The cover letter is an introduction to your resume, giving an outline on why you are applying for a particular position and providing a summary of your work history (what you are doing at present and what you have done in the past).

Cover Letter Tips:

• Address your cover letter to the contact listed on the job vacancy
• Put the title of the position you're applying for in the subject line together with the job reference number, if there is one.
• Your cover letter should outline the following:

• Telling the reader why you want to work for this company
• Stating your strongest points
• Highlighting your skills and qualifications

• The cover letter should be one page in length (maximum)
• One of the major reasons resumes and covering letters can be overlooked can be due to incorrect Spelling and Grammar. Use a dictionary or Thesaurus and ensure you do a spell check (computerised) or have someone read over your covering letter if it is written to correct any mistakes before it is forwarded for a job vacancy.

Styles of Cover Letter:

Advertisement Response Letter

When you write a letter responding to an advertised position, use it to highlight the specific skills and requirements you have that the employer is requesting. This application could go directly to the Employer, Recruitment Agency or a Job Network who will read your covering letter and resume and forward to the client if they think you match the skills the client is looking for.

Online Letter

An online letter is usually shorter than a written one, but it's still long enough to include your skills and experience. Use shorter paragraphs than you would in a printed letter, or emphasize your details in bullet points. The letter should be easy to read and quick to review. TIP: Using upper case in e-mail format can be considered "shouting", and it can be looked upon unfavourably. Be direct and to the point with the style and tone of the writing of your letter.

Selection Criteria Letter

Some positions provide a selection criteria for you to complete. Respond to the questions as honestly as you can, even outlining some examples that relate to the particular questions you are answering.

Cover Letter Examples

Click the links below to download Cover Letter Samples:
 Cover Letter Example 1 File Size: [49.2 KBytes]
 Cover Letter Example 2 File Size: [39.2 KBytes]

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