Horlawoomey:
Very informative, thanks OP.

Benjom:
Do I really need a cover letter?

Well, it depends on the scenario, notwithstanding, as a general rule, ‘YES you do. You need to know how to write a catchy cover letter. The reason is not far fetched. Only about 12% of applicants bother to accompany their CVs or resumes with personalized cover letter. Consequently, you have just separated yourself from the whole lot and indirectly telling the recruiter that you are only interested in their particular job opening and thereby sending your CV off to anyone and everyone – a matter of ‘luck thing’.

For shot, the essence of a cover letter is to explain why you are a great match for the available job. You want to prove to them how your skills, experience, achievements and qualifications meet their requirements. In fact, your cover letter magnifies you! For you, it is a sales tool.
Your cover letter shows your genuine interest in the company to which you are applying. It exhibits you as one having an understanding and appreciation for the position.

Now, on the part of an employer, the absence of a cover letter indicates that an applicant is quite unprofessional and perhaps, through laziness, has not communicated anything thereby acknowledging their CV a wasted effort if it even constitutes one. This is why you need to know how to write a catchy cover letter.

How should I then write my cover letter?

First, it must get the reader’s attention. If you have ever written or read an exceptional narrative essay before, you know that the opening sentence(s) or paragraph means a lot in keeping someone glued to such piece. This approach works best for those who have a familiar person who is already working with the outfit. If you don’t, you can still make your mark by researching about the company in order to build your points. In that case, mention the job you’re applying for and where you found the advertisement.

Second, getting their interest is paramount here. Let them know why you want to work for the company. This will reflect that you have done some research. Give it all you can by searching for information relating to the company online. Then, explain why your application should be accepted by Including your personal information about why you are a good match for the job. Create a strong connection between your abilities and their needs

Third, here, mention your experience, qualifications or qualities you know they are looking for.

Lastly, let them know that you look forward to discussing your qualifications further. Also provide your email address and phone number. Don’t forget to thank them for their time.

So, when next you’re sending your CV out, do yourself a big favour by accompanying it with a cover letter and not just leaving the body of your mail blank. Do everything humanly possible to know how to write a catchy cover letter. Otherwise, engage the services of professionals that are vast in this vicinity.

Check out the attached template.

http://www.benjommediaoutfit.com/how-to-write-a-catchy-cover-letter/