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How to write a compelling cover letter for your procurement CV

Written by: TopCV
Published on: 21 Mar 2018

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Laura Slingo at TopCV, the largest CV-writing service in the world, shares advice on how to write a compelling cover letter that complements your procurement CV.

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The cover letter is the most underrated part of any job application. Most job seekers assume that their cover letter is a rewrite of their CV, and so put very little effort into writing one, if at all.

But a cover letter is your number one chance of explaining those key skills on your CV and highlighting your interest in the role and the company. It’s the ultimate way of speaking to the prospective employer before the actual interview.

Here’s how you can write a compelling cover letter that complements your procurement CV.

Conduct some research

Before you begin writing your cover letter, conduct some research on the company and the vacancy to make sure your letter is impactful and succinct.

Things to think about include:

  • Why you’re interested in the role
  • The skills and experience referenced in the job description
  • The company, its culture, and market position
  • New stories featuring the business or industry trends
  • Who you should address the letter to
  • Iron out the structure

Now that you are armed with relevant details, you can begin writing your letter. Start by addressing the person who’s receiving the letter. If you’re not sure who this is, do your best to find out. Not only is it more professional and personal, but if you’ve had to go out of your way to find the correct recipient, it shows how proactive you are.

Paragraph 1: Open your cover letter by stating the position you’re interested in, where you found the vacancy, and why you’re applying. If you’re attaching your CV, point this out too.

Paragraph 2: Then zoom in on one or two of your most relevant skills and experiences referenced in your CV. Expand on these notable achievements and show how they make you a suitable applicant for the position.

Paragraph 3: In this paragraph, showcase your knowledge of the company and sector and highlight your compatibility. Tell the employer why you want to work for them but remember to link your points back to ways you can boost the business’s success, rather than aid your own growth.

Paragraph 4: In your concluding paragraph, thank the recipient for taking the time to read your cover letter and supply your availability for a callback with your contact details. They’ll know exactly how and when to contact you if you have secured an interview.

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Get the formatting on point

If you’re attaching your cover letter to an email or posting it, adopt a formal business letter format. Place your address in the top right-hand corner, followed by the company’s address just underneath on the left, and the date.

If you’re emailing your application, your cover letter can be in the body of the email – this makes the recruiter’s life a lot easier as it reduces the amount of paperwork they need to keep track of. Just remember to remove the addresses and the date on your letter and start the email by addressing the recipient, the same as any other email.

Your cover letter should be around an A4 page in length, but don’t worry if it’s only half a page. As long as you feel you have added the right amount of relevant information to support your application, you’re onto a winner. Sometimes a shorter letter can be more powerful than a longer document where you’ve fought to boost the word count.


 

TopCV offers a range of CV-writing services including expertly-written and keyword-optimised CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles. It is currently offering a free CV review to help you land your dream job.