Make your cover letter work harder for you

When applying for jobs as a housing professional, your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and showcase why you're the perfect fit for the role. A well-crafted cover letter can complement your CV and help you stand out from the competition. With employers often sifting through tens, if not hundreds, of applications in a crowded housing industry, making your application shine is essential.

Personalisation: Address your cover letter to a specific person, if possible. Avoid generic salutations like “Dear Sir/Madam”. Do your research: get to know the company or organisation you are applying to and tailor your cover letter to its values, culture and needs.

Introduction: Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention and highlights your interest in the position. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself, mention the specific role you're applying for, and briefly explain why you're excited about the opportunity. Example: “I am excited to apply for the housing officer position at [Company Name], advertised at Housing Jobs. With my background in social housing and community engagement, I am eager to contribute to your team.”

What makes you the right fit: Explain why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they align with the job requirements.

Know who you are talking to: Show that you’ve researched the company. Mention any recent news, projects, or initiatives that resonate with your professional values or experience.

Conclude with a call to action: Express your desire for an interview and your enthusiasm for the opportunity. For example: “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Thank you for considering my application. Yours sincerely…”

Make your CV work hard for you: Use a clean, professional template with clear headings. Make sure it's easy to read at speed by using consistent formatting, avoiding multiple fonts and excessive graphics. Write a concise personal statement at the top of your CV. This should be a brief summary of your skills, experience, and career goals, tailored to the job you’re applying for e.g. “As a dedicated housing officer with over a decade of experience in social housing management, I’ll leverage my expertise in tenancy support and community engagement at [Company Name].” Get the basics right:

1. Personal details: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure all contact information is up-to-date and professional.
2. Key skills: Highlight relevant skills that match the job description. Use bullet points for clarity.
3. Work experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include your job title, company name, location and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable achievements where possible. For example: “Reduced tenant complaints by a fifth [EE1] through proactive community engagement initiatives.”
4. Education and qualifications: Include your educational background, listing your most recent qualifications first. Remember to mention any relevant certifications or courses, particularly those recognised in the housing sector, such as CIH qualifications.
5. Professional development: Highlight any ongoing professional development, including professional memberships, training courses, workshops and conferences attended.

Final tips:

• Proofread: Read, read and read again! Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. You might consider having someone else review your documents, it’s amazing what a fresh pair of eyes and a different perspective will uncover.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone and style between your CV and cover letter.
• Tailor every application: Customise your cover letter and CV for each job application, emphasising different aspects of your experience and skills so that they are relevant to the specific role.
• Additional resources: For further advice and support, visit the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) website which offers valuable insights and professional development opportunities for those in the housing sector.