The first time I had to write a job cover letter I was like, what am I doing lah? It was so stressful! Memang berlambak template online, but I couldn’t tell where to start or which template was “most correct”. Same for CVs and resumes jugak. It 100% felt like I was just stumbling around in the dark.
If you’re feeling a mix of nerves like I was, don’t worry ’cause I’ve been there and I’ve got some useful tips to share.
A Job Cover Letter Is Where You Shine
Not every job will ask you to send a cover letter, but I 10/10 recommend sending one anyway! It’s your chance to make a memorable first impression and give hiring managers a taste of your personality. Here are some tips I wish I knew dulu-dulu:
- Start with a Name: Skip the generic “To whom it may concern”! Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible. It shows that you’ve done your research and take this opportunity seriously. You can get creative here as well – “Dear Future Employer” maybe? 👀
- Sound Like Yourself: Anyone can tiru cover letter online, but no one else can sound like you! Allow your personality to take center stage. Talk about your passions and how they relate to the job, or share why you chose them over every other company to start your career with. A casual tone and humor can go a long way too!
- Don’t Be Repetitive: Usah lah repeat whatever is already in your CV. This was my mistake when I wrote my first cover letter. Consider highlighting one or two specific achievements and the stories behind them instead. How you got that A is more interesting than just saying you got an A!
- Keep It Short & Sweet: Picture this, you’re the employer reading loads of job cover letters in a day. Kau nak baca ke essay panjang-panjang? Lots of employers don’t have time to read long cover letters, so keep your around three to four paragraphs.
- Baca Balik: Grammar and spelling checks are important! I still cringe over the time I spelt ‘qualities’ as ‘qualitees’ D: If you’re trying to get hired, an error-free cover letter will give the impression of being a detail-oriented person, which is always a plus.
But of course, you can also break many of the rules. You can use your creativity to show why you’re made for the job instead of telling them. I found this cover letter a couple years ago, and it completely changed my mind about what cover letters are ‘supposed’ to be like.
Okay, now CV pulak. Short & sweet tips incoming!
Your CV should give employers a snapshot of your qualifications, skills, and experience. While cover letters bukan selalu, CV usually perlu. So it’s really important to make yours standout!
- Make It Personalized: One size does not fit all when it comes to CVs, so always tailor your CV for each job application. I used to have a generic one, but I find that personalizing them helps me highlight skills that are more relevant to that specific job application.
- Design & Organize Your Info: Bulletpoints and headings can be your best friends! It makes it easier for employers to skim through your CV for the info they’re looking for. Lagi neat your CV, lagi senang mata memandang. And sama macam cover letter, takyah panjang-panjang. 1 or 2 pages cukup!
- Focus on Achievements: If you have previous working experience, don’t explain your job duties. Instead, show employers what you achieved. It’s not “I designed social posts”, but more “I designed over 100 posts, which helped my company’s social media following grow by 10%!” 😉
- Include Extracurricular Activities: If you’re a fresh grad, list down the clubs, organizations and leadership roles you had in college and uni! Putting in that I was part of my college’s outreach society gave employers something to ask me about beyond just my grades.
- Create & Link Your Portfolio: You know how they say talk is cheap? Well, a portfolio is a way to show, not tell. Even if you lack professional experience, be sure to compile your coursework or projects yang kena with the job you’re applying for, and add a link to it in your CV to show employers what you can do.
Anddddd that’s it! Harap-harap you can learn from my experience and make your job cover letter and CV much better than my first attempts. (Thought of sharing mine with you here tapi I paiseh lah!) I know it can be super daunting, but I hope my tips come in handy. And if you don’t hear back from an employer, please don’t let that discourage you because there are still a million and one other opportunities! Good luck kawan <3
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