Recruiters look for these things in a cover letter

You are about to submit your Resume for a new role and you aren’t sure
whether to go to the effort of adding a cover letter, does anyone read them anyway? 
Well you may be surprised to hear that Hiring Managers love reading a cover letter.
Of course they do……...  

To help you write a cover letter that lets your future employer peek behind the proverbial curtain just enough to be intrigued and left wanting more, we have created these useful tips on what you will need to include to get the attention you need to get the job that you want. 

Now, when applying for a job, it’s important to remember that you are trying to present yourself in the best possible light to demonstrate that you are the one for the job, it is your opportunity to really showcase your unique skill sets that will set you not only apart from the other 50 applicants but ahead and secured in your new role. 

A cover letter, if done right is an opportunity to have a private audience with the hiring manager so that you can whisper sweet nothings into his ear about how great you are for culture because you align with their values and because you are a master in your field you have tailored an interesting story that will have them in stitches whilst showcasing your skills and personality. 

This is your chance to get creative and show them your va va vooooom, so let them see that you had fun with it. Fun does not mean unprofessional, never cross that illusive line because often you can not come back from it. 

Things to not only include but to SHOUT from the roof tops: 

Aligned Skills:
What skills do you have and how would they be helpful in this role? Sell yourself!!!

Relative Experience: 
A quick summary only! 

Why you applied for the role, how did it make you feel reading the job brief?
Why have you sent in an application to work in this role for this company? Do some research and explain why this is the role and company for you! 

Education - School of Life - Traditional School or however you got that special something that sets you apart from the others.   
Have you completed any further studies? Include them in your cover letter. 

Correct Contact Details:  
How can the hiring manager be in contact with you? 

An authentic greeting:  
Start your cover letter with ‘To the Hiring Manager’ or ‘Insert Name’ if the hiring manager's name is provided in the advert.

THINGS TO AVOID: 

Spelling Errors:  
Please pay some attention to your spelling!! Use spellcheck if you need to! 

Large Chunks of Information:   
Your cover letter should be short and sweet (one page maximum).
 
References:  
Not needed on a Cover Letter. As we have said, short and sweet.

Dot Points:  
Leave these for your CV!
   

BE YOUR QUIRKY SELF, LET THEM SEE YOU, YOUR SKILLS AND YOUR HUMOUR.
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, BECAUSE YOU ARE AWESOME! 

A well written PERSONALISED cover letter that is cleverly constructed to tell the story of YOU can be the difference between you hearing those magic words YOUR HIRED or hearing those words, "thanks we will keep your details on file". 

When you need help creating an exceptional Resume or Cover Letter, talk to our expert recruitment team at Murdock Education Recruitment, we are here to help you succeed, and don't forget to put your best foot forward!