S1 Ep17: The How and Why of Cover Letters (Summer Repeat)

In this episode, Siobhán Murphy, Careers Advisor
is joined by her colleague and fellow Careers Advisor,
Sharon Burke, to unpack Cover Letters. They discuss the
importance and relevance of Cover Letters in a competitive jobs
market.

This episode was recorded on May 12th
2020.

0:05 - 00:38


Introduction


Introduction to the topic by Siobhán Murphy and introduction to
Sharon Burke (Careers Advisor, DCU).





00:38-2.47


What is the Purpose of the Cover Letter


An Employer wants to know three things - can you do the job, will
you do the job and why do you want to work for them? The Cover
letter addresses these three things and rounds out the
information supplied in the CV. Yes, do supply a cover letter
with your CV even when you are not asked for it.





2:47 -5.38  


Why is it really important to supply a Cover
letter


Particularly in a competitive jobs market, recruiters can use it
as a way to reduce the list of candidates that meet the criteria
for interview. Employers want to know how and where you can add
value.  HR can spot a generic cover letter a mile away.





5:38-6:20 


Evidence of Written Communication Skills


The cover letter displays your written style and how you
influence the reader.  Grammar is critical. 





6:20-8:11


Who will read the Cover Letter


Hiring Manager, HR, External interviewers and key members of
staff. Like the CV - important that it is easy to speed read.
Avoid long complicated paragraphs.





8:11 -12:17


How do you begin the Cover Letter?


Analyse the job description, identify your strengths in relation
to the role, matching where possible to their description.
Provide the employer with the evidence that you can do the job.
Research the company, and the industry. Personalise and Tailor to
the company. Research the website, their social media, follow the
company on Linkedin. Identify, vision, mission and values. Look
for other sources of information, such as newspapers, customer
reviews, business podcasts.





12:17-13.05 


Cover Letter Format


Basic description of the format of the cover letter including how
to address and sign off.





13:05-17:15 


First Paragraph


Explain why you are writing to them and what position you are
applying for. Introduce yourself and what course of study you
have just completed or are completing.


For Speculative letters, explain that you are applying for any
relevant work opportunities including short term/project work.
Discussion re using current experience of studying online and how
adaptable you are to working with an online team.





17:18-19:26


Middle Paragraph one - Why you for the role


Explain how your talents and abilities match to what they are
seeking. It is not a list, it is a high-level summary - linking
those key pieces of evidence together.





19:26-20.39


Middle Paragraph two - why the company?


What resonates with you about what they do. Connect into their
mission and vision and very importantly their culture.





20:39-25:26 


Top Tips


Sharon and Siobhán share their top tips. Sharon recommends
researching the company and conveying your enthusiasm for the
role and Siobhán recommends to actually do a cover letter and to
remember the value of it.