When it comes to creating a good CV, a wide variety of information is available. Crafting a targeted, effective covering letter, however, can be a skill in itself. It can sometimes take more effort than the actual CV, so here are our tips on how to compose the best covering letter for a role in asset management.
Firstly, it is important to remember that covering letters have a different role to play in the application process than CVs do. CVs are intended to give potential employers a good overview of an applicant’s abilities, experience and qualifications, and are a showcase for the applicant and their skills.
The covering letter, on the other hand, is a short, sharp introduction to encourage the employer to continue reading the CV - a quick ‘why pick me?’ to convince them that they should not reject the applicant at this early stage.
Asset management cover letters.
A good covering letter should be short – just a couple of paragraphs – and should not repeat content that is already in the attached CV or application form. The covering letter should, instead, focus on giving a summary of why the applicant is applying for the role, mentioning a couple of the essential requirements that the applicant possesses that make them perfect for the role. It should sell the applicant as a person with desirable skills, whilst the CV communicates more fully what those skills and experience actually are.
Refer back to the job advertisement to cross check what essential attributes the employer is looking for, and make a brief reference, with proof, to possessing those attributes. An advertisement for an asset management role, for example, could mention that candidates will need at least three years’ experience in facilities management, as well as excellent project management skills. Demonstrate those skills in the covering letter. Do not simply claim that you have them, prove that you do by saying, for example, “in my five years’ experience as a facilities manager for X, I managed their on-going renovations project and was awarded a bonus for successful completion every year."
Tailor your content.
Always make sure that you tailor your covering letter for every employer and each role, rather than a standard “I would really like to work for you” missive for all vacancies.
Employers need to see that candidates have thought properly about the financial services jobs for which they are applying, both in terms of whether they are suitable for the role and would be an asset to the company, as well as whether they would genuinely enjoy working for the company.
A couple of sentences such as “I am keen to help Company X expand its asset portfolio and make the most of the exciting assets it already owns, such as Building Y”, would demonstrate a knowledge of the specific company and their asset management needs.
Finally, it is important to make sure that everything you send out is spellchecked, including CVs and application forms as well as covering letters, and that you keep copies of all documentation. In that way, when the dream interview comes up, a quick re-read of the applicable covering letter and CV will be a straightforward matter.
