One of the most difficult documents in the world to get right...The Cover Letter. Here's the essentials...short, sharp and shiny...to put you on top of the interview pile.

1. BRAND
ON TOP
LETTER
of the interview pile
& achievements.
your
COVER
to put you
The Statistics:
say the Cover Letter
is more important
than the résumé
will reject a candidate
due to poor grammar or a
spelling mistake
Employers*
regard Cover Letters
as just as important
as the résumé
remove applicants
from consideration if their
Cover Letter is too long
The Strategy:
to the seniority of the role.
Make it specific...
generic letters offend hirers.
Write a letter...
even if one is not requested.
Match the content...
Paint a warm, rich picture...
of your suitability.
the formality of your résumé.
Demonstrate...
you can write correctly & persuasively.
The Look:
Include more
than 5 - 7
bullet points
Use old style
fonts:
DONT'S...
One page: wide
margins & short
paragraphs
Modern font
& correct size:
Calibri 11pt, Corbel 11pt,
Century Gothic 10pt
The Match:
key words
and
them throughout
your letter.
sprinkle
Specify
distinct elements
from your experience/
qualifications
that
from the job advertisement
Identify
5-6
the job.
Be
Use exact
The Charm Offensive:
Convince them
Avoid
sterile, bland language.
Sound
like a real human being.
Write
in a professionally chatty way.
Find
a link between you & them.
you really want to work there.
The Conventions:
Do's...
Include their name, title & address
Address them by name, starting with 'Dear...'
End letter with 'Yours Sincerely' Dont's...
Include your address details
Use old fashioned style
Use slang or abbreviations
DO'S...
THE
BEST
Cover Letters
are infused with
energy,
and details of skills
personality
precise.
where you have worked.
match
and company names
1000
40%
1000
76%
1000
23%
1000
43%
Times New Roman, Arial
or cursive fonts
job titles you have held
The Outcome? Your letter...
the balance
of power to you so
so
Swings
that they start to think...
"Wow, this applicant looks great! Can't wait to read the résumé!"
For Expert Career Tips...
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Catherine Cunningham
Sources:
the career consultancycareerconsult.com.au @katy1mary1 the career consultancy
*www.careersavvy.co.uk / totaljobs.com / prospects.ac.uk / reed.co.uk / dummies.com
Complement...