HOW to write a cover letter

Formal introduction Step One

A cover letter is a formal introduction to your job application. It explains why you have sent the Analyse the job advertisement to ensure that your application and highlights your relevant skills and skills and abilities match what the employer is attributes in relation to the requirements of the looking for. position. When applying for jobs, whether work experience/ Cover letters are an essential element of your job internships or vacation work, full-time or graduate application. Invest the same time and effort in positions, you should focus, in your written tailoring them to the position you are applying for application, on how you can meet the needs of the as you would with your resume. employer.

Types of job application letters

Solicited: a cover letter for those jobs that have been advertised Unsolicited: a cover letter for a job that has not been advertised, otherwise known as a cold application or letter of speculation.

Step Two
Research the company.
Take time to find as much information as you can about the organisation you are applying to. Focus especially on the services they provide, their current projects and their mission and value statements. If you can locate the position description of the job that you are applying for, you can use this as a tool to target your cover letter and resume to what the employer is looking for. Always try to speak to the contact person named in the job advertisement. This research will help you to reflect on how your experience and interests relate to the position you are applying for. Even if you do not have directly relevant experience, you will have transferrable experience and skills that you use to show the employer what you are capable of.

Both cover letters, although structured the same, have different purposes and will include different information. If you have been encouraged to apply by someone who is known and respected within the organisation, mention this. Also explain very clearly why you have targeted this company.

Email Body or Attachment?

Employers increasingly request that job applications are submitted online or by email. Ideally, the cover letter should be sent as an attachment, rather than copied into the body of the email. If you send your letter as a separate attachment remember to remain formal in the accompanying email; a good application can be ignored if the email is written like a text message. If you do include the cover letter in the body of your email, you do not need to include your address and the address and position of the person to whom you are sending it to.

Step Three

Paragraph 3

Consider what attracts you to the organisation and In this paragraph, you can outline your relevant personal skills. Each job, whether it be in science, why you are choosing to apply for this position. education or the arts, will require a certain set of This will not only help you to target your letter and characteristics or attributes. For example, an artist resume, but will also assist you in the interview will need to display initiative and a social worker when asked questions like what is your interest in will need to possess effective interpersonal and organisational skills. Research your industry to find this position? out what key skills and attributes employers are seeking in their employees.

Writing your cover letter

A cover letter should always be closely targeted to the employer and the role you are applying for. Do not send out template letters that simply summarise your resume. A cover letter should also be as personal as possible. This means, addressing your letter to a specific person. You may need to contact the organisation and find out who is going to read your application. This can be to your added advantage if the phone call allows you to make a good first impression on the employer or a key person involved in the selection process. In some cases, you will not be able to direct your cover letter to a specific person, you will then use Dear Sir/Madam.

Some employability skills and attributes you will often be asked to demonstrate are: Communication skills (written and oral) Time management skills Organisational Skills Interpersonal Skills Creativity and initiative Flexibility, adaptability and dedication

Ability to work in teams and independently. For more information on employability skills and attributes visit the website of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/ CareersandTransitions/EmployabilitySkills/Pages/ Overview.aspx

Cover Letter Structure

Paragraph 1 Paragraph 1 is your introduction. In this section, you will assert your interest and state the title of the position, exactly as it was advertised. You should also tell the employer where you found the advertisement and the date on which it was advertised. Paragraph 2 This is where you can describe your relevant technical experience. This includes your education and training. List your qualifications and the awarding institution and provide a brief overview of how these relate to the job you are applying for. You should also list relevant work experience (paid or unpaid), the companies for whom you have worked, and specific duties and responsibilities directly related to the position.

Paragraph 4 This is the final paragraph where you should mention that you have included your resume (and, if appropriate, your selection criteria) with your cover letter. State that you would like to talk further about your application and thank the employer for considering your application. You should also explain the best method by which the employer can contact you.

Step Four
Use the checklist below Get someone to proof read the whole application Make a copy

SOLICITED COVER LETTER EXAMPLE

Your Postal Adress Date (in full) Their Name, Title (Dr, Prof, etc... if known. If not direct this to The Manager if a small company or Human Resources Department if a larger organisation) Position Organisation Address The Salutation (Dear Mr or Mrs ... or Dear Sir/Madam if unkown) Re: Position Title and any reference number if applicable State the position sought and make reference to how you came to know of the vacancy. Or, if you are writing an unsolicited letter requesting work experience, discuss what kind of position you are seeking and why. State the reasons why you are applying - what attracts you to that company? Refer to your knowledge of what the organisation does. State what you have to offer. Include why you would be able to contribute and possibly what your goals might be with them. Highlight the appropriateness of your qualifications, achievements and experiences that directly relate to the position. Describe any relevant work experience and the professional skills you can bring to the position, highlighting recent successes. Finally, conclude with a brief statement about the personal qualities you can offer the company and why you are so keen to be considered for the role. Be sure to thank the employer for the opportunity to submit your application and mention that you would be grateful for the chance of an interview. You may at this stage include your availability and contact number and/or email address. Close (Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely) Your Name (In a formal business letter always leave a gap between the closing salutation and your name.)

Checklist Have I checked spelling, especially of names? Have I listed a phone number where a message can be left? Is the date accurate? Have I clearly identified the position I am applying for? Have I made any empty, unsupported statements about myself? Have I succinctly demonstrated why I am genuinely interested in this position/company and demonstrated my suitability for the position. Have I used a conservative writing style and made use of key words? Have I correctly followed any instructions specified by the employer? Have I attached any necessary supporting documents? Have I used adequate margins, single spacing between lines and double spacing between paragraphs and a font size that is easy to read? Have I signed my name? (For postal applications.)

Additional Points to Remember Professional Business format is required i.e.Left justified with punctuation only in the body of the letter. Be clear, concise and correct - Keep your letter length to one page only. Pay particular attention to spelling and grammar. Do not begin every sentence with the personal pronoun I consider ways to change the syntax. Be creative. Be positive and enthusiastic. An original personalised covering letter must be prepared with each application.

Contacting the Careers Centre...

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