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Cover Letters - Do You Need to Write One?

Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • Jul 22, 2024

Whilst general opinions are mixed on whether you should enclose a cover letter with your CV for a job application, cover letters really give you the chance to personalise your application and stand out to a prospective employer. In short, the answer is yes! With this in mind, here are some of the benefits of including a cover letter and some tips on how to write one.


Introducing Yourself

Your CV contains all the work related information your potential employer needs to know but writing a cover letter is your chance to properly introduce yourself and add a touch of personality. A well written cover letter will allow the employer to familiarise themselves with you and get a real sense of who you are, adding weight to your accompanying CV.


Highlighting Your Abilities

A cover letter will further highlight your abilities and your suitability for the new role and leave the potential employer with no doubt about your skills and availability. Include the strengths you possess which are most aligned with each role and application to get closer to a chance at an interview.


Showing You are Serious About the Position

Taking the time to write a cover letter for each job you are applying for will show the recruiter that you are serious about the application and gaining employment within their organisation. Remain professional but don’t be afraid to let them know how passionate you are about the role.


Showcasing Your Communication Skills

A cover letter will effectively showcase your communication skills and how you present yourself through the written word. Most available roles will require some degree of satisfactory communication skills, so this is an excellent way to prove how well you can communicate from the start.


Our Tips -

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Each Application

It’s really important that you tailor each cover letter to the organisation and the role you are applying for as sending out a generic cover letter to several companies will be noticed and can even go against your application; even if your CV is on point. An employer wants to feel like you are serious about the position and gaining a role within their company.


Research

As above, don’t start a cover letter blind without researching the organisation you are applying for. There are two benefits to doing this research, you can completely tailor your cover letter, which will make it easier to write and you will also get a sense of the company values and ethos which will ideally align with your own.


Proofread

This one is vital, always proofread your cover letter before sending it on to a hiring manager or recruiter as there may be mistakes you have not picked up on when writing it. Mistakes don’t come across well in cover letters and you could even be viewed as sloppy or not thorough in your work. If you need to, get a friend or family member to take a look and get a second pair of eyes on it.


Provide a Call to Action

Your call to action is always the last few sentences at the end of your cover letter and will be the last thing a hiring manager will read before potentially reaching out to you. Express your gratitude for their consideration, remind them of your strongest skills relevant to the job and politely request a follow up in the form of an interview.

 

Looking for the perfect role? Browse our latest vacancies here and if you need any further support with your job search, please reach out to our team.

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Job Rejections: Keeping Up Momentum

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 30 Sept, 2024
There is no doubt about it, job hunting is tough, especially when you’re dealing with rejections. It’s natural to feel disheartened when you’ve spent hours perfecting your CV and attending interviews, only to receive the dreaded “Thank you for your interest”. The key to your success lies in how you handle these setbacks and keep up your momentum. Here are our top tips on staying motivated and keeping up the momentum after job rejections, let’s dive in. It’s Not Personal Rejection is very rarely a reflection of your abilities. There could be many reasons why you didn’t get the job, maybe they found someone with just a bit more experience or a better cultural fit, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. In the competitive job market, rejection is part of the process. Keep reminding yourself that every rejection is just a step closer to “You’re hired!” Seek Feedback If possible, ask for feedback. Some employers are happy to give you an insight as to why you weren’t selected, which can be a valuable tool for you moving forwards. You might need to simply tweak your CV, brush up on interview techniques, or develop specific skills. Constructive feedback helps you improve and get you ready for your next opportunity. Focus on What You Can Control Rejections can make you feel powerless, but there are always things you can control. Focus on enhancing your job search strategy. Polish your LinkedIn profile, expand your professional network, or sign up for online courses to boost your skills. Taking positive action keeps you proactive and helps progression. Create a Solid Routine Job hunting can take a lot of energy, so it’s important to structure your day to maintain motivation. Set aside specific times to apply for roles, update your CV, and practice interview skills. Treat the job search like a job in itself, this will help you stay organised and prevent burnout. Celebrate Wins Got an interview? Updated your CV? Received positive feedback? Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Each one is progress, and keeping a positive mindset will help you stay on track. Stay persistent and believe in your potential. The right opportunity will come along, and when it does, you’ll be ready to grab it! Remember, rejection is part of the journey to finding the perfect role. Keep going! If you need some tailored support in your job seeking journey, our team can help. We have over 35 years’ experience in the recruitment space. Contact us here .

LinkedIn Poll Results - September 2024

by Simon Clark • 18 Sept, 2024
This September, we delved into the factors that keep professionals committed to their current roles. Through our monthly LinkedIn poll, we asked our network: "What motivates you to stay in your current role?" The responses provided a clear view of what truly matters to employees in today's job market. Dominating the poll, 'Company Culture' was identified as the primary motivator, with a significant 50% of the vote. This result emphasises the growing importance of a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment. It reflects a shift towards valuing how the workplace feels and functions over more traditional factors, suggesting that a strong company culture is not just appealing but essential for retaining talent. 'Job Security' followed as the second most cited factor, garnering 33% of responses. In an ever-changing economic landscape, the desire for stable and secure employment remains a critical concern for many, highlighting its role in influencing employee loyalty and satisfaction. Surprisingly, 'Career Progression' accounted for only 17% of the vote, indicating that while important, opportunities for advancement might be taking a backseat to more immediate workplace satisfactions like culture and security. Remarkably, 'Remuneration / Salary' received no votes in this month’s poll, a striking insight that challenges the conventional wisdom about monetary compensation being a top motivator. This result suggests that today's workforce may prioritise emotional and career stability over financial incentives. These insights are invaluable for employers looking to improve retention strategies. At Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment, we understand the importance of aligning recruitment practices with the evolving priorities of the workforce. By fostering environments that emphasise culture and security, businesses can better meet the needs of their employees, ensuring long-term engagement and loyalty.
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