Getting from application to interview - Cover Letter by GOTAFE

Cover Letters and Resumes are the most common tools for job searching. Recruiters are time poor so to make it easy for them you must state why you would be a good fit for their vacancy.

A cover letter needs to be targeted to the job and has an impact to get read. You need to grab the reader’s attention quickly and use keywords so automatic tracking systems (ATS) see you.

Remember, the employer only wants to interview suitable candidates so is looking to screen people out. The purpose of the application for the job seeker is to sell yourself well enough to get an interview.

Employers are looking for three things in every applicant:

1. Skills - to do the job
2. Motivation - to do the job well
3. Match - how well will you fit with the rest of the team

Target & Tailor

Your cover letter, key selection criteria and resume need to be targeted to the role you are going for.

This is your selling pitch in writing so take some time and effort to make a great impression so you get the interview.

Don’t address applications to “whom it may concern” if there is an opportunity to find out by telephoning.

Research First

• Spend time researching before starting your application. This will help you construct a meaningful cover letter, key selection criteria, resume and assist with interview preparation.
• Look at the advertisement to see what it tells you about the sort of person the employer is looking for. (Personal attributes, skills, experience, achievements and qualifications).
• Take note of who is the contact person, who your application should be addressed to and what is the closing date.

Learn about the organisation’s size and culture. The position and its place and importance in the organisation. Who are their competitors, what is their main purpose and uniqueness and what’s happening generally in the industry, new developments, changes in government rules, spending etc. that may impact the organisation

Research can be conducted in the following ways:

• The company website
• Annual reports
• Professional associations
• An informational interview with current staff

Components of a Cover Letter

Employer Details - Have you included the date, name, title and address of the person you are sending your application to?

Is the job title clearly identifiable for the recruiters in case they have multiple jobs advertised? Is the position number included if relevant?

Introductory paragraph – this states the position you are applying for, qualifications and passion. This is where you need to grab their attention and evoke some emotion.

E.g. your advertisement for a sales professional specified strong marketing skills and a customer focus. Having devoted 6 years to achieve outstanding sales results in the Real Estate sector I’m excited at the prospects of being able to work with your customers to achieve solutions for them and results for you.

The Body of the Letter – this is where you compel the employer to visualise you in the position with their company by matching your skills, experiences and achievements to the position. If a job description is included you need to demonstrate how your experience will help you perform the functions of the job.

Final Paragraph – This states the next steps you’ll take. Assume you will get an interview and how much you are looking forward to discussing the position with them further.

Questions to ask yourself include.

• Why am I the best person for this job?
• What motivates me to apply for this position?
• What experience, education and training and evidence can I use to prove this?