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18 May 2012

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Cover Letter

The cover letter is the first opportunity for you to convey your passion for your work and promote your capabilities to a potential employer. Competently written, a cover letter will augment the information in your resume, so it's important not to simply repeat the information already contained in your resume.

While there is no singular writing formula or letter model guaranteed to work in all circumstances, a clear and concise cover letter is an ideal way to grab an employer's attention. In fact, the majority of hiring managers devote less than one minute scanning and doing an initial cull of applications. That's why you need to distinguish yourself early on!

A cover letter should demonstrate that you have read the job ad carefully and that you are truly interested in that particular job. It's your first chance to exhibit why you want to work for the company and to display your research into the organisation you are applying to.

Here are some tips to help you write a standout cover letter:

• Tailor it to suit the employer and the position - don't use a uniform letter you send with all job applications.
• Make clear the link between your experience and the role being advertised - address any selection criteria listed in the advertisement by demonstrating how your skills and experience are relevant by meeting the required criteria.
• Get to the point - avoid jargon and overly difficult language, write clear and simple sentences.
• Be as brief as possible - always keep the letter to one page (three/four paragraphs) long. Write an introduction, a paragraph or two with information about your attributes and their suitability, and a conclusion or closing paragraph.
• Capture the readers' interest immediately - use positive words and language and an upbeat tone throughout. Be warm and personal without being overly friendly or overbearing.
• Appearance is important - write the letter in standard business letter format and ensure your cover letter and resume are consistent in font and layout.
• Address the letter to the person mentioned in the job advertisement. If the name is not listed in the job advertisement, contact the company and find out the name of the individual you should address the letter to.
• In the first paragraph state the position name, the position number if available and where you saw the position advertised.
• Have someone proofread your letter for you.
• Sign your letter. If you have the technology to do so, insert a scanned image of your signature when emailing your letter.
• Don't duplicate or rework material from your resume. Your cover letter should only point out relevant points that match you to the position and the company.
• If emailing your letter be sure to include your name in the file name - don't just name it ‘myletter.doc'.

Read a sample cover letter

Download sample cover letter (PDF 20KB)

 

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