Have you wondered whether writing a cover letter to send with your resume is a waste of time? You’re not alone if you said yes. But recruitment companies and employers will tell you that it’s an essential part of your job application. In fact, a short, well-written cover letter could boost your chances of getting a job interviewThis link will open in a new window.
The cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression. Highlight your selling points and answer the seven main questions that an employer will have:
- Can you do the job?
- Do you have the right qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience?
- Will you do the job well?
- Are you reliable, self-motivated and enthusiastic?
- Will you fit into the organisation? Are your values and goals a good match?
- Will you make a good impression on clients and co-workers?
- Do you have good written communication skills?
How to structure your letter
Structure your cover letter in a logical manner. This will show the employer that you have a rational approach. If you can, make it look professional by using an Australian business letter format. Always include your name, mobile number and email address. Include the recipient’s name and address (if available), with the date in between. If you’re submitting your job application by email, you can include the letter in the body of the email. In this case the date and your email address will be automatically visible (you will not need to type them in).
Salutation (greeting)
Personalise the letter to make sure it reaches the person who will be reviewing your application. Consider these tips:
- If you can, address the cover letter to a named person. You want it to get to the person who makes the decision to hire.
- Check names and titles. You must spell these correctly.
- If you don’t know the name of the employer, phone the organisation. Ask the receptionist or the Human Resources department who the right person would be.
- Don’t assume the gender of the recipient. ‘Jo’, ‘Sam’ or ‘Kim’, for example, may be a man or woman. Phone to make sure or look online to see if you can work it out.
- Some companies don’t give out staff names and details. If you can’t find the right name, address your letter to ‘The employer’ and use ‘Sir/Madam’ in the greeting.
- It’s best to begin cover letters with ‘Dear …’
Opening paragraph
Introduce yourself briefly and state the position you’re applying for. If you’re not applying for a named job, state your job objective. Note where and when you found out about the position. This helps the company determine the best way to advertise jobs. If someone referred you to this employer, mention that person’s name.
Now make a strong statement that shows how valuable you would be to the employer. Give one good reason why you should be hired.
Your qualifications and skills
Write one or two paragraphs to show you can do the job. Show how your skills will meet the employer’s needs. Address the key skills or criteria listed in the job advertisement. If you are approaching an employer directly, and there is no job advertisement, think logically about the skills required for the role. If you would be required to service customers, then communication skills would be important. If the role involves using a computer, then accuracy and an eye for detail would be key.
If you have had a similar job before, describe how it gave you the experience or skills that are needed for this job. Your resume should outline your relevant skills, experience, training and achievements. If the employer hasn’t asked for a resume, include this information in the cover letter.
Your skills may be technical or personal. You may have gained them through previous jobs, education or training, work experience, voluntary work or other activities.
Introduce two or three of your selling points and show how they will allow you to make an impact or get results in the role. Briefly explain your current situation – whether you are working, have just returned from travel or are studying.
Your interest in working for the organisation
Here’s where you show how motivated and enthusiastic you are, and how you can fit into the organisation.
Make some positive comment about the company and let them know why you want to work there. This does not mean listing all reasons you want a job. Refer to something the company takes pride in. This may be their reputation, corporate culture or management philosophy. It could be their size, sales record, product quality or sense of environmental responsibility. Show you’ve done some research and looked at their website and that you are a good fit.
Your resume is usually the place to address any personal interests or activities that connect you with the company and its work. However, if the employer doesn’t ask for a resume, include any personal interests in your letter.
Closing paragraph
It’s important to finish off your cover letter in a professional manner. Consider something formal such as: ‘Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.’ You should then conclude with ‘Yours sincerely’ and your full name.
An impressive cover letter may persuade the recruiter that you’re worthy of second-round consideration. Hopefully, you’ll be well on your way to employment.
