Writing a Cover Letter
… put yourself in the employer’s shoes! What is the purpose of this letter?
Introduce the purpose of your letter - get to the point in the first paragraph. If you are applying for an advertised vacancy, give the correct position name along with details of when and where you saw the position advertised, or how you came to know about it. Introduce yourself - include specific information about your degree (where you are studying, when you expect to complete and details on areas of focus in your study). Most importantly - try to grab the reader‟s attention!
Why do you want to work for this employer?
Ensure that you tailor the letter for this employer by demonstrating your research into the organisation. Why do you specifically want to work for this organisation, other than the fact that they might offer you a job? Employers are looking for individuals who can demonstrate a real passion for their industry and a genuine enthusiasm to work for their organisation.
What do you have to offer this employer?
It‟s vital to research the criteria the employer uses to select staff and respond to them in your letter. Use evidence to demonstrate your characteristics and qualities - reflect on some special skills you possess, or experiences you‟ve had. Entice the reader to want to meet you in person. Find your „unique selling point‟ - a quality or special skill that makes you marketable to this employer, in this industry.
Finishing Off
Closing Paragraph
Include a statement of appreciation to the reader for spending time reading your application and A request to meet the employer in person at an interview (or, for speculative applications, notice of the date you intend to call to follow up).
Complimentary Closing
Use “Yours sincerely” if you named the reader personally in your greeting at the start of the letter; use “Yours faithfully” if not. Follow this with your signature, with your full name typed beneath it.
Enclosures
Always enclose your resume unless specifically requested not to. Where you do enclose a resume, draw the reader‟s attention to it by mentioning it in your letter. Only include written references (eg. from previous employers) if necessary - employers usually prefer you to list the contact details of 2-3 referees in your resume instead.
Disclaimer: Information was current at the time of writing and is intended as a guide only. Adapted by Monash University Employment and Career Development, 2008
Content Checklist
I have included my address and contact details, the recipient‟s address and today‟s date. I have addressed the recipient formally (eg. Dear Mr Simpson), not casually (eg. Dear Peter). I have clearly introduced myself and stated the purpose of my letter. I have sought to grab the reader‟s attention. Use a compliment, specific knowledge of the organisation, or perhaps mention a mutual contact. I have demonstrated why I want to work for the employer and what I have to offer them highlighting my strengths without exaggeration. I have researched and responded to the employer‟s selection criteria. I have included the necessary closing elements, mentioned and included relevant enclosures.
Formatting and Style Checklist
I have used a standard business format for my letter, presented in a simple font. My letter is concise - kept to one A4 page. My sentences are well-constructed and each paragraph has a distinct purpose. Avoid the temptation to cramp text and narrow the margins. The tone of my letter tone is positive and direct, using straightforward, contemporary business language. Avoid abbreviated „chat‟, SMS language and slang. I have spell-checked and proofread my letter. Try to vary your phrasing and avoid starting every paragraph with “I …”. If in doubt, ask someone to read it over. I have signed the letter. If sending by post, I have correctly (and neatly!) addressed the envelope.
Speculative Applications
Speculative applications can be very effective, as many positions are not advertised. However, a wellresearched and tailored application is much more likely to be successful than a broadcast letter. Clearly state that you are enquiring for a possible position and be specific about what kind of work you are looking for. Don‟t simply enquire about „any available position‟. Your „unique selling point‟ is critical in a speculative application. You need to have a good understanding of the skills required in the employer‟s industry and the ability to market yourself.
You need to show and retain initiative. Don‟t expect the employer to contact you the moment they receive your application. Inform the reader in your letter that you will call to follow up on your application - give a date when you will ring and then do call promptly, as stated.
Disclaimer: Information was current at the time of writing and is intended as a guide only. Adapted by Monash University Employment and Career Development, 2008
DO NOT COPY: You are advised not to copy this sample, but to use it to generate ideas for your own cover letters.
Sample Cover Letter
Andrea Douglass 27 Premier Avenue Scoresby VIC 3179 Mobile: 0413 447 946 Email: adouglass@hotmail.com
11 July, 2007
Mr Brendon Johnson Graduate Recruitment Co-ordinator Connor White Management Consulting 60 Albert Street East St Kilda VIC 3183
Dear Mr Johnson, Graduate Program Application After attending your company presentation at Monash University last Tuesday and speaking with your colleague Sarah Jackson at the cocktail event afterwards, I am writing to apply for your graduate program. I would like to take this opportunity to outline some of my qualifications. I am particularly interested in joining Connor White as the organisation places a strong emphasis on working with clients to solve business problems; a philosophy that I believe engenders trust and long term client relationships. Currently, I am completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree at Monash and it has given me an excellent overall understanding of business practice. I am majoring in Management, which prompted my interest in management consulting, where I hope to put my interests and learning into practice. I was particularly interested to note from your presentation that you look for applicants who can operate effectively within a team and apply their creativity. In addition to my studies, my employment experience and campus activities have helped me to develop such qualities and skills. At Fine-food Supermarket my main role is to work collaboratively with staff, supervisors and merchandisers in organising floor space, giving me the chance to develop my teamwork and interpersonal skills. In terms of creativity, my natural inclination is to look for new ways of solving problems and an example of this was a promotional strategy that I developed as President of the Handball Club, which resulted in a 75% increase in membership. Enclosed is copy of my resume and academic transcripts. I hope that I have demonstrated the qualities and skills that you seek and welcome the opportunity to discuss my application in more detail at an interview. Yours sincerely,
(sign here…)
Andrea Douglass Enc: Resume and Academic Transcripts
Disclaimer: Information was current at the time of writing and is intended as a guide only. Adapted by Monash University Employment and Career Development, 2008