Cover Letter Tips
 
 

Don't Have A Cover Letter Crisis!

 

So, the resume is all rosy, you’ve got the elevator pitch off pat and your interview technique rivals Barbara Walters. But wait, what’s missing?

You know we always say that the resume is a first impression that needs to last?

Well it’s not 100% true.

Because, really and truly, even though the resume is job worthy perfect, if that covering letter is nowhere near to acceptable standards, then you’re really letting down Team You.

You see, the covering letter is the ‘amuse bouche’ to the resumes main course. You need to impress, but remember this isn’t your resume, you need to whet their appetite and leave them wanting more.

Writing the cover letter is fairly straightforward, but important to get right. Here’s a few tips from us, Resumes Start Here, to get you going:

 
  • The Job Advertisement
    The Job Advertisement itself is your number one starting point. Take key words, requirements and responsibilities from the employers list of expectations and craft your copy around this. Without following them to the letter, these words will resonate with the reader and match you, in their minds eye at least, with the person they have in mind.
  • Job Match

    Without going into two much detail, if your past experience matches the post in hand and it would be a natural career match, please mention theses facts early on in your spiel. These are the ‘nuts and bolts – facts that the employer needs to know.

  • The Long or the short?

    Your cover letter really shouldn’t be any more than a page long. A total of 3 or 4 paragraphs should be a sufficient lead in to your resume. The only difference would be if the job in question was of an academic nature or was technically very specific on its requirements.

  • The right way ‘round

    First paragraph is your greeting. Remember though, you are not writing to your Mom, your buddy or your cat. It’s a professional statement so make sure it comes across as such. Summarise your application and what you have included, then it would become obvious to the reader if an attachment or component is unintentionally missing.

  • Second Paragraph and onwards

    This is the time to highlight your qualifications for the job in hand. Don’t forget to quote the relevant keywords and phrases mentioned in point 1! Your parting information should include your contact details and availability and method for further dialogue. If you are still employed by somebody else, a prospective employer will respect that your contact details and availability will be confined to private addresses and separate times.

  • Check out

    Stating the obvious yes, but read it, read it and read it again. If you’re first, first impression is full of typos or tea stains, it really doesn’t look good and again, will be consigned to the round file. Don’t forget to convey enthusiasm and willing to learn more about the role or organisation and make sure you appear willing to be flexible upon meeting, whatever your circumstances. It’s cheesy, but thank them for ‘taking time out of their busy schedule’ to read your application. Review your resume, sign it and send!

 
 
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