Writing a cover letter
Once you have your resume organised you will need to have an appropriate covering letter to convince potential employers they should be looking at your resume.
The covering letter should be tailored specifically to each employer. It needs to tell employers why they should employ you. It also needs to complement your resume — the best letter will fail if the resume is not up to scratch, and vice versa.
Your resume should also include copies of certificates relating to educational and / or professional qualifications (including recent academic transcripts), as well as any references from previous employers and / or respected citizens.
Typical applicant's letters and recruiter's reactions
Applicant: Please find enclosed my resume in application for the above job.
Recruiter: Not really interested in my job, just out there doing the rounds.
Tip: Write a proper letter that is tailored to the position advertised, not a casual note.
Applicant: I'd like any job in any company anywhere.
Recruiter: This candidate would not last in a job, how could it be the one he / she wants?
Tip: Say why this job with this company appeals to you.
Applicant: I think I'd like this kind of job, but then again I want to keep all my options open.
Recruiter: Indecisive. Even if we offered the role, would they take it? Or say yes, then no?
Tip: Make your letter sound committed and convincing.
Applicant: I'm an effective communicator and now exactly where I want to go.
Recruiter: Spot the deliberate mistake.
Tip: This may seem basic, but you would be amazed at the amount of typos in cover letters.
Applicant: I'm good at most things and can pick things up really quickly.
Recruiter: This candidate is not aware of, or not prepared, to state their strengths.
Tip: Don't be bashful, this is your chance to sell yourself.
Tips to help you write your cover letter:
- Length
one well-spaced A4 page - Language
use strong verbs that demonstrate action and accomplishments, such as 'organised' and 'supervised' - make sure your letter is clear and concise - Name, title and address
find out the details of the contact person in the organisation and address your letter accordingly - Layout
include an introduction and identification of the position, your qualifications and how they make you suited to the role, your reasons for applying and a conclusion - Substance
identify your skills, experience and attributes that match the employer's requirements and state them - Style
the style of a covering letter can vary, below are samples of letters with a tip on how to improve
Sample cover letters:
- sample cover letter from My Career website
- sample employer advertisement (PDF - 10Kb)
- sample applicant's cover letter (PDF - 10Kb)
- sample covers letters from Seek website
Here is a simple checklist to help you get started with your job search:
- identify career goals and ideals
- list family and friends who may be in a position to assist
- get referees' permission to include them on your resume
- design your resume — get a friend to check and read it
- draft a strong covering letter tailored to each job
- approach the recruitment consultants you consider most suited to your job search
- log into websites — set up job emails for alerts, go back weekly and check for new jobs
- search advertisements and submit applications
- research interview techniques and companies of interest
Don't get too dejected if you don't get too far with your first few applications. Take the opportunity to review and refine your letter style and your resume. You don't have to do this by yourself — speak to others (including your employer) and ask for their comments.
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