4 Tricks That Captures HR Manager’s Attention

And keeping off trivial but costly elimination traps at the same time catching the attention of the recruitment team remains a priority.

“Most people mistake cover letters for a replica of the curriculum vitae,” Caroline Mwangi, HR Crown Beverages points out. “Unlike the CV, it should be a brief and straight-to-the-point letter. It is your selling point and make sure as you market yourself, highlight your achievements and experience as you tread alongside the specifications in the job advertisement,” she says.

Here are some of the first glance details that get the HR’s attention to your cover letter and move you to the next stage.

1. Appealing Outlook

cover letterThis must have been one of the most drummed-about skills in language lessons throughout all levels of schooling. The appearance of your letter matters and yes the Human Resource are doing the same thing; judging you based on the aesthetics of the material in your cover letter. “Matters to do with format are very important given that HRs receive so many applications to deal with. Add that to the limited time needed to shortlist the candidates, you can see how looking at the appearance of the letter plays an important role in determining whether you’ll be shortlisted for the interview or not,” says Ms. Flora Otieno, HR Manager Kenatco Taxis.

2. Be Brief
Long narratives are good for essays but the HR wants something he or she feels can be read in the shortest time possible. “Three paragraphs should be enough,” says Ms. Mwangi. “Do not be too wordy; say where you’ve worked and in what setup and briefly outline your expertise.”

According to Ms June Njoroge, career advisor, Corporate Staffing Services, your cover letter should have the first introductory paragraph saying who you are; the second outlining your knowledge and skills; and the third your competence and personal traits. “The last paragraph should ideally be dedicated to signing off,” she says.

3. Mirror the Job Advert
“Your letter should show that you understood the role you are applying for even before you applied for the job,” says Liza Shaka, HR Manager Monarch Insurance. “For entry level jobs for example, in the insurance sector, stating that you did a B.com in Insurance will grab my attention as a possible candidate and possibly forward it to the person doing the short listing. Other jobs will detail specific skills needed in the advertisement and being able to bring that out clearly in the cover letter will give you preference over another person who did not.”

“We often skim through the cover letter,” adds Ms Caroline Mwangi.  It need not be very detailed but we often search for key words. Where do you pick them from? The job advertisement will give you those keywords. Use them to your advantage and the HR upon seeing them will wish to see what’s in your CV thereafter.”

4. Smart Choice of words
You must have heard the phrase “having a way with words” and even in writing, this skill does not go unnoticed by the HR’s eyes. According to Ms. Flora Otieno, language and choice of words plays an integral role in the HR’s decision to shortlist a candidate. “For example, someone who writes in a clear, precise manner and includes words like: young, energetic, team leader, motivate, will definitely rate higher than another who doesn’t.”