Cover letters are important as they should accompany your resume and essentially make the reader want to learn more about you via your resume.  It provides the employer with an insight into you as a potential employee and your motivation and suitability for the particular role.   It should demonstrate that you understand the job requirements and are a potential candidate for the position.

Here are some useful tips to help you write a cover letter:

The cover letter should be written specifically for the job you are applying for.  Don’t write one cover letter and send it to all potential employers.

Don’t rewrite your resume in your cover letter, but do draw attention to your most relevant and important achievements. Do this in the body of your letter to support the 3 main points you want to communicate.

Ensure your letter is addressed to the relevant person.

Aim to write approximately one page - around 4 or 5 paragraphs.

Highlight your skills and experience as well as your relevant achievements.

Clearly state how your skills and experience fit the job and how you can add value to the company.

Write in a positive and professional tone.

Your cover letter should be error free.

Cover letters should be typed and well presented on plain white A4 paper.

Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 point.

Re-read your cover letter several times to ensure it is clear and and reflects the message you want to send.

Proofread your letter for any errors.

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

- forgetting to include a cover letter with a resume!

- having mistakes or grammatical errors

- not tailoring the cover letter for the particular position being applied for

- failing to quote the job title or reference number

- using the wrong style, tone or language

- making the cover letter too lengthy

- using slang, colloquialisms or acronyms

____________________________________________________________________________

Example basic cover letter

Your full name,
Street number and name,
Suburb, state, postcode
Tel: Your contact phone numbers
Tel: Your email address

dd/mm/yyyy

Mr/Ms full name,
Title,
Company name,
Street number and name
Suburb, state, postcode.

Dear (name of relevant contact person),

Re: (The position you are applying for - name and reference number)

In the first paragraph you should name the position you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised.

In the next 1 or 2 paragraphs  you demonstrate that you can do the job, why are you’re the ‘best fit’ for the job and how your skills meet the company’s needs. Say how your skills and experience meet the criteria they are looking for (refer to the selection criteria to help you).  Mention your most important qualifications and what you would bring to the company.    Use positive language and highlight aspects of your resume that you particularly want to bring to the attention of the employer.   (Note:  if the advertisement states that you must address the selection criteria separately, then that section should go in a separate document and not part of your cover letter)

In the next paragraph you can explain why you would like to work for the company.  This shows that you have researched the position and the company and demonstrates that you are interested and understand what they do.

In the closing paragraph you can refer to your resume and any other attachments, thank them for considering your application and make clear your availability for interview.

Yours sincerely,

(your signature here)

Print your full name here

For help with writing your cover letter please contact Careers-AEI

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