Cover Letter Workshop & Scholarship from the Government of Mauritius! 🌍🎓

Welcome to the World of Cover Letter Writing again!

Quotation of the day:

“The first one gets the oyster, the second gets the shell." - Andrew Carnegie 😀

Topic of the day:

Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. Tailor to the Job:

- Customize your cover letter for each job application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the specific job requirements.

2. Address the Hiring Manager:

- Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person, preferably the hiring manager. This adds a personal touch and shows you've done your research.

3. Strong Opening:

- Begin with a compelling opening that grabs the reader's attention. Mention how you learned about the job or express your enthusiasm for the position.

4. Showcase Achievements:

- Use the body of the letter to showcase specific achievements and experiences from your resume. Quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate the impact you've made.

5. Highlight Skills and Keywords:

- Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you possess the skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. This can also help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

6. Be Concise:

- Keep your cover letter concise and focused. Aim for a one-page length and use short paragraphs. Busy hiring managers may not have time to read lengthy letters.

7. Connect the Dots:

- Clearly connect your skills and experiences to the needs of the company. Explain how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role.

8. Express Enthusiasm:

- Convey your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Employers appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity.

9. Address Employment Gaps:

- If you have employment gaps or career changes, address them in a positive light. Briefly explain any transitions and focus on the skills you gained during those periods.

10. Include a Call to Action:

- End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that includes a call to action. Express your desire for an interview and thank the employer for considering your application.

11. Professional Tone:

- Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid overly casual language and ensure your writing is clear and error-free.

12. Research the Company:

- Demonstrate your knowledge of the company by mentioning specific achievements, projects, or values that align with your own professional goals.

13. Proofread Thoroughly:

- Before submitting, carefully proofread your cover letter for grammatical errors and typos. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well.

14. Use a Consistent Format:

- Follow a consistent format with your resume. Use the same header, font, and style to maintain a cohesive and professional appearance.

15. Follow Application Instructions:

- Adhere to any specific application instructions provided by the employer. This may include submitting your cover letter in a certain format or through a specific platform.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter complements your resume and can significantly impact your chances of landing an interview. Tailor each letter to showcase your unique qualifications and demonstrate how you will contribute to the success of the company.

Opportunity of the day:

🌟 The Government of Mauritius Africa Scholarships Scheme 2024 for study in Mauritius (Fully Funded) 🌟

The Government of Mauritius is offering scholarships to resident citizens of member states of the African Union or African Commonwealth countries. If you're passionate about advancing your education and expanding your horizons, this could be your chance!

Scholarship Criteria:

1. Undergraduate Programs:

- Age: Above 18 and not reaching 26 by 01 January 2025

- Maximum Duration: Three (3) to Four (4) years

2. MPhil/PhD Programs:

- Age: Not reaching 40 by 01 January 2025

- Maximum Duration: Two (2) to Four (4) years + 6 months for the transfer from MPhil to PhD

3. Application Requirements:

- Full-time on-campus program application in Mauritius for the academic year starting in 2024.

- Refer to Section 8 in the Guidelines for a list of eligible Higher Education Institutions.

Scholarship Benefits:

- Tuition fee support

- Living expenses contribution

- Return airfare by the most economical route

Documents for Download:

Visit [Ministry of Education](http://ministry-education.govmu.org) and [Higher Education Mauritius](http://highereducationmauritius.com) for the following:

1. Guidelines for Applicants (Conditions, application procedure, and list of eligible institutions)

2. Application Form (Fill electronically before printing)

Application Process:

- Submit applications through the nominating agency in your country.

- Nominating agency endorses and shortlists a maximum of FIFTEEN (15) eligible candidates.

- Deadline for electronic submission: 19 April 2024

- Hard copy submission to the Ministry: 26 April 2024

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to further your education in Mauritius! For detailed information, please refer to the Guidelines for Applicants. https://education.govmu.org/Pages/Mauritius-Africa-Scholarship-Scheme-(MASS)-2024.aspx

Meme of the Day: (Have Fun!)

Don't forget to save this newsletter to practice your skills, follow FIKIA’s social media platforms, and look forward to exploring more opportunities on Opportunity Fridays!

Warm regards,

Jessica Yao

Media & Content @ FIKIA