8 Easy Rules to Writing a Winning Cover Letter

Alongside your CV a well-written cover letter is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to getting your first apprenticeship. Whereas your CV will be a dry pre-fitted form outlining your accomplishments, impressive achievements, education and work experience, a cover letter allows you to show your true colour. Use it to let your prospective employer understand a little more about who you are as a person, what motivates you, and what your passions are.

That being said, you have to be careful not to end up writing a cover letter that resembles a conscious stream of thought. On the contrary, you want to demonstrate to your employer that you have put in a lot of thought into your answer and that you can really articulate why you want to work for them and why you are passionate about the industry you want to work in.

Rule 1: Keep it simple

Remember, the person reading your cover letter most likely has to read hundreds of similar letters. As you can guess, it can get quite boring very quickly, but that doesn’t mean your cover letter can’t make a tedious task that much more interesting.

Keep it short, three paragraphs at most. Hiring managers might not even bother finishing a cover letter that is too long.

Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself and highlight the position you’re applying for. Describe where you’re from, the languages you speak, and any particular skills that you may have. You want to make a strong first impression and the best way to do this is by making your first couple of sentences as powerful as possible.

Rule 2: Don’t be afraid to show your passion

Companies want to see that you are committed. What better way to do this than show them how passionate and driven you are?

That being said, it’s not enough to just say it. Companies want to see that you can back it up with some kind of evidence. It’s

all about demonstrating a commitment to what you are pursuing. Why do you want to work in that industry? What drives you? What excites you? And how do your past actions show that? These are all questions companies will be asking when they read your cover letter, and you need to have the answers!

It’s you against all the other applicants. You need to show them why you deserve the opportunity more than they do.

Rule 3: Don’t make it too formal

This follows on from Rule 2. Believe it or not, companies want to hire humans not robots (at least for now). They want to get a feel for your character and they won’t get this if your cover letter sounds like it’s been written by a stuffy old dude.

You’re young and inexperienced so embrace it. It’s as much of an opportunity as you think it is a detriment.

Use common language to demonstrate yo

ur excitement with the apprenticeship (after all, this could be a life changing opportunity for you!). This will convey more of your personality and make your cover letter sound a lot more genuine.

Rule 4: Research, Research, Research

There is no point applying to a company that you have not researched the company well. Believe us, if you don’t, it will come through and you won’t be invited for an interview.

You want to show the company that you really want the job. The best way to do this is to make sure you commit some time to really researching the company. Read forums, read articles, read interviews given by employees who used to be in the apprenticeship programme. All these things will factor in to cultivating an image of the company and you will then be able to use these impressions to speak frankly and honestly about why you want to join the company and why you will be a good fit.

Rule 5: Don’t use templates

Nobody that ever used a cover letter template ever got a job as a result of that cover letter.

Managers are better than you at cover letters. They have read through thousands so don’t think you can fool them after writing only a handful. They can smell the BS and will end up throwing your application straight in the trash.

Rules 6: Show your worth

Companies will only hire you if they feel you will add value to their company. Otherwise, companies would just go bankrupt. So show them.

Illustrate to the company why you are valuable and what makes you a good hire. This ties in well to the research point. Doing your research will familiarise you with the companies business and their needs.

Use this awareness to demonstrate how you will use your skills to succeed in that job role specifically. Talk about those experiences you have had that taught you those skills. And always remember to prove your abilities Remember, any one can say that are good at something, but can they prove it?

If you can show a prospective employer what problems you’re going to help solve for them then you’re immediately in the top 10 percent of applicants.

Rule 7: Highlight extracurricular activities

It feels over exaggerated but it’s true. The most successful people in the world have an abundant variety of interests. Regardless of whether they are directly relevant to their jobs or not, eventually they will shine through.

You want to show you are a well-rounded and interesting person, and you are! Show how you excelled in these activities, the responsibility you had, and what the experience taught you.

Rule 8: Get Help!

Don’t be embarrassed to ask people for advice. After all you’re young and inexperienced so you can’t know everything.

Know somebody in the industry? Or someone in the same company? Or somebody who simply has a lot of work experience? Reach out to them.

You will be surprised to find out that most people are really nice and more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Trust other people and you will certainly witness the benefits.

By making sure you follow these 8 simple rules when writing our cover letter we promise that it will end up looking significantly better! Good luck!