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How to Write a Cover Letter (+ Free Cover Letter Template)

Not sure how to write a cover letter? JobStreet gives some tips, plus a free downloadable cover letter template.

Having a cover letter that leaves a good first impression is important. It gives your job application the best chance of being noticed.

Think of the cover letter as a pitch. It is a way for you to introduce yourself and share how you are a match for the job for which you are applying. While your resume lists your skills, experience, and achievements, your cover letter puts all these together in one short document in line with the job you are applying for.

Singapore-based life coach and founder of Life Work Global Han Sam Lai shares that it’s important to include your personal brand in each application, and ensuring that it is consistent across your resume, cover letter, interview and online presence.

“It is common practice to “interview” you by looking you up online. When you think about your professional brand identity, you want to build a brand that is true to you, while at the same time attractive to prospective employers. It is important to define your brand using your unique value proposition that will showcase your specific mix of skills, background and expertise,” she says.

Further, a cover letter is a good way for you to tell employers why you are applying for the job. It also shows an employer that you have researched about the organisation. A good cover letter will make your application more noticeable to an employer. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a cover letter:

1. Match Your Skills And Experience To The Job That You Are Applying For.

The cover letter is a more specific summary of your profile, with emphasis on skills and experience that are relevant to the job. Sam adds, “It can also include relevant voluntary work or board positions that may not come up in the recruitment process”.

2. Keep It Short.

Employers go through cover letters even more quickly as they read resumes. Keep it short and straight to the point.

3. Do Not Repeat What Is In Your Resume.

Choose important points to highlight that are relevant to the job. Describe how these points make you a good fit for the position.

4. Customise A Cover Letter For Each Job Application.

Customising a cover letter lets employers know that you have done your research about the company and the job that you are applying for.

To make it easier for you to write a cover letter, here’s a template that you can follow. This can be the start of a great cover letter that will make your application stand out.

5. Proofread Your Cover Letter.

After using the template to write your own cover letter, do not forget to proofread it. Make sure that the names and details are correct. It might help to have someone read it for you to be extra safe.

Now that you have an idea of what a cover letter looks like, you should also work on your resume. Here are more tips for writing a cover letter and how you can make yours sound impressive even when you have no work experience.

If your CV and cover letter are good to go, let the search for #JobsThatMatter begin. Update your profile at JobStreet and find work that will bring you passion and purpose.

Don’t forget to visit the Career Resources Hub for more expert tips and advice on building a career and for more information on your rights and benefits as an employee.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

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SEEK Asia, a combination of two leading brands JobStreet and jobsDB, is the leading job portal and Asia’s preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia’s presence span across 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world’s largest job portal by market capitalisation. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

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SEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprising a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people’s lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.