Cover letter advice 

Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored. It should grab the employer’s attention and point out why YOU, above all applicants, should be contacted and called in for an interview.

What is a ‘cover letter’?
A cover letter is a short (one page), tailored letter that should always accompany any resume or application documents that you send to a prospective employer.

Do your research first!
You need to tailor your cover letter to suit the position/industry. Refer to the job requirements or selection criteria listed in the advertisement and link these to your skills, qualifications, strengths, successes and experience that you have documented on your attached resume. Make sure you complement your resume – don’t duplicate it.

The cover letter should:

• be to the point and link your experience to the vacancy
• be no more then two to three paragraphs long
• compliment not duplicate your resume
• be something you should send with all resumes
• request an interview at a mutually convenient time or write when the best time is to speak to you. For example, after school – include your mobile number and email.

Who are you sending the job application to?
Address it to the person who hires the apprentices or trainees in the company. Address this person formally, eg Mr <fullname>, Ms <full name>, Miss <full name> Doctor <full name>.  Make sure the person’s name is spelt correctly and the title is correct. You may need to telephone the company and check their details.

Introductory paragraph
State why you are interested in the position, organisation and/or industry. Include the job reference number if appropriate, and how you heard about the position. Link your experience to the specific vacancy. What study and/or employment are you currently doing?

Body (2-3 paragraphs)
This is the ‘why I am suited’ section. Choose 2 – 3 points key points you want to make about specific experiences, achievements, strengths, personal qualities. Remember to provide examples to back up your claims, eg are you a good leader, team player, organiser or time manager?

Emphasise the particular contribution you can make. Why are you interested in working in this particular organisation? Persuade the employer that you are suitable. Show enthusiasm.

Final paragraph
In 2 - 3 sentences, refer the reader to your attached resume for more details, request an interview and mention you will follow up on your application with a phone call and thank the reader for their time and consideration.  Remember to follow up with a phone call.

Final tip
Check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sign your cover letter if possible (some online lodgement processes don’t require signatures).

What makes a good covering letter?

• no spelling or typing mistakes. Not even one. Your spelling and the way the letter is written will be the employer’s first impression of you, and you want that first impression to be a good one
• write it in your own words so it sounds like you
• have someone read it to check for grammar, spelling, content and style

What makes a bad covering letter?

• a long winded letter: The employer will lose interest and may throw it in the bin
• rehashing your resume: The purpose of the letter is to introduce yourself, explain why you are sending the resume and tell the employer why you want the job and how well you are suited to it