Selling Yourself: A Handy Guide to Writing Cover Letters

7 top tips for writing a cover letter

As important as it is to write a targeted resume for a job application, it’s just as important to send a tailored cover letter alongside your resume.

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview. This is your chance to introduce yourself to the employer and showcase your skills and qualifications in a short, well-crafted letter.

Let’s get started!

1. Research the company and the job

Before you start writing your cover letter, research the company and the job you are applying for. You can do this by visiting the company’s website and reading about its mission, values, and goals. Look for information about the job you are applying for, including the required skills and qualifications.

This research will help you write your cover letter for the specific job you’re applying for and show the employer that you are a great fit for the position.

2. Address the letter to the right person

This may seem like an obvious point but it’s important to address your cover letter to the right person. If possible, try to find out the name of the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn and address the letter directly to them. It’s small details like this that may make your application stand out from all the others.

If you can’t find the name of the person who will be reviewing your application, it’s best to use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

3. Start with a strong opening

Your opening sentence should grab the employer’s attention and make them want to keep reading.

Start with a strong statement about why you are interested in the job and what makes you a good fit for the position. For example, “I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name] because of my passion for creating engaging content.”

4. Highlight your skills and qualifications

Be sure to highlight your qualifications, skills or experience that display that you’re a good fit for the job. You should use specific examples to show how you have used these skills in previous roles. For example, “In my previous role as a manager, I increased company profit by 50% through targeted online advertising campaigns.”

5. Show your energy and enthusiasm

Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work. Show your enthusiasm for the job and the company by highlighting why you are excited about the opportunity, and be specific!

For example, “I am impressed by [Company]’s commitment to hiring a diverse workforce and I am excited to contribute to your mission by sharing my experiences of working in different countries like [example].”

6. Close with a call to action

Close your cover letter with a call to action, such as requesting an interview or meeting. For example, “I would love the chance to discuss my experience and qualifications further and learn more about the marketing manager position. Thank you for considering my application.”

7. Proofread and edit

Just like your resume, you must proofread and edit your cover letter before you email it to your potential employer. It’s essential to check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure the formatting, such as font style and size, is consistent and easy to read.

Try SEEK Cover Letter for a range of free templates to use. You could also ask someone you trust to read over your cover letter to check for any mistakes or give constructive feedback. Or better still, join Navitas Skilled Futures’ Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) course to receive valuable guidance and support from professionals to help you secure a job.

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, funded by the Australian Government, gives you the skills and support you need to prepare for work or further study. This free program provides job-related training in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills.

Navitas Skilled Futures also offers additional courses & programs to help you find success in Australia. Explore today to find a course that’s right for your needs!

Our final thoughts on effectively writing your resume and cover letter

Writing a winning resume and well-crafted cover letter requires time and effort, but it is worth it in the end! By following our useful guide, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers and landing a job you love.

Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific role you apply for, highlight your achievements, keep it concise, and proofread your documents before you send them to your prospective employer.

Best of luck with your job search!