Cover Letter knowhow

PAG E

1

q Your cover letter is a letter of introduction usually accompanying your resume when applying for a position vacant. q There are may job seekers who believe they are not necessary – after all isn’t that the point of the resume? To tell the potential employer about you – the perfect applicant! q The truth is cover letters actually play a vital and important role in the process for both the potential employee and the employer or advertiser.

PAG E 2

q For the potential employee the cover letter is a way of introducing themselves on a more personal level than their resume and reiterating their suitability for the position and why they are particularly interested in it.

PAG E 3

q For the employer, often it is a way to screen applicants to determine if the applicant has the required skills, experience or qualifications or even if the applicant is particularly interested in their position. q Let’s face it how many potential employers are going to interview someone who does not provide them with a cover letter; or if someone’s cover letter is sloppy and badly written if other applicants provide them?

PAG E 4

q When job application writing, you should be referring directly to the job description and writing a cover letter specifically for each position you are applying for. q Use key words from the job description in your cover letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and that you have actually read the information provided.

PAG E 5

q Use your cover letter to draw attention to your strengths as they appear in the job description. q Link your experience and skills to the required competencies or expectations. That is not to say that your cover letter is a rehash of your resume. q Rather your cover letter is the highlighter for the main body of your application.

PAG E 6

q Target the employer needs or requirements that you have identified in the job description that demonstrate best how you can fit into their position. q Use your cover letter to explain in brief what is detailed within your resume. q It draws the employer attention to your resume where you are providing more detailed information.

PAG E 7

q Use your cover letter to tell the employer about your achievements or successes that are particularly relevant to their needs and requirements. q This can gain their interest and encourage them to invite you for an interview to find out more about you and give you the opportunity to sell yourself.

PAG E 8

q When you are writing a cover letter it is good practice to find out the hiring managers name and address the letter directly to them. q This can be done with a phone call to the company or through use of the company website. q Personalising the cover letter greeting demonstrates respect for the person and their position.

PAG E 9

q Your cover letter should be professional in appearance. Use a header to give the document a name and match it to your resume so it is easy for the hiring manager to identify which documents belong together. q Use a font size and type that is clear and easy to read and provide plenty of white space on the document for notes and for clarity. q Check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending.

P A G E 10

q When it comes to being competitive in the current job climate anything you can do to increase your chances of success is worthwhile. q If it is overwhelming consider seeking the support of a professional job application writer to help you hone your cover letter skills and put yourself at an advantage.

P A G E 11

Please also “friend” or “like” us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RedTapeBustersShaneBowering, follow us on Twitter – Red Tape Busters or check us out on YouTube just search for Red Tape Busters.

P A G E 12

Thank You!!

P A G E 13