14 Tips to Strengthen a Resume

Your job application is like your personal ambassador to a potential employer. Your primary goal is to give a good impression of yourself as a desirable and viable candidate for the vacancy. Creating that good impression begins with the cover letter you send with your CV. It needs to be written to make the potential employer curious about you so they read your CV with interest.

Unfortunately, most Sri Lankan job seekers do not spend enough time writing a cover letter. Often, there is no cover letter that accompanies their CV when applying for a job. Let us change this situation and use the cover letter as an effective tool to create interest in you and your CV.

Why Are Cover Letters Important When Applying for Jobs?

A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer, highlight your qualifications, and express your interest in the position. Depending on how it is written, a cover letter also offers you an invaluable means to arouse the interest of the recruiting manager or Human Resources manager who will be shortlisting applications received. If you can draft your cover letter to appeal to the reader and highlight the most relevant points—qualifications, experience, and passion or interest in the job—you automatically improve the chances of your resume or CV getting a thorough read. A well-drafted cover letter is an opportunity every job seeker must leverage in their best interest.

You can write cover letters for sending with your resume in many different ways. The most effective cover letters, and the ones that arouse interest in your detailed resume or CV, must include a number of essential elements.

Essential Elements to Include in a Compelling Cover Letter

A cover letter is like any other formal letter and needs to include basic elements such as the sender’s (your) contact information and address, the receiver’s designation and address, a salutation, a heading, an introduction, a closing paragraph, and ending elements including a signature. But it must also include other sections that will “sell” your resume so that the reader feels compelled to learn more about you by reading your resume.

Here are the key elements to include in a well-written cover letter that can improve your chances in your job search:

1. Your Contact Information

Include your full name, address, phone number, and a working email address at the top of your cover letter. Ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and professional. If you are applying via social channels such as LinkedIn or WhatsApp, include those as well in the cover letter.

2. Employer's Contact Information and Salutation

Just as you would do on any formal or business letter, include the name, title, company name, and address of the hiring manager or employer. If you only know the company name and address, but not the name and designation of the person to whom the letter must go, you may use a generic salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager" or “Dear Human Resources Manager.”

3. Heading/Title of the Cover Letter

Add a title or heading to your cover letter. You can write it in any of the following formats:

• Application for the Post of [fill in the job role you are applying for]
• [Your Name] - Application for the Post of [fill in the job role you are applying for]

Make sure that the headline is in all capital letters or in a bold font. This will make your letter look well presented.

4. Introduction

Begin with a clear and concise introduction that mentions the position you're applying for. You can also say how you learned about the job opening. Feel free to mention any mutual connections or referrals if applicable.

5. Statement of Interest

Express your keen and genuine interest in the position and in working with the company. Briefly explain why you are excited about the opportunity and how you are a good fit for the role. Be sure to state only what is actually true and what you believe in.

6. Summary of Qualifications and Experience

Highlight your most relevant qualifications and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Focus on key skills, achievements, and experiences that align with the requirements of the job.

7. Personalized Selling Points

Customize your cover letter for every job application by highlighting specific experiences or accomplishments that are mentioned in the vacancy advertisement. Tailor your cover letter to match the specific needs of the employer.

8. Explanation of Career Changes or Gaps

If you have career changes or gaps, clearly explain the reasons. For example, you may have taken time off work to care for a family member or to study full-time. Be sure to explain how those experiences helped prepare you for the job you are applying for.

9. Closing Paragraph

Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. State your eagerness to further explain how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the company and the job post. Thank the employer for considering your application.

10. Call to Action

End your cover letter with a proactive call to action, such as requesting an interview or expressing your willingness to provide additional information. Encourage the employer to contact you to discuss further.

11. Closing Salutation

End your cover letter with a professional closing salutation. Use “Yours sincerely” when addressing the letter to a specific person and “Yours faithfully” when the recipient is unknown.

12. Your Name and Signature

When sending a physical cover letter, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name. For electronic submissions, you may use a digital signature or simply type your name.

13. Use a Postscript (PS.) Where Necessary

Use the PS to ensure readers don't miss things such as attachments. You can also use the PS to share a link to your portfolio if you have it online.

14. Proofreading and Formatting

Carefully proofread your cover letter for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Use a professional font and formatting style. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review it as well.

In Conclusion

Promise yourself that you will send every new job application from today with a well-written cover letter. Make it a compelling document that includes all of the essential elements discussed in this article. Your goal in writing the cover letter is to effectively introduce yourself to a potential employer and make a compelling case for why you are the right candidate for the job. That way, they would feel compelled to read your resume with interest.

The Resume.lk Team wishes you all the best in your new job application.

Check out Resume.lk’s ATS-friendly cover letter templates today. Visit our Cover Letter FAQs for more insights on how to write a compelling cover letter that improves the chances of your CV or resume being read by recruiters.