- How to write a killer cover letter for a M&E job application
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Not every job application for the role of a Monitoring and Evaluation expert requires a cover letter, but every job application can benefit from one. Along with a customized CV, which should include a strong personal profile, the cover letter lets you add specific information that puts you right at the heart of the job you are applying for, so it’s really important to get it right. Writing a winning cover letter is a skill.
In this article, we will explain what a cover letter truly is and how to craft one that will wow prospective recruiters or hiring managers.
Let’s go!
What is a cover letter and why is it still important in 2023?
A cover or covering letter is a brief, single-page document that accompanies your CV when you make a job application to apply for an M&E. Its purpose is to introduce yourself and to highlight your key skills, particularly concerning the monitoring and evaluation niche. It’s your chance to showcase both your personality and suitability.
It’s important to remember that the cover letter is independent of your CV – in other words, it shouldn’t be just the same information presented differently. It needs to position you as the right person for the job by highlighting skills that you have that are essential for the role. Therefore, your cover letter should be tailored to every application. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you what to include in a cover letter. While a cover letter is different from a letter of interest, you need to know how to write both.
Read Also: How To Write a Letter Of Interest For a Monitoring And Evaluation Job
Some recruiters will receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a role, so your cover letter is your chance to stand out from the crowd and it’s an essential application component of the application process.
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How to structure and write a cover letter for a Monitoring and Evaluation role
It’s unusual for cover letters or CVs to be sent as physical copies, as most are sent online, but the cover letter should still be written in a formal way like any other business letter, digital or not.
Begin with your address and contact details in the top right-hand corner. Ensure that your contact details are appropriate and professional – include just a mobile or a mobile and landline number if you wish, perhaps an email address too. You should follow this with the address of the company you’re applying to and further down on the left-hand side, the date, then the name of the person you are writing to (or “Dear Sir or Madam” if you don’t have a name).
Like this example cover letter:
Your address Line
Company address line
Cover letter paragraph 1: The introduction
The position you are interested in and why you are applying for it – a brief introductory passage that covers three things:
- Why you’re writing the letter
- State that you are applying for a monitoring and evaluation role
- How you found out about the job
Something like:
“I am writing to apply for the role of an M&E expert], in response to an advert I saw on [name of job site]. Please find my CV attached.”
Cover letter paragraph 2: The by-line
This paragraph should be all about you and detail the skills you possess that are relevant to the Monitoring and Evaluation industry, particularly those that have been identified in the job advert or description. Be careful not to produce a copy of your CV. Mirror phrases and skills that are mentioned in the job advert or description.
Cover letter paragraph 3: Show your knowledge
This is where you can demonstrate the research that you did before applying. Show that you know what sector they operate in what they do and why you wish to work there and really make a difference. How you’ll fit in with the company’s ideals, culture and core values. Show that you’re the perfect candidate.
Cover letter paragraph 4: Conclusion
Your cover letter, the masterpiece that it now is, should end with a clear call to action. You want to secure an interview for this position, so mention that and let them know when you’re available for a callback or contact to arrange it (don’t be demanding, just confident and clear). If you plan to follow up with a phone call, then let them know. If you’re not comfortable doing this then end your letter with:
“I look forward to hearing from you.”
Thank them for taking the time to read your letter and sign off with:
“Yours sincerely, [Your Name]”
Read Also: How To Follow Up On A M&E Job Application
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Sending your cover letter to recruiters or hiring managers
When sending your cover letter online, and need to send your cover letter as an attachment, make sure you use the .pdf file format; this way any computer will be able to view the file, and all your formatting will be preserved.
If you need to send your cover letter as the actual body text of your email, your approach will need to be slightly different. First, make sure you format the subject line of your email like so:
Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
If you were given a reference number, include that in the subject line as well. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to think about the layout of your letter. The paragraphs can be the same as an original cover letter, but you can remove the addresses, date and signature.
If you’re applying for a job via a job board, you can sometimes afford to scale down your cover letter to key components.
An example of a cover letter for monitoring and evaluation job role
Study this example and use it to craft your own.
I am interested in applying for the current vacancy you have for a monitoring and evaluation professional.
In my current role as a data analyst with XYZ company, I am responsible for [insert relevant experience relating to job advert] but am currently looking to make a step up into a more challenging role with a reputable company who can offer career growth.
I am currently on a notice period of two weeks and can interview immediately.
Kind regards
[Phone number]
Key Takeaways
By following these covering letter guidelines and the example shared in the article, you’ll be ahead of many other applicants applying to land a job as a monitoring and evaluation expert, and one step nearer to securing an interview.
Try to have fun with it and we wish you the best of luck!
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For several employers, the process of application take time by filling in all expected fields and certain of them ask to written make statements. They omit to precise if it is a local or international recruitment. Others don’t give importance to cover letter when it is optional. The application process is not standardized and you still lose time in changing of password…….
However I recognize that it is easy for UN organizations and other international organizations. I should be the same for NGOs….
Frank Oronsaye
Great information!!!
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