Covering letters for job applications

Covering letters for job applications – what to consider? An integral part of job application writing is the cover letter.

The skilled job application writer will ensure that their cover letter is punchy and grabs the attention of the recruiter.

Address/Contact Point:- Make sure you find out the

person’s name to send the application to or the section/department/agency and their postal address. Make sure on the top of your letter that you have this information correct.

Salutation:- If there is a contact person named in the ad or in the position description make sure you say Dear John or Dear Mr Smith – this makes an immediate connection with the person.

Getting this wrong gets you off to a very bad start.

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Job reference:- Under the Salutation put the Position name

and job reference number so that the recruitment agency or Department/business/Council can clearly identify what job you are applying for. Introductory paragraph:- In your introduction you refer to the advertisement for the job, identify that you wish to be considered and also identify what position you currently hold and an overview of your responsibilities and try and link these with the responsibilities of the job you are applying for.

For example – “I refer to your recent advertisement for the above mentioned vacant position. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated my abilities in assessing workplace risks and hazards and in developing innovative solutions to address these issues. In this regard I am current employed as a Workplace Assessor where I demonstrate outstanding problem solving, analytical, investigatory and auditing skills on a daily basis.

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For example – “Briefly some of the experience and skills which I

bring to this position are”

Workplace Health and Safety skills – I have developed and implemented effective workplace health and safety initiatives in a variety of industrial related environs including the Australian Defence Force over my career. i)

ii) Teamwork - I enjoy working as a team member, both

participating and contributing my skills and talents and assisting to get work done and contributing to a harmonious and productive work environment. I have been a valued team member in every position in which I have worked.

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iii)

Problem Solving/Analysis – An integral part of my duties over my career has been to review operations, analyse situations and resolve workplace based health and safety issues. In this regard I was proactive and implemented regular audits of the workplace to ensure systems and processes were in place to prevent workplace accidents and injuries and undertake investigations as required to ensure compliance with requirements under the Workplace Health and Safety Act. I ensured all audits and investigations were undertaken thoroughly and without fear nor favour, reporting the outcome of same as necessary. In this regard I developed, proposed and implemented appropriate courses of action to address the issues at hand.

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ďƒ˜Summary I always try and have a small summary to finish saying how I fit the ethos of the organisation and re-affirming I have the skills and experience for the role.

ďƒ˜Positive affirmation To finish make a positive statement of how you are looking forward to an interview and that you can be contacted on blab la to arrange this interview.

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