In energy, a highly competitive industry, securing your dream role requires more than a stellar CV: you’ll need a standout cover letter that showcases your interest, skills, and suitability for the position. Unlike your CV, a cover letter is your first opportunity to explain how these elements make you the best fit for the role. Crafting it with purpose, therefore, is crucial. That’s why we’ve put together a list of top tips for writing a winning cover letter. Ready to get started?
Research is your first port of call for cover letter writing
Before you start writing, take the time to understand the company you’re applying to and the specific role requirements. That means taking stock of the company’s mission, values, initiatives, and any recent projects, as well as the skills and attributes necessary to perform your job. A cover letter that mirrors these elements will demonstrate your interest and commitment to the organisation.
In industries as competitive as oil and gas and renewables, words matter
A company’s hiring manager may use application-tracking software to filter applications. This is commonly practised in the energy industry, which recruits for more specialised roles—from electrical engineers to offshore technicians—to identify whether a candidate holds suitable credentials and experience.
Following your research, you’ll want to select specific keywords highlighted in the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed. This should include a mix of:
Use concrete examples to back up your candidacy. That means succinctly highlighting the skills, experiences, and achievements most relevant to the role. The more senior the position, the more important evidencing these will become. In the energy industry, these types of positions demand exceptional project expertise and technical abilities—sometimes across international markets, too.
Focus on quantifiable results and accomplishments, such as reducing energy consumption, implementing renewable energy solutions, or improving operational efficiency. Adding numbers and percentages is a useful tool for capturing a hiring manager’s attention faster.
Make it personal
Communicate your passion for the energy sector, what drove you to a career in this field and why you are attracted to the company to which you’re applying. Employers are seeking dedicated professionals who aspire to first-class results just like them, so make sure to mention if you’ve held a lifelong ambition to work on global oil and gas projects or you want to contribute to the decarbonisation of our economy.
But don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a thesaurus to bring out the big words. Your writing should reflect your voice. The only big thing here should be your achievements, conveyed with simple, succinct language.
TOP TIP: Try reading your cover letter out loud. Not only can this help you gauge whether your writing sounds like you, but it can also help you spot typos, dropped words, jargon and other potential errors.
Don’t forget the basics of any job application process
Remember: keep it clear, concise, respectful – and always proofread.
Aim to keep it under one page, too. While this is your chance to show off your achievements and experience, your aim is to catch their attention in as few words as possible, so make every word count.
Structure is also important. You’ll want to close with a strong call to action, for example, that illustrates your competence and eagerness and inspires the reader to pursue your application further.
To supercharge your cover letter, or find out more about our available jobs in energy, contact your local Orion Group branch today.
