Is a cover letter a must for your Singapore PR application? Well, no, you don’t have to add a cover letter. But is it better for you to have one? Yes, to be able to highlight your strengths, it’s good if you can have a well-crafted cover letter.
We know crafting a cover letter requires so much energy and effort, but it’ll be worth it. It’s your one-page document to prove your case or make them understand why you would like to secure a PR status. In a cover letter, you usually have to include contact details, your role, and other necessary information related to your resume. The only difference with this cover letter is that you’re not applying for a job but rather to become a PR.
As the Singapore government has been more stringent in approving PR applications, it’s only wise for you to give more attention to crafting the ideal cover letter. You can create a good impression through it.
What’s The Role Of A Cover Letter In Singapore PR Application?
You already know a cover letter should not be just a one-page document with elaborate information. It takes more than that when trying to get your PR in Singapore. Your interest in becoming a PR should be made very clear in your letter.
Detail your skillset, experience, and other information that elevates your eligibility for the position. While doing that, you should also ensure that your qualifications, experience, relevant skills, and added details match the requirements listed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
You must look at the cover letter as a golden entry ticket. Try to make maximum use of it to impress the officers at the ICA. As per research, applicants with cover letters get bumped up high because it shows they have walked the extra mile. It helps ICA understand your love for your potential second home. Here are a few reasons why you, too, should walk that extra mile:
1. Chance to Stand Out
We live in a digitised, competitive world, so if you don’t up your game, you lose! While everything has become paperless and customised, this is your chance to use the only option to stand out. If you know how to craft the cover letter, you’ll be able to present yourself in a way such that they’ll want to consider you. Make sure to emphasise your strengths and talk about how you would be able to contribute to society.
2. Better Fit for the Local Community
You can use the cover letter to discuss how your skills and experience can benefit the community. Although you don’t necessarily have to mention it, you can just talk about what other experience and abilities you have, which will make your application look better. If you can add value to the nation, that’s all that matters. Of course, some talents, such as track records in sports and art, might also help.
3. Show Your Personality
Words can do wonders, so make sure to weave them well to craft an impressive cover letter. Write about your personality in such a way that it stands out from the rest. Or, in other words, tell them why you are a better choice among thousands of other applicants. Your PR application form cannot do the talking, but your cover letter definitely can. Keep your tone interesting, not boastful. Your personality should be an asset to their progressing nation.
4. Your Willingness to Support the Country
Use the cover letter to show that you’ve done your research on the country’s expectations of its future citizens. Make sure to explain how you’re willing to meet the expectations to become a good citizen of Singapore. You should also emphasise your part in supporting the economic and social goals of the country.
What Should Your Cover Letter Contain When Applying For Singapore PR?
A cover letter is a powerful tool if you do it right. If you write it well, you may be able to make it into the ICA’s shortlist of candidates for PR. But if you don’t, you’ll be cut off before you even start climbing the ladder. Also, ensure you have all the supporting documents to prove what you have mentioned in the cover letter, and you submit the documents with your PR application. Here are the essential points to focus on in your cover letter:
1. Header
Your document’s header should have your full name, date, and employer’s address, and it should be addressed to the Controller of Immigration.
2. Qualifications
Singapore has set the bar high, so you must prove that you can meet their standards through your qualifications. List all your qualifications in proper order. When you list them, make sure to name the institute from which you got the degree or diploma, its location, and the date. If you have any other licenses or certifications that are in high demand, don’t think twice about adding them.
3. Experience
Detail your work experience. It’s essential to mention your job functions, responsibilities, and accomplishments. It’s also important to keep your description detailed because adding vague details doesn’t help anyone understand your capabilities.
4. Social contribution
Mentioning any voluntary services, charity work, donations, and every other contribution you have made to society plays a huge role in your cover letter. But these shouldn’t be attempted just for you to improve your chances.
5. Summary
Sum up your cover letter by mentioning that you have included all the supporting documents and consider Singapore your home away from home. Show your positive attitude and confidence in the cover letter through your writing style.
Points To Keep In Mind When Writing The Cover Letter For A Singapore PR Application
The goal is to prove that you’re a good fit and that your expertise, experience, and literacy can bring value to Singapore. Having cohesive representation in your cover letter is crucial if you want to get the relevant ICA officer’s attention. When crafting your cover letter, focus on the following points:
1. Concise Piece
ICA officers don’t have time to review a 10-page document, so keep your cover letter short and concise. But if you have a lot to cover, make sure to write it in an engaging manner. Keep all the vital information while removing anything unnecessary.
2. NOT a Sales Pitch
Your cover letter is not a sales pitch. Don’t hard sell because that’s not how cover letters work. Instead, treat your cover letter as a formal request. You’re addressing the letter to a governmental authority, so bear that in mind when writing it.
3. Format
Have white spaces, and use bullets and headings to format your cover letter. If you write without gaps, it’ll be overwhelming for the officer going through it. In fact, he or she will not be able to skim the document. When formatting, make sure to keep the style the same. For example, you shouldn’t use two different types of bullet points in the same cover letter.
4. Proofreading
You’re introducing yourself to the ICA officer through the cover letter, so keep it a clean slate. Once you’ve written the cover letter, check the grammar, spelling (British English is the norm in Singapore), sentence structure, and everything else. Along with manual checking, you can also run the document through Ginger or Grammarly.
5. File Format
ICA currently accepts only electronic applications. So convert your cover letter into a PDF file when submitting it. Even if they have not mentioned the format, it’s ideal to go with the PDF format as it’s the most convenient and can be opened by most software programs.
Ensure to save the file in a professional and convert way. Before you hit the “Submit” button, confirm that the file has been aptly named to convey a professional air and that it also carries your name.
Also, go through our tips for a successful Singapore PR application before submitting your PR application to increase your chances of getting a positive response.
Conclusion
While it’s not a must to include a cover letter, you will need one for your PR application if you want to stand out from the crowd. In addition, you can provide enough information to the relevant immigration officer through your cover letter, so remember to make it count!
