GRADEMPIRE

Cover Letter

 

1. Analyse the job advertisement

Tailor your letter to the requirements of the organisation - don’t send the same letter to every company. To prepare your letter, make notes on what the job’s selection criteria are (i.e. the required technical and personal skills and attributes) and examples of how you meet them. 

 

2. Find out as much as possible about the company and the role

Research the organisations’ products and services, current / recent projects, new initiatives, awards or achievements, values and culture. Possible research sources include the internet, Factiva, industry magazines, the  Careers Library and website, professional associations, newspapers, etc.

 

3. Write with the employer’s needs in mind and state your potential contribution to the organisation

Organisations hire staff because they have a need that they want met or because the person has the potential to contribute something new. Identify what needs the organisation may have and / or how you could potentially contribute to their future success.

 

4. Grab and keep the reader’s attention

First paragraph – state what attracts you to the company and / or industry and / or role. Middle paragraphs -briefly outline how you meet the role’s selection criteria by referring to your experience. Use relevant examples drawn from your work history, studies and / or extracurricular activities. Final paragraph – provide a brief summary, thank the reader, refer to your resume and state your expectations e.g. “I look forward to the opportunity of an interview.” Ensure that you address at least three to five key criteria.

 

5. Format your letter effectively

It should be one page only. Allow plenty of white space at the left and right hand margins. Use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial or Calibri in size 11 or 12 and keep the font and font size consistent between your resume and cover letter. 

 

6. Check your spelling and grammar

Mistakes show poor attention to detail. Don’t rely entirely on your word processor’s spelling and grammar checker (especially with Australian vs. US spelling). Reading your letter aloud and showing your letter to others will help to improve the quality of your writing.

 

7. Manage your time effectively

Writing a good cover letter can be time consuming, and application closing dates can fall around exam times or assignment due dates. When applying through an online portal or via e-mail, aim to send your application before the closing date. If you wait until the closing date then encounter technical problems, your application may not be accepted late.