It’s an exciting time applying for your first job as a support worker and you want to make sure your application is perfect. Including a well-written cover letter will get you past the rejected bin and onto the interview pile. But what is a cover letter and what should it include?
It can seem like a daunting task writing one for the first time but it needn’t be – just follow our tips and soon you’ll have a letter that will wow any hiring manager.
What is a cover letter and why are they used?
A cover letter is your chance to shine and show a recruiter all the amazing things you have to offer – it covers the personal support worker role you are applying for, why you’re applying for it and what makes you the best person for the job.
It’s not simply a place to regurgitate your CV but rather a chance for you to summarise your qualifications and experience and add to it. It is also a chance to give the employer an insight into the type of person you are.
To get it right you need to get into the mind of the hiring manager – what are they looking for? What skills do they want? Do you meet their requirements and how can you show them you do?
What you should I include?
- The basics – Before you wax lyrical about all your skills start with a sentence stating the job you’re applying for. A cover letter should be kept quite short and concise, preferably no more than one side of A4 (you’ll have a chance to tell them lots more about yourself at interview).
- Why you want the job - This one is pretty important and you need to describe why you want the job and why you would be perfect for the role of a support worker. You could talk about your interest in helping people and offer different forms of support: financial advice, housing advice, educational, health etc.
- Why you are suitable for the job – Look at the skills listed in the job advert and relate them back to yourself. Skills particularly important to support workers are the ability to listen, build relationships with patients, empathise and deal with people in a dignified and positive manner.
- Mention experience – If you have some work experience or previous work history as a support worker, then mention it plus any key responsibilities or skills you learned and how they are relevant to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you volunteered in youth club mention it!
- Lack of experience - Don’t worry if you don’t have much experience, try and think about any qualities or skills you do have and match those to what the employer wants.
Top tips
- Keep your letter short, concise and to one side of A4
- Make sure your letter is typed with your name and address
- Don’t rewrite your CV, provide the edited juicy highlights instead
- Reflect your personality
- Relate your skills, qualifications and qualities to those listed in the job description
