They say, “don't judge a book by its cover, " but never overlook the cover when it comes to resume writing.  A cover letter for food and beverage processing careers is equally important to the resume. 

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While it may seem like an unnecessary additional step in an already long job application process, many hiring managers still consider cover letters as equally important as a resume. 

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We outline the pro tips for writing the best cover letter for the food and beverage processing industry.  

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What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is attached to a candidate's job resume. It is the job applicant's opportunity to add some personality to their resume. 

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Here a candidate can outlay their interests and qualities and highlight what makes them perfectly suitable for that food and beverage manufacturing job they so covet. 

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“A cover letter is a document commonly attached to a candidate’s resume as part of a job application. It is a letter that outlines the job seeker’s interest, credentials, and qualifications for the available job role.” 

(Source: www.hcamag.com)

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A good cover letter for a resume can make a positive impression on the hiring manager, while a bad cover letter can land your application in the shredder quicker than you can say “hello”. 

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CareerBuilder survey found: 

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“40% of hiring managers claimed they are more likely to pay attention to a job application that includes a cover letter.” 

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So while the industry remains divided on whether you need a cover letter for a resume or not, a good one will certainly bolster your application.

What to include in a cover letter for  food and beverage processing jobs

1. Keep it short and sweet 

A cover letter should be a one-pager outlining why your skills, qualifications and certifications make you the perfect candidate for the specific position you are applying for. 

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A good structure will help you lay out your expertise in a simple, concise manner. A cover letter for a resume should include a header (with all your contact details, position and the company you are applying for), then write your short and punchy headline (here is where you say why you are the best possible applicant for the position), followed by your key qualifications and how the position company can benefit from them. 

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Then close off the cover letter for your resume with an enthusiastic statement implying you are excited to join the company and how you will follow up on your application. 

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2. Do your research 

A generic cover letter is like getting an automated birthday card on your special day, thoughtless and disappointing, especially if you use the wrong name! 

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If you don’t take the time to customise your cover letter to the specific hiring manager and job, it is best not to do one at all. As they say, “if you have nothing good to say, rather say nothing at all.” 

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Do your research on the company/ factory and what they look for in a candidate. Make sure to include this in your application. You are applying to the company as much as you are applying for the job position. 

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3. Include a call to action 

Now is not the time to play hard to get. 

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Invite the hiring manager to get in touch with you or make a reference to get in touch for an interview. Here is where you show your interest in the position. 

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It’s also helpful to include how you plan to follow up without being forceful or pushy. Suggest times you are available to speak and a follow-up time when you will check-in, should you not have heard back, to ensure your application was received. 

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What to exclude in a cover letter for food and beverage processing jobs 

1. Salary expectations

Leave the salary conversation for the interview. 

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The cover letter for your resume highlights your interest in the role and persuades the food and beverage hiring manager to read your resume. Now is not the time to discuss money. 

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That’s better left for negotiation in the interview stage. 

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2. Too much focus on yourself 

The cover letter is not the time to let your ultra ego run wild (Let’s leave that to Queen B). 

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The cover letter is where you tell the company why you fit the position perfectly. Not where you lay your conditions and what you want to get out of the job.

3. Duplicated information

Remember, the cover letter should not be a copy and paste of your resume. It should include extra information and elaborate on bullet points in your resume. 

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You may be applying for a food scientist position and have a keen interest in non-GMO and organic foods. It is worth including this in your cover letter as it is linked directly to the food and beverage manufacturing job you are aiming to get. 

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Looking to be a food technician and have a keen interest in software development? 

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This is worth mentioning as many food and beverage processing positions now involve a lot of data processing. Here is also a good time to relate to the company. 

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Do you know someone who works at the company? 

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Include the referral here, as testimonials are gold in the eyes of a hiring manager. Most food and beverage manufacturing jobs in Canada are filled through referrals without ever making their way to job boards. 

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Securing the food and beverage manufacturing job you want

A cover letter is another way to impress your hiring manager and secure your dream job position in Canada's food and beverage processing industry. 

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QTalent, Canada’s first talent discovery platform specifically for this industry, lets you create different cover letters for your resume for various job positions, all from one single sign-on. 

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Create a profile today on QTalent’s platform. 

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