Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au.
A cover letter should demonstrate to the reader that you have read the job ad carefully and that you are truly interested in that particular job. Many hiring managers will not even look at a resume that does not come with a cover letter.
The cover letter should:
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Be to the point. Should clearly link your experience to the role being advertised.
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Be no more than three to four paragraphs long.
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Be positive and upbeat. Make the hiring manager interested in reading your resume.
The cover letter should NOT:
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Be a summary or repeat of your resume.
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Be a uniform letter you send with all job applications.
Here are some examples:
Dear Madam/Sir,
I read with interest your advertisement seeking an advertising sales professional, as I believe I possess the attributes necessary to make the role a success.
As you will see from my resume, I have a proven track record in advertising sales as well as selling to all levels of management in the tourist/hospitality/travel sector in 14 different countries including Australia.
Adept at leading a team or working as part of a team, I am also an enthusiastic self-starter able to work from home. I have initiative and loads of drive. My personal motto is: "Never give up". Technical skills include telephone and face-to-face selling, Word, Outlook and Excel software proficiency and strong communication skills.
I hope to have an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I could contribute to your team.
Yours sincerely,
Your name
Mr John Smith,
Operations Manager,
XYZ Car Dealership,
MacGregor,
Queensland 4109.
Dear Mr Smith,
I am writing in response to your advertisement seeking a customer services manager to run XYZ Car Dealership's service centre.
As you will see from my enclosed/accompanying résumé, my skills and experience are a good match for the position you are now trying to fill.
Of particular relevance is my five years experience working in a similar role and the award I received for excellence in customer service.
I'm aware of the high value XYZ Car Dealership places on service and believe I share the same philosophy on customer care.
I look forward to having an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I could contribute to your team.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Brown
Mr John Smith,
Operations Manager,
XYZ Car Dealership,
MacGregor,
Queensland 4109.
Dear Mr Smith,
I am writing in response to your advertisement seeking a customer manager to run XYZ Car Dealership's service centre.
As you will see from my enclosed/accompanying résumé, my skills and experience are a good match for the position you are now trying to fill.
I look forward to having an opportunity to meet with you to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Brown