Writing a good cover letter is important as it is usually the first contact you'll make with a prospective employerEmbarking on the job market can be a daunting prospect, especially for graduates who are fresh out of college and have little practical experience in their chosen field. However, there are some ways that you can plan ahead and prepare in order to give you the very best chance of success in applications, interviews and beyond.
Write a good cover letter
Writing a good cover letter is important as it is usually the first contact you’ll make with a prospective employer. When recruiting, they will most likely have a stack of letters and resumes to go through so make sure yours is concise and straight to the point. Start your letter with an introduction stating why you are interested in the job before detailing your experience, qualifications and anything else that might make you the right candidate for the role. Edit your cover letter in accordance with the job you’re applying for and try not to use the same one for multiple applications.
Practice interview questions
If you get to interview stage then it is useful to research and write down a list of potential or commonly asked interview questions and plan your responses in advance. Not only will this enhance your performance in the interview but it will make you feel calmer and more prepared beforehand.
Research the company
As well as planning answers to your interview questions it’s important that you are able to demonstrate a good understanding of the company. Look into their aims, objectives, successes and most importantly, the role you are applying for. You can only give a convincing interview if you know exactly what you are interviewing for and how you can add value to the company as a whole. After all, these people could potentially be your future colleagues so you owe it to them, and to yourself, to have a good understanding of what the future could hold alongside them.
Don’t give up
Unfortunately, there will be times in your job search when you are unsuccessful. There may even be times when you experience a ‘radio silence’ from employers. This lack of feedback can be frustrating and disheartening but learn not to let it dent your confidence too much. Instead, keep looking and have faith in the fact that the right role for you is out there still waiting to be found.
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