Career Week 2023: How to write an attention-grabbing cover letter
Thursday, 18 May 2023
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Writing a good cover letter for job applications is an essential skill.
National Careers Week runs during Week 12 from 15 - 21 May. It is a time to celebrate careers, career development, career development services, and career development practitioners.
Your career does not start at the end of your degree, many of the most important steps you can take while you are studying. Whether it is volunteering, building up your work experience, developing your resume or working on your networking skills - there is lots to do now.
Creating a cover letter
A cover letter (also referred to as an application letter) provides the opportunity to demonstrate why you would be a good candidate for a job by providing relevant information matched to the position requirements. A résumé should also accompany an application letter.
Cover letters play a crucial role in job applications, they are an invaluable tool for you to effectively communicate your qualifications and motivations to prospective employers.
While your résumé provides a concise summary of your skills and experience, cover letters offer a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight relevant achievements, and establish a personal connection with the hiring manager.
Cover letters also enable you to address any potential gaps or discrepancies in your resume, providing context and explanations that can positively influence the hiring decision.
By tailoring the cover letter to each job application, applicants can demonstrate their understanding of the company's values, mission, and culture, reinforcing their compatibility with the organisation.
In a competitive job market, a strong cover letter can make a lasting impression, differentiating applicants from the crowd and increasing their chances of securing an interview and ultimately, their dream job.
Five tips to think about
- Break down the job advert and identify the relevant keywords and themes that might be important to the company.
- Write for the employer. Your letter should explain what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
- Apart from the job advert and job description form, also look at the company’s LinkedIn profile and company website to gain an understanding of their overall business objectives and identify how your knowledge, skills and experience align to their objectives.
- Avoid passive words like “I feel” or “I think”. Be clear, confident and dynamic by using strong action verbs.
- It’s not all about your technical proficiency. You will need to show that you are able to fit into their existing work culture.
Develop the essential skills relating to resumes, interviews, selection criteria and creating cover letters via the Career Hacks resources in Career Hub.
Look at the helpful tips on Interview Skills, Resumes, Selection Criteria and Cover Letters.
You can also head down to one of the regular Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn Review Drop-In sessions to get feedback on your resources. Find out when the next session is on via CareerHub.