WRITING A COVER LETTER
A cover letter is your first opportunity to communicate personally to a potential employer. The impression a well structured resume has can be decreased considerably by a poor cover letter. Use the letter to introduce yourself and highlight the key features that make you perfect for the advertised role and set you apart from competing applicants.
Find out the details of the contact person (including spelling) in the organisation and address your letter accordingly. Don’t forget to include your address, phone number and email.
Make sure you tailor your cover letter to the specific role that you are applying for and include which role it is in the first few lines! Briefly address the key criteria of the role – remembering to be concise and to the point. Link your previous experience with the criteria and provide examples where possible. The cover letter should show the potential employer that you have read the advertisement carefully, considered it and understand what is required of you as the potential employee.
Be positive and confident, compelling the reader to look at your resume. Your cover letter should compliment your resume. Don’t make your cover letter too long, one page in length is perfect. Make sure it is concise and well structured – use the same rules for writing a CV (relevant information only, clear and to the point).
Conclude with a positive and enthusiastic close. Make a call to action, ask for contact or an interview at the employer’s convenience.
Make sure you check carefully for errors in grammar, spelling and typing. Get someone else to give it quick proof read as well!
