Job Tuition

How To: Write A Cover Letter

December 1st, 2006 by Jennine

Tip One - Address

Make sure you address your letter and envelope to the right person. The person who handles the enquiries for positions may not be the same person who is handling the applications. If you are unsure as to whom to address your letter to, ring the company and ask for details of the Human Resource Manager. It’s better to get the right person and have your application go further, than have it put in the not going any further pile because of the wrong name. I know of at least two Councils that check address details as part of their criteria for interview selection, get it wrong and you are guaranteed no interview.

Tip Two - Typing

To some people it may be obvious but always type your letter, application and resume. There is one exception (and rarely occurs) and that is when the advertisement specifically requests for handwritten applications.

Tip Three - The Letter

The cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, summarise your work life and point out the skills that seem to stand out in the job specification. This is where you sell yourself and how great you are.

Subject line should advise what position you are applying for, if applicable, and vacancy number. The subject line should be in bold and possibly centred.

Address the letter to Dear Mr or Ms ……………….., never address them by their first name in an application letter even if you know them.

The first paragraph should detail where and when you saw the application. Also inform the reader of what attachments you have included for their use. Eg, I am writing in regard to the above position which was advertised in the New York Times, 16 April 2005. I have attached a copy of my CV/resume as well as my responses to the job specification as specified in your advertisement.

The second paragraph highlights where you are currently employed and in what capacity. You could be working as a volunteer for a National Park, be an editor for a small magazine, a school aid. As well as saying where you are working also demonstrate what skills, knowledge and experience you have gained at this employment. This paragraph is where you summarise your application

The third paragraph is where you sell yourself and your personality. You can say that you are hard working, reliable, responsible, honest, easy going or any other suitable adjective which is going to put you in a better light. Eg, I believe that I am a hard working, reliable and easy going employee who is keen to go that extra mile to ensure that the client is satisfied with the results that our company has achieved for them.

The fourth and final paragraph is a summary. Advise them of a contact number and let them know that you are available whenever they like to discuss your application further. Eg, I am looking forward to discussing my application with you further and am available at your convenience. I can be contacted on (06) 9999 9999 during business hours.

Tip Four - Signing Off

When you have finished your letter, sign off formally. Use yours sincerely or kind regards. Leave six spaces between your sign off and your name. This will give you room to sign your name and still keep the letter balanced.

Tip Five - Spell Check

Spell check your work and don’t just rely on the computer to do it. Print off a copy and go through the letter yourself to make sure that it is done properly. Remember your word processor has a limited spell and grammar check facility and won’t pick up all errors. If you aren’t confident in your spelling ability ask someone who is. Again, a letter or application full of spelling errors looks unprofessional and will reflect badly on you. As most job specifications ask for accuracy as a key criterion spelling errors may mean that your application will not proceed to the interview stage.

Tip Six - Saving

Once you have a cover letter you are happy with save it to disk or CD, this way you can use it time and time again. If you do this, however, make sure that you do customise your cover letter to suit the position you are going for. Make necessary changes so that the key criteria for each position are met and on each occasion make sure you double check your spelling and the date of the letter.