There is a debate in the industry on whether cover letters are still effective in this day and age. Does the recruiter or hiring manager still have the time to 'read' the cover letter? Are applicant tracking systems equipped to rank candidates based on their cover letters?
If you are wondering if you should include a cover letter, the short answer is yes. Many career experts agree that sending a cover letter is almost always the best decision. You should almost always submit a cover letter, even if it is not required. However there are a few exceptions. But first, let’s look at the why’s, when’s and how’s.
Why write a cover letter?
First and foremost, a CV has its limitations when it comes to size and content. Whereas a cover letter is your opportunity to sell yourself to the employer, highlight your strongest qualifications and explain why you are the ideal candidate for this job.
When a cover letter is important?
In most cases it is a good practice to write a customised cover letter for every job application highlighting your skill sets based on the requirement of the job. This is also your opportunity to explain gaps in employment & education or to highlight hobbies that might useful for this job. Writing a cover letter also show you level of motivation for this job.
How to write a cover letter?
- Customisation: First rule of thumb, make sure it is customised to the job while complimenting your skills. So focus on the skills and abilities that you possess that you a strong fit for the specific job.
- Engagement: The opening line needs to be precise, convincing and engaging. Generic openers are boring and will not help you stand out. Make this as company, brand, product or skill specific as possible. e.g. My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to the office manager position at [Company Name].
- Pitch: Be yourself. Companies are looking for honesty, authenticity and how you would fit into their culture. Top three things to include in this section are, number one: how your work experience meets the job requirements, number two: how your skills meet the job requirements and number three: why you want to work at the organization. You can also highlight your problem solving skills for instance. However don’t just say that you have the skills but explain with a real-life example of exactly how you employed those skills to solve a problem.
- Spellings: Never, never, never send any documents through without a through spell check. This not only leaves a bad impression, shows carelessness, disinterest but will most certainly eliminate your candidacy.
- Ending: End your letter with a reason for them to call you back, without crossing boundaries. Be polite and open ended, suggesting that you are excited to offer more information and that you’re looking forward to meeting them.
FREE PROFESSIONAL CV REVIEW
Now that your Cover Letter is sorted, make sure to get a FREE Professional Review before submitting your application.
What not to include in a cover letter
Avoid any generic overused phrases such as:
- I believe that my set of skills make me a great fit for the job.
- To Whom It May Concern
- I’m not sure if you know
- Dynamic
- Please feel free…
- Significant
- Self-Starter
- Detail-Oriented
- Forward-Thinker
- Really, truly, deeply
BONUS: Sample Cover Letter
Dear XXXX,
In my five-year career as an administrator, I have developed my admin and typing skills, and have received various recognitions from my direct bosses. Your organizations has strong values and excellent reputation, which is why I want to be a part of your team.
I currently work as an administration manager for [company name], where I work closely with the top management. During my time here, I implemented a new filing system that ensures timely filing of all papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.
Previously, I received praise for my overall support and my positive attitude.
My qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from [name of University], in administration and certification in Microsoft Office Suite.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[name]
[email]
[direct contact number]
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Emirati Jobs 2026: The Complete...
Emirati Jobs 2026: The Complete Guide to Finding Jobs for UAE Nationals Looking for Emirati…
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How to Navigate Employer Booths...
Continue ReadingAttending the Virtual Emiratisation Career Fair is more than just browsing job opportunities online — it’s your chance to directly connect with leading employers, explore career openings, and interact with recruitment advisors from anywhere in the UAE.
To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve prepared a quick booth navigation tutorial that walks you through everything you can do inside the virtual exhibition platform.
Watch the Booth Tutorial Video
Step 1: Login to the Virtual Career Fair PlatformStart by logging into the platform using your registered account details.
Once inside, you’ll gain access to all participating employer booths, live advisors, career resources, and job opportunities available during the event.
Step 2: Explore Participating Employer BoothsTo view all employers participating in the event, simply click on the “Booths” button located at the top right corner of the platform.
From there, you can browse the virtual exhibition hall and enter any employer booth that interests you.
Each booth has been customized by the employer to showcase their company, career opportunities, media content, and recruitment advisors.
Step 3: Connect with Booth AdvisorsAs soon as you enter a booth, you will notice the booth advisors displayed on the right-hand panel.
These advisors are available to answer your questions, discuss opportunities, and guide you through the recruitment process.
Under each advisor’s name, you will see options to:
- Send a text message
- Start a live video call (if the advisor is available online)
Advisor Status Indicators
The colored circle around each advisor’s profile picture shows their availability:
- Green Circle = Advisor is online and available
- Red Circle = Advisor is currently on another call
We encourage candidates to actively engage with advisors and ask relevant career-related questions during the event.
Step 4: Explore Booth Features & Career ResourcesEach employer booth includes multiple interactive icons located on the top left section of the booth.
These sections may include:
- Company information
- Downloadable brochures and documents
- Corporate videos
- Image galleries
- Current job vacancies
- Career opportunities
To explore available vacancies, simply click on the Arrow icon to view the employer’s jobs.
Step 5: Share Your CV Directly with EmployersOne of the most powerful features of the platform is the ability to directly communicate with employers.
You can share your CV by clicking on the message icon and uploading your document directly through the chat window.
This allows recruiters and advisors to review your profile instantly during the event.
Before uploading your CV, make sure it is updated and professionally formatted.
Step 6: Click on Booth Posters for More InformationWhile exploring employer booths, you can also click on any posters or visual banners displayed inside the booth.
This will enlarge the content and allow you to read the full details more clearly, including company initiatives, hiring campaigns, graduate programs, and other important announcements.
Make the Most of Your Virtual Career Fair Experience
The Virtual Emiratisation Career Fair has been designed to create meaningful connections between UAE National talent and leading employers across multiple industries.
We encourage you to:
Visit multiple booths
Engage with advisors
Apply for relevant opportunities
Ask questions confidently
Share your CV with recruiters
Explore all available employer resources
The more active you are during the event, the greater your chances of creating valuable career opportunities.
We wish you the very best in your career journey and hope you have a successful experience at the Virtual Emiratisation Career Fair.
