A good curriculum vitae (CV) cover letter focuses on explaining why the applicant is qualified for the position rather than repeating information already included in the CV. Instead, it should provide new or more detailed information that a potential employer might find interesting. It should also attempt to link the applicant’s skills and experience in the CV to the job for which they are applying.
A CV usually only contains a few basic sentences, whereas a curriculum vitae cover letter demonstrates a candidate’s ability to write more clearly. When reading a poorly written letter, employers may infer a disorganized mind. All paragraphs should be double-checked for spelling and grammatical errors, and each one should flow logically from the previous one.
A curriculum vitae cover letter should follow the same format as a standard business letter in terms of presentation. This standard varies depending on the culture. When applying for a job in a foreign country, one should research how that country’s citizens are taught to structure formal business letters and adapt his or her own accordingly.
Cover letters for CVs are usually similar in most English-speaking countries because standard business letter formats are also similar. However, the standard letter-sized paper in some of these countries may differ. Most employers are more concerned with the content of a printed page than with its size, but it is probably best to give the employer what he or she is used to in terms of presentation whenever possible.
When writing a cover letter for a curriculum vitae, keep the employer’s best interests in mind. While it’s important to show enthusiasm, a cover letter should focus on why the applicant is perfect for the job rather than why the job is perfect for the applicant. The main goal of the letter is to show why a candidate is the best candidate for a specific position. It is critical to tailor one’s cover letter to the specific job role and organization as much as possible. A generic cover letter makes the applicant seem generic as well, and it is unlikely to attract much attention.
A curriculum vitae cover letter should only be used when applying for a job. It should not be sent in the absence of a CV or in situations where a query letter would be more appropriate. A query letter is an uninvited advertisement for one’s own services or a request for information about job openings. It is typically much shorter than a cover letter and does not include a resume.