Jobs and your cover letter

24 June 2008

Many jobs require a cover letter to be sent with your resume - many companies do not accept resumes that don't have a cover letter. A cover letter can also double as an expression of interest to a company in an industry that you'd like to work in, even if they haven't published any ads for jobs.

A cover letter should prove to the reader that you're interested in the jobs advertised, so make sure you've read the job ad correctly.

The cover letter should be straight to the point, clearly linking your experience to the job you've applied for. Explain why you fit in with the ideals of the company.

Keep your cover letter fairly short, no more than a single page - one and a half pages at the moment. Make sure it is not a repeat of your resume - focus on the experience you have and why you are interested in the role.

Try to make your cover letter positive; you want the reader interested in reading your resume. Try to find out the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter and resume so you can address it personally.

Do not make a generic cover letter to be sent out for all the jobs you apply for. Customise it for each job. This will show the reader that you have made an effort to find out more about the company.

For more help with writing your cover letter, take a look at our Jobs Resources page. If you're looking for jobs in Australia, please browse the listings of our best new jobs.


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