (I'm not dealing with hand-written or typed applications as they are practically outmoded nowadays). The next thing is the covering letter. Only then is the attached (usually, unless indicated otherwise) CV downloaded and opened.

What would you do if you received a blank email with an attached CV? What kind of an impression will it give you about the applicant? Wouldn't it be helpful if you could see at a glance, like a preview, what good stuff the CV contained? Wouldn't a well-written, personalized covering letter prompt you to consider the applicant more favorably than the others?

Since the need has been established, read on for the elements:
1. A subject line indicating the position applied for
2. A greeting (it pays to cozy up to the recruiter dude!)
3. A brief (couple of lines) introduction
4. A paragraph outlining your suitability for the position
5. An effective closing
6. A digital signature with all possible contact details (you want the job right? Make it easy for them to get in touch with you.)

There! Wasn't that simple?

Disclaimer: As before, need an effective covering letter? Show me the money.... er... I mean send me your requirements.