After writing your CV, the next step is to do a cover letter. We have created this blog to be your helpful guide to creating a great cover letter. 

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent to hiring managers describing why you are the right candidate for the job. It also complements your CV as you are able to expand on your skills and experience.  In addition to this, you are able to demonstrate your writing skills and show off your personality.

An engaging cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and highlight your most desirable skills and traits, and it can create a great first impression in the hiring manager’s eye.

Some ServiceNow jobs will state a covering letter as a requirement for application; others won’t. It’s always a good idea to include one even if it’s not specifically requested, as it allows you to expand on your skills and attributes and sets you above the competition.

Think of it like this – your CV lists your skills and experience. Your cover letter is there to expand on how you fulfil the job spec and create interest in order to make the employer even more interested in you as a potential employee.

A good cover letter should include in-depth information about your skills and why that will make you the right person for the job. You must convince the hiring managers to hire you in your cover letter as well as including what value you will add to the company.

Is your cover letter enhancing your application – or letting it down? Here’s how to ensure you’re making your cover letter work hard for you.

How to write a cover letter?

1. Contact information

Firstly, at the top of your cover letter, include your contact information. This is so recruiters can easily find your name and information to contact you. 

2. Address the letter to the hiring manager

The next step you should take is addressing your letter to a specific person. This usually will be the hiring manager or department. If you are unable to find the hiring manager’s name, look on LinkedIn. If you type in the company and then hiring manager, you may be able to find a name.

This adds a nice personal touch to the cover letter and it demonstrates you have researched for their name. As a result, you will impress the hiring manager.

3. Introduction

Once you have addressed the hiring manager, the next section will be the introduction paragraph. You should state the purpose of your cover letter in this section. Keep it straightforward.  

This section should only be a few sentences. You should describe the role you are applying for, why you are interested in the job and the company. As well as what makes you the perfect candidate for the role. 

4. Main paragraphs

After the introduction, will be your main paragraphs. This should be no more than two paragraphs. Highlight the value you will add to the company. As well as the responsibilities of your position, projects you undertook, and skills you gained. These must be relevant to the role. You should emphasise you role in these experiences. For instance, if you are applying to one of our ServiceNow jobs, you should highlight your experience or qualifications in ServiceNow.

You must not summarise your CV in this section. Explain why your skills and experiences make you the right person for the job. Our tip is to incorporate keywords from the job description into this section.

Moreover, in these paragraphs, you should use action words. For example, addressed, accomplished, directed, integrated, redesigned, investigated, or negotiated. This avoids overusing the word ‘I’. By using action words, you are showing what the company can gain from hiring you. 

5. Closing paragraph

Once again state your interest in the position, the company, and why you are a good fit for the role. 

You should also include a call to action in the closing paragraph. Invite the hiring manager to follow up with you. 

Additionally, thank the reader for their consideration, state you look forward to hearing back from them, and include your signature at the very bottom. 

Formatting

Finally, visual consistency makes a big difference, and it is a nice professional touch. Keep your cover letter to one side of A4 and use the same font and size as your CV. 

Do a thorough proof to ensure what you have included makes sense. Then let your recruiter read it through before they send it for you.

We hope this helped you in writing your cover letter! If you are looking for tips on how to ace an interview, check out our blog!

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