What a Covering Letter Should Consist

Why should they choose you?

With all the candidates out there, the employer often wants to know why you think they should choose you. There are many psychological reasons why this is one of the most popular questions for interviews. This 'Why you?' part of the covering letter is also the one that most people struggle to write because it is so personal and it requires creativity to write and be convincing.

A general outline to answer the question of 'why you?' includes:

• your understanding of the sphere of the work and position you are applying for
• knowledge of the company
• the particulars of the placement and
• how you fit the criteria

For example, you can write in your covering letter:

"I have a great interest in journalism."

However, this will leave the employer wondering why. It is an empty statement without an explanation. Instead of just saying that you have an interest in something, you should answer the question 'why do you have a burning desire to become a journalist?' After all, anyone can claim that they have an interest in something but few people can show all that they have a burning desire and it is that fire in your eyes that translate into a good covering letter the employer wants to read and then meet with you. If you cannot explain why you want to become a journalist, it may be wise to not make the statement at all.

If you have a strong interest in an area, tell your employer in your covering letter how you decided to pursue this career. But, keep it brief in the cover letter. Remember, a covering letter is just a guide to your resume and you want to keep the employer wanting more so that they will give you an interview. Besides, not all employers are interested in reading a long essay since there are tons more candidates to go through.

By telling a short story about your career path, you are showing the employer a logical thought process which will be explored in any interviews that you application forms and credentials generate for you. This part in the cover letter is critical especially when your degree subject is not obviously a match for the job.

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