How to write a cover letter that will help you land a finance job

Posted by Fed Finance Canada in Our employment advice
Posted at 18/12/2018
How to write a cover letter that will help you land a finance job
Many candidates who want to land a position in

Many candidates who want to land a position in finance focus all their energy on fine-tuning their CV, while not putting much effort into their cover letter. However, an effective cover letter can help you get your foot in the door of an organization, even if your resume isn't all that impressive.

Here are some things to consider that will guide you when writing a cover letter that will help you land a job in finance.

The importance of greetings in the cover letter

Employers and recruiters working in the financial sector appreciate employees who demonstrate a high degree of initiative. In this respect, it is recommended to do some research and find out the name of the person who will likely read your cover letter. You can then address him personally and start writing your letter with personalized greetings. This way, you will be more likely to engage the reader than if you use canned phrases like "to whom it may concern".

Elements to include in your introduction

The introductory paragraph is the best place to reveal why the job offer you are responding to has piqued your curiosity. This first paragraph should also mention the name of the person who referred you, especially if the person is employed by the finance organisation you wish to join. Indeed, for a recruiter, reading a familiar name can create a connection almost instantly.

You must also, through dynamic writing, succeed in engaging the reader. To do this, you can include a short passage on the company or an overview of your qualifications.

Demonstrate your skills in the body

The paragraphs that make up the body of a cover letter should be used to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Even if many of your skills are already listed and explained in detail in your CV, it is still worth mentioning them in a conversational style, which is more captivating for the reader.

To successfully highlight your most relevant skills for the position, use the exact wording of the job description to describe your skills and experience. The reason for this is that cover letters are often scanned by computers that search for the keywords used in the official job offer. During the automated process, only cover letters containing a sufficient number of these key terms related to the position are retained.

Don't forget to conclude your letter

A cover letter should end on a high note! Mention how and when you plan to follow up and let the reader know that you are interested in further discussing the position. Finally, personally thank the recruiter for the time he or she has devoted to reviewing your application.

In summary....

A well-written cover letter will help you promote your application and increase your chances of getting an interview. Take the time to follow the above tips to show the employer how strong you are as a candidate for the position.

If you would like more job search advice, don't hesitate to contact Fed Finance specialists. They can answer all your questions about recruitment in the financial sector.