1. It should be about the role just as much as you.
A good cover letter at least makes an attempt to determine what the employer’s need is and then explains how your experience will help meet it.
2. Choose your words carefully.
If you send your CV via email then the message you include may be treated as your cover letter. In this instance, keep it short. Your only aim here is to get the hiring manager to open the CV.
3. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each potential job.
Potential employers have individual needs. Your CV needs to address how your skills and experience will suit a specific role. Some firms will be keen to nurture the next generation of designers, others may be put off by grand design skills and are really looking for a more down-to-earth approach.
4. Keep it short and sweet.
Ideally, you should only need one to two pages for your cover letter, and one to three pages for your CV should be sufficient.
5. Check, check and check again.
Attention to detail is an admirable trait. Spelling mistakes are a surefire way to make an instantly poor impression.
6. The personal touch.
For some practices, a professionally presented hard copy of your CV will go down well – and if it’s easy for you to hand-deliver, even better.
7. Ask someone else to proofread your letter.
It is always good to get someone else to double-check your covering letter, they might spot things you missed such as any spelling mistakes or bad grammar.
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