Cover Letter - Yes or No?
EBR says yes! In your haste to apply for as many roles as possible, you may have disregarded the importance of having a cover letter. Or perhaps you’ve never had one.
Cover letters should basically be a summary of your CV. They should be tailored to fit each position you are applying for. You must include information about the role you are applying for as well as what skills you are offering to bring to the organisation. Think of your cover letter as an entrée. You want it to be an appetizer, enticing employers to try the main course, which in this case is your CV.
Here is a good template that you can follow when writing your cover letter.
Phone:
Email:
Date: 1st January 2010
Contact name e.g. Mr John Smith
Position e.g. HR Manager
Company name
Postage address
Re. Name of Position e.g. Administration Assistant
Dear John Smith,
First paragraph: I would like to apply for the Administration Assistant position, which was advertised on [newspaper/website e.g. www.seek.com.au]. Briefly explain why you want to apply for the role with that particular company, and why the role interests you.
Second paragraph: Outline your skills, matching them to the job description. These may have been gained through education or work experience, or even volunteer work. Make sure you are only including relevant skills and experience by closely associating them with the job description.
Closing paragraph: Thank them for their time and for considering your application for the role. Tell them you have attached a copy of your curriculum vitae for their review, and advise what methods you can be contacted by should they wish to discuss your application further.
Yours Sincerely,
Your full name
Watch this space for future career tips from EBR!
[Source: JET jobseeker tips]
