How to: Write a Cover Letter

A good cover letter is just as important as a good resume. Think of a resume as a timeline of your vocational and educational achievements. Sounds pretty impersonal, right? This is why a cover letter is so important. It allows the reader to understand the motives of your application and learn about you on a more personal level, as well as giving you a chance to stand out from a hundred other applicants.

It is also an opportunity to explain any irregularities that are apparent from your resume, such as, being out of the workforce for a period of time.

First thing’s first, if you read my other articles so far, you know that I have already covered the importance of addressing a job’s key criteria, skills and attributes in your application. The best way to do this is by using real-life working and academic examples to illustrate your skills and experience.

I will give you an example of what I mean.

Advertisement:

"The successful applicant will have strong administration skills and case management experience."

Addressed in Cover Letter:

"My role as a Case Management Officer at XYZ calls for exceptional time and case management skills, as I am responsible for managing up to 10 workers’ compensation cases per month, whilst ensuring that all of the office administrative functions are maintained daily, to support a department of five consultants. While this is a busy role, I enjoy its variety and the different challenges that it offers."

You want to clearly illustrate how your experience will allow you to do the duties of the job. It is no use just stating that you are a team player. Explain how you have needed to be a team player in your past or current role with a real-life example.

Tip:

When starting a cover letter draft try addressing the selection criteria and skills listed in the advert, first. Personally, I always start my cover letter by addressing the selection criteria. That’s the most time-consuming part for me, so I would rather get that out of the way. Besides, the introduction and conclusion of the cover letter can always be reworded and recycled from previous cover letters.

Common questions regarding cover letters:

1. How long should a cover letter be?

Unless otherwise specified in the job advertisement, a cover letter should not be more than one page long. Make it concise and to the point.

2. How to start a cover letter?

Cover letters need an attention-grabbing beginning. Avoid starting with "Hi, my name is and I am applying for…" not only is this predictable; it won’t get your cover letter noticed. Remember, recruiters read hundreds of letters and generally they all start with the above.Yawn. Instead, I would suggest something like: “As an avid reader of XYZ industry news, I was thrilled to see that ABC has been named Provider of the Year for the second year in a row. I believe that my own achievements of being directly responsible for a 25 percent increase in sales in my department at [current company name] over the last 18 months, demonstrates that I can effectively contribute to ABC’s success."

3. What if the advert calls for an individual with 3+ years experience in a similar role (ie. not you)?

This is a tough one because it depends on how the job applications will be vetted by recruiting staff. Generally, you have to have really strong examples of demonstrated success in a similar role. Mentioning something along the lines of “ this result is something I am extremely proud of, especially as I am the first person in my company to achieve this in as little as 12 months in this role.” You can also talk about your transferrable skills and how they will equip you to succeed in the advertised role.

Tip:

Call the recruiting manager listed on the advert and ask if they are strict on the number of years experience required for the role. Ask them if they would consider someone with your achievements and skills, but with less experience? This is an excellent strategy and if used correctly, can get you noticed enough to score an interview. Make sure you make a good impression!

The HR Graduate