Having a competitive CV will help you land that job you’ve been eyeing, and a compelling cover letter could also play a part.

A cover letter is your ticket to securing your spot in a competitive role. And as recruiters, we’ve seen many cover letters. Some are great, some are mediocre, and some are just downright bad.

If you’re applying for a job in IT, it’s important to understand that the market is competitive, and you have to make sure you stand out from the pool of applicants.

And how can you do this? Of course, by writing a compelling cover letter.

A cover letter should convey your interest in the role, your credentials, achievements, and what you can contribute to the company.

It should be brief, yet impactful and comprehensive enough to leave a mark on the hiring manager or recruiter.

Here are a couple of tips to help you get started:

1. Be specific.

Rule of thumb: Do NOT send a generic cover letter to every job application.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for. This shows the recruiter that you’ve taken the time to research the company and understand the role.

2. Highlight your relevant experience.

IT job openings are for candidates with specific skills and experience relevant to the role. Make sure you highlight your credentials, expertise, and relevant experiences in your cover letter. Be specific about the projects you’ve worked on, what you contributed, technologies you’ve used, goals you’ve accomplished, and results you’ve achieved.

3. Show your passion for the industry.

Convey your passion and desire about the role and industry in your cover letter. Talk about why you love the industry and what motivates you to work in it.

4. Keep it concise.

While showing your personality while writing your cover letter helps, it’s easy to get carried away and come up with a lengthy piece. Keeping it as short and concise as possible is the way to go.

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have all the time in the world to read a lengthy cover letter, and a super long one may put them off reading it at all. Keep it straightforward, short, yet intentional. Make sure to highlight relevant project experiences and skills and avoid rambling about unrelated topics.

5. Use keywords.

Most recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through CVs and cover letters. Make sure to include relevant keywords from the job posting in both your CV and cover letter. This will help you get past the ATS and into the hands of the recruiter, ensuring a better chance at getting shortlisted.

6. Proofread your cover letter.

Ensure your cover letter is typo and grammar error-free. Proofread your cover letter before hitting that send button. Do it several times until you’re confident and satisfied. Or better yet, have someone else proofread it for you to catch any minor mistakes you might have missed. It always helps to have a set of fresh eyes!

Writing a compelling cover letter that will get the attention of hiring managers and recruiters is challenging, but there sure are steps you can take to ensure you’re on the right track.

The key is to keep it short, engaging, concise, showcase your relevant project experiences, results you’ve achieved, and to convey your genuine interest in the role.

All the best in your job hunt!

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