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.

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