How to Write a Professional Cover Letter to Get a Startup Job

A cover letter should be prepared by the company and position applied for; you can think of it as an attachment that gives you a chance to express yourself, your experience and why you want this job most accurately while applying for a job. You need to mention which position you are applying for and your suitability for the job. Make sure that the information on your CV matches the information you include in the cover letter.

There are 3 main elements you should mention about yourself when writing a cover letter:

• First, you can include information about your character traits that would not have a place in your CV. Remember, anyone can include information on how they motivate themselves or how hardworking they are. So be sure to give at least one example of a personal character trait that is unique and genuine. 
• Second, you can talk about your skills but make sure the things you mention are not in your CV. Don’t forget to include at least one example here, just like your personal characteristics.
• Finally, mention your experiences in the job you applied for in your cover letter. Even if you are looking for a wide range of jobs, it would be an ideal choice to include transferable skills in your field of work. To make a great impression, include topics such as your previous work experience and performance at these jobs, awards and achievements in your cover letter.

Don’t do these!  

• Don’t create a general profile: Creating a very general profile that can be included on any candidate’s CV is a mistake you should avoid. The reason this is called a “cover letter” is that it is a personal description text about you. So make it as unique as possible and reflect your true personality! 
• Spelling and grammar mistakes: Be careful of any grammatical and spelling errors. Always check your cover letter before sending it over. 
• Using a bullet list and keywords: Use full sentences when composing your cover letter. Bullet points and keywords are for your CV, your cover letter should be fluent text when read by someone else. 
• Don’t jabber: Get your thoughts together! Using too many adjectives and creating long sentences will only confuse the person reading it. After writing your first draft, read it out loud -this will help! 
• Don’t focus only on the job description features: A cover letter is a section that makes you stand out. Yes, employers look to see if you have the qualities they are looking for in the job; but they also look for a little more in your cover letter. Take care to include at least one personal and original statement in your cover letter that will leverage you among other candidates.

Last check

Ask yourself these 3 questions after finalising your cover letter:

1. Who am I and what am I looking for?
2. What skills and characteristics do I have that will enable me to be successful in this job?
3. What am I passionate about this job that I think will add to my self-development?