How to craft a great covering letter

A cover letter serves as your introduction to a potential employer, providing insight into why you're a qualified candidate for the job. When transitioning from a military to a civilian job, the cover letter becomes a vital tool in articulating how your military service uniquely prepares you for success in a civilian role - something that many employers may not understand straight away, not having the same insights and expertise that you do. It complements your CV by offering specific examples of military experiences and skills, providing a contextual narrative that demonstrates your abilities and the transferable skills taht you bring to the role. It is also an ideal opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and provide the hiring manager or recruiter with additional information to assess your suitability for the position.

As you embark on the journey from military to civilian employment, iy may seem impossible to translate all your experiences and skills into something that is relevant for a civilian role, but there are numerous skills you can accentuate. Regardless of your length of service, soft skills such as communication, leadership, time management, and organisation are inherent in any service member. Additionally, many veterans undergo specific training as part of their military service, resulting in acquiring technical skills that are directly applicable to civilian roles. For example, whether you were trained in military law as a paralegal or acquired expertise in other specialisations, these technical skills seamlessly transfer into civilian professions.

Crafting a cover letter for a military-to-civilian job transition involves a strategic approach - here are our Six Simple Steps:

1. List contact information: At the beginning of the cover letter, provide your contact details and those of the recipient to ensure clear communication.

2. Personalised greeting: Address the specific person you are writing to, demonstrating your interest and research in the company.

3. Introduction: Express your interest in the job, briefly introducing yourself and connecting your military background to the position. Highlight relevant experiences, such as using specific technologies or embodying behaviours mentioned in the job description.

4. Detail your background and skills: Connect your military experience to the job requirements, focusing on relevant skills and accomplishments. Showcase how these skills align with the needs of the position and provide specific examples of problem-solving from your military career.

5. Conclusion: Thank the employer, restate your interest, and express your eagerness to contribute to the company or team. Indicate your readiness for further discussions, whether through an interview or additional inquiries.

6. Sign-off: Conclude your letter with a professional sign-off, such as "Yours sincerely," followed by your full name.

Whilst these steps may seem like commonsense to most, for many this is the first covering letter that many veterans have ever had to write and there are some golden rules to remember:

• Customise each cover letter: Tailor your letters to each opportunity by incorporating keywords and language from the job descriptions.

• Keep it concise: Ensure your cover letter is no longer than one page to maintain the reader's engagement.

• Go beyond your CV: Use the cover letter to more fully introduce yourself and your abilities, providing a narrative on how your military background uniquely equips you for the civilian role.

• Include relevant training or education: Mention specialised training received during your transition to showcase additional skills gained.

• Avoid military jargon: Clearly explain your military background in plain language, translating technical and soft skills for a civilian audience.

Crafting a personalised and informative cover letter is a critical step in securing a successful transition from military to civilian employment, showcasing your unique skill set and aligning your experiences with the requirements of the civilian job market. 

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