Like many other countries, the pandemic has severely affected the business and employment landscape in Bangladesh. An unprecedented need for strategic change across companies, notably cost-cutting moves, has dictated the fate of the workforce, as recruitment activities are either stopped or greatly altered. There has been an undeniable change in the job market, and those looking for work now face a bigger challenge for getting hired. So, the question is, what does it take, at the moment, to find a job in Bangladesh?
There are several aspects of applying for a job and getting that first step into the corporate zone. But today, we will focus on the cover letter. Contrary to what some believe, a good cover letter to go along with your resume is vital. The art of writing a cover letter involves summing up your experiences and passion together in a way that will attract your employer. Writing this letter will define your personality, and will give the employer a clear perception of how you can best fit their organization.
This guide will go over:
- Preparing your cover letter
- Getting done with the basics
- How to get noticed in your cover letter
- How to format your cover letter
- Summarization
What Is a Cover Letter And Why Is It Important?
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and your professional background to your employer. Here is why you need to have an appealing cover letter
- A well-structured cover letter increases your chances to get an interview call
- It can demonstrate your competence in your desired job and create a positive impression about you
- In contrast to your CV which represents your skills and qualifications, your cover letter gives your employer insight into your personality and your passion for the applied position
Preparing Your Cover Letter
You need to do your homework before making your move. Know about the team as much as you can. To do so, you can start with the company’s business website and their social media handles. Then slowly explore their sister websites, newsletters, news, and journals to explore the industry and its cultures.
Finding this information will ensure that you are fully updated on the current industry trends and pain points in your sector. You can also utilize the data to understand the company’s needs and how you will serve them.
Pick the right tone while writing your cover letter, and make sure it reflects the culture of the organization you are applying to. As you have already gone through the company profiles, chances are that you will be familiar with it. But as different departments have different working principles, you need to deep dive.
Now, look at your cover letter from your hiring manager’s point of view. Try to reflect your relevant capabilities, work experiences, and skills in the message. The right approach to writing your CV and cover letter can help you stand out from the pack.
Getting Done With the Basics
Think of the cover letter as your first meeting with your manager, how you would be concerned about your appearance, and hoping to make a good first impression. Put the same attention to your cover letter, as it is, in fact, the first time you are formally presenting yourself to the organization. Here are some basics you need to think about:
- Check for grammatical errors: Grammar and spelling mistakes look unprofessional. Too often these aren’t conscious mistakes but typos that were never double-checked. Always recheck your document a second or even third time. You can also use online spell-check and grammar correction tools to be sure.
- Be confident: Avoid words like you “believe” or “feel” that you are a good fit. Just mention with a positive assertion that you meet the requirements, and back it up (without going into detail) with your relevant skills or experiences.
- Avoid jargon: Use appropriate technical terms. Always be sure about the person you are writing to. Your letter should be straightforward and understandable. Try to avoid overused phrases too.
You can also read up on certain things that employers look for in a job candidate, in order to ensure that you meet the requirements.
How to Get Noticed in Your Cover Letter
In the local job market, SMEs, as well as big business firms, have been affected by the pandemic. Chances are that on the road to recovery, organizations will be more focused on liquidity and continuity. For instance, they will reduce non-essential costs. Very soon you won’t be the only one looking for a dream opportunity. This is why you need to make sure you are prepared.
To get caught on a glimpse of your hiring manager, here is what you need to do.
Introduce Yourself
The first paragraph is key. The first few sentences need to attract enough attention so that the employer wants to continue reading.
Try to write with a compelling tone. You could say, “As a Content Writer with 3 years’ experience in leading my team to reach monthly targets, I was excited to see your job opening”. It sounds more personalized and appealing than “I am writing to apply for the role of Content Writer which I found on Linkedin.”
Let Them Know Why They Can’t Escape You
In the next phase, describe what you can add to the role. Briefly mention your achievements from your previous jobs that are relevant to this one, and why that allows you to bring new things to the table. Let them know the responsibilities you can handle in this position.
Be straightforward and write out your best experiences and achievements in short, easily readable paragraphs. But be careful not to sound overconfident and do not overstate or exaggerate your achievements.
Show Your Enthusiasm
To be considered for the position, you need to show your passion and not just qualifications and experiences. Describe why you were drawn to this job advertisement. Say why the organization or the role appeals to you. For example, you can write about the importance of the role, and your thoughts on how this role can contribute to shaping the organization. By doing this, you will be noticed as an engaged, committed, and passionate person to your employer. Starting from your cover letter to your final interview, you need to hold your breath to serve the best to their plate. Here are some interview tips to ease the next follow-ups from the organization.
Request for Follow-up
In the end, summarize your proposal and let them know you are available for an Interview. Closing the letter is your final chance to show them your enthusiasm. So try to utilize this paragraph. For example, you can say something like “I have enjoyed every single challenge that has come my way and always delivered outstanding results. I am eager to meet the team and share the values that I have learned throughout my experience.”
How to Format Your Cover Letter
Whether you are submitting your cover letter in hard copy or via email, you have to maintain the core format guidelines. Here is how you should layout your copy:
- Write your full name and mailing address at the top of your cover letter and align it to the right.
- Write the full name of the prospective employer and company address. Align it to the left.
- Begin with “Dear” and then the name of your manager. If you don’t know the name, you can address it to the HR department.
- Try to use the most common fonts which are clear and easy to read.
- Try not to write longer sentences. Put space in your paragraphs.
- Leave space under your last paragraph and close the letter with writing “Yours sincerely” or “Best regards”. Then leave a couple of lines blank and then give your signature.
Final Words
So this was all about how to write an appealing cover letter to get you noticed. Here are the key takeaway points that you should remember:
- Place your full contact information at the top of your letter
- Try to address your hiring manager by name
- Introduce yourself properly and show off your achievements
- In the second paragraph, address your employers’ requirements and emphasize your strengths in delivering those
- In the third paragraph, explain why you want to join the team
- Explain your proposal and provide a call to action
- Sign off with a formal closing with your signature
- Try to keep the letter short and to-the-point
- You can hyperlink your portfolio
Finally, just remember that your cover letter should be concise, clean, and easy to read.
We wish you good fortune.
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