Modern PowerPoint Presentation
PAGE 1
The Art of the Cover Letter An integral part of the job application writing process is a cover letter. Your cover letter is usually the first thing your prospective employer looks at and first impression last, so it makes sense that the really good job application writers really nail them. Employers sometimes have hundreds of job applications, cover letters and resumes to wade through, so you have to make yours stand out. To help you make the right first impressions, here’s our list of tips for writing a superior cover letter as a part of your overall job application:
PAGE 2
To write a superior cover letter
1. Tailor your cover letter to suit the position
2. Start Strong
5. Don’t apologise for the skills you don’t bring
3. Be memorable
6. Have someone check it
4. Don’t regurgitate your resume
7. Get some professional help
PAGE 3
Tailor your cover letter to suit the position Are you in the habit of turning in the same cover letter for every position you apply for? Lose this habit! Different jobs require different skills. Tailor each cover letter you write to highlight the skills and experiences you have specific to that position. No two of your cover letters should be the same! Job application writing is all about being unique and different, putting forward something that stands out so an employer won’t want to let you slip by. Cover letters are no exception to this rule.
PAGE 4
Start Strong Let’s be realistic. There is a good chance that your potential employer is only going to look at the first few sentences of your cover letter, so start with the best material and cut to the chase. Don’t waste a sentence introducing yourself. Launch straight in! Instead of starting with, “I am writing to apply for this position,” Consider starting with something about your passion, your love for the company you’re applying for, or a positive attribute or accomplishment that you have. For example, “My passion for animals began at aged 12 when our golden retriever, Daisy, first entered our lives. From that moment, the choice to enter the veterinary field seemed like the only logical one. That is why joining a team of likeminded individuals at Acme Veterinary Services instantly appealed to me.” Don’t you think after reading 100 almost identical first lines, this one would stand out? Which brings us to the next tip…
PAGE 5
Be memorable If you google job application writing, resume writing or cover letter writing you will find there are many, many templates. Ditch them!. Avoid clichés. Concentrate on standing out more than keeping the rules of cover letter writing. Have some fun. Be real, honest and sincere. Don’t be afraid to use story, even humour (if you’re good at it!) Also, make sure your cover letter is visually appealing. Size 12 Times New Roman font might put your potential employer to sleep. At the same time, don’t got too far! You don’t want it to look like a ransom note!
PAGE 6
Don’t regurgitate your resume Your cover letter should not be just another version of your resume. Resume writing involves displaying your qualifications, employment history, professional development and referees. Use your cover letter to Instead, show specific evidence and examples of what you can bring to the company. Select a few key skills that you really want to stand out and give examples of when you have demonstrated these skills in your past work history. Also, focus on what you can add to the company, not what the company can offer you.
PAGE 7
Don’t apologise for the skills you don’t bring Job application writing is not about apologizing for the skills you don’t have. When you don’t feel like you meet all the job requirements, you may be tempted to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience…” or “Although I am new to…” But, instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, try to focus on the skills you do have. Never apologise!
PAGE 8
Have someone check it Get a second opinion on your cover letter, in fact on your entire job application, resume, selection criteria and all. Nothing undermines your credibility faster than poor grammar, spelling and punctuation. Your proof-reading friend can give you feedback not only on your grasp of basic English, but also on the flow of your letter and how well it sells your skills and experience to your prospective employer.
PAGE 9
Get some professional help If you’re not having much luck with job applications, then consider getting some professional help. Red Tape Busters are specialists in job application writing and resume writing and can help you produce a CALIFORNIA NEBRASKA resume, cover letter $126,942 and/or selection criteria that gets $126,942 noticed NEW YORK
Visit
$126,942
http://www.redtapebusters.com for more information. TEXAS We are specialists in providing the following services:$126,942
Lobbying Tender Writing Grant Writing Resume/Job Application Organisational/Business Development P A G E 10
Please also “friend” or “like” us on Facebook
http://www.redtapebusters.com,
follow us on Twitter – Red Tape Busters or check us out on YouTube just search for Red Tape Busters.
P A G E 11
Thank You!! P A G E 12