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    Webinar: Cover letters 101

    Kate Warren returns for the third and final webinar of our Job Search Bootcamp series to talk through the ingredients of a standout cover letter. Career Account members can watch the full recording for insider tips on making sure your application stands out.

    By Emma Smith
    While your CV is the most important document to your job search success, the cover letter could be the thing that helps seal the deal and get you that all important interview. It is difficult to know how much time a recruiter will actually spend reading it, but, not having a compelling cover letter could mean you are missing out on some great career opportunities. A cover letter is really your closing argument says Kate Warren, executive vice president at Devex, who joins us for the third and final webinar of our Job Search Bootcamp series. While your CV or resumé details your experiences and qualifications, a cover letter helps the recruiter get to know you a little better and see how you express yourself. “They are really looking to understand your motivations for the job and the employer — why do you want to work for them, why do you want this job?” says Warren. Recruiters also want to see that you really understand the position and what is required of you, says Warren. Your cover letter should therefore be mindful of the particular job you are applying for, she explains, and that often means spending a little extra time researching the employer and tailoring your application. Warren talks through the five ingredients of a standout cover letter, starting with a powerful opening sentence. She also addresses some of the most common challenges of writing cover letters in the age of online applications, such as addressing an unknown hiring manager and getting the tone just right. Looking to make a career move? Visit our career center for expert advice on how to navigate your job search — all you need is a Devex Career Account to get started.

    While your CV is the most important document to your job search success, the cover letter could be the thing that helps seal the deal and get you that all important interview. It is difficult to know how much time a recruiter will actually spend reading it, but, not having a compelling cover letter could mean you are missing out on some great career opportunities.

    A cover letter is really your closing argument says Kate Warren, executive vice president at Devex, who joins us for the third and final webinar of our Job Search Bootcamp series. While your CV or resumé details your experiences and qualifications, a cover letter helps the recruiter get to know you a little better and see how you express yourself. “They are really looking to understand your motivations for the job and the employer — why do you want to work for them, why do you want this job?” says Warren.

    Recruiters also want to see that you really understand the position and what is required of you, says Warren. Your cover letter should therefore be mindful of the particular job you are applying for, she explains, and that often means spending a little extra time researching the employer and tailoring your application.

    This article is exclusively for Career Account members.

    Unlock this article now with a 15-day free trial of a Devex Career Account. With a Career Account subscription you will get:

    • Full access to our jobs board, including over 1,000 exclusive jobs
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    Printing articles to share with others is a breach of our terms and conditions and copyright policy. Please use the sharing options on the left side of the article. Devex Pro members may share up to 10 articles per month using the Pro share tool ( ).

    About the author

    • Emma Smith

      Emma Smith@emmasmith_bcn

      For four years, Emma Smith covered careers and recruitment, among other topics, for Devex. She now freelances for Devex and has a special interest in mental health, immigration, and sexual and reproductive health. She holds a degree in journalism from Glasgow Caledonian University and a master’s in media and international conflict.

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