To cover or not to cover…

Experienced recruiter Marilyn Jones offers job seekers some advice on the do’s and don’ts of a great cover letter.

I am often asked if a cover letter is still important for applications. Some employers no longer ask for them however I always do, as do most of the companies I work with. 

I particularly like them for a number of reasons:

1. It shows you have taken the time to look at the role and understood what it is really about and not just pressed the send button on the ads of a hundred roles that might be suitable.
2. It shows a genuine interest in the role. 
3. You can articulate what you can bring to a role that gives me more information about your aligned capabilities and your motivations.
4. It will make you stand out from those that don’t do one.

It does take time, it does take effort, however it does pay off. 

Some things to consider with cover letters: 

• Each new role requires a new, individual, targeted letter.
• The majority of the letter should be about what you can offer them and how your expertise aligns with the role’s selection criteria. Don’t go on about why you want the role and why it suits you personally. You are best to cover that in the last paragraph only.
• One page is always preferable. Beware of being too verbose. 
• Start with a statement to summarise your expertise in relation to the role overall. 
• Next, address in point form or short paragraphs, relevant experience to the role.
• Address the specific issues raised in the advertisement to highlight where your previous work experience meets the requirements.
• If there are selection criteria, then this is what needs to be addressed with relevant examples or points.
• Some roles do not have selection criteria. If this is the case, print off the advert and use a highlighter to highlight what you feel are the important points of expertise required, address these.
• Ideally, keep it to a maximum of four paragraphs or about six key bullet points.
• For university, board, or some executive and industry roles they may require a separate selection criteria application as well. 

Tips for formatting your letter: 

• Your address and phone number should be at the top as well as the employer’s. Your cover letter can get separated from the CV and so by having contact details on it you can make sure it’s the right CV with the right cover letter.
• Include the date.
• For your heading use, RE: The title of role that you are applying for. Include a reference number if applicable.
• Name the contact if you can, eg Dear Mrs Jones. Undertake research and phone the company if necessary. Alternatively use: To the hiring manager, or Dear recruitment manager.
• Check the spelling of their name. So many times, I receive letters with my name spelt incorrectly. This shows a lack of attention to detail and as you know from my previous blogs, soft skills are important.
• You should use the same font and formatting as your résumé.
• Include white space on the page and spread out well. 

Some don’ts:

• Don’t just regurgitate your CV or your story. I want to see why you are suitable for the role.
• Don’t do long multi-page selection criteria unless they are specifically asked for.

Final paragraph/s:

• Include the reason why you are looking to move. This is when you may say what you are after, and/or why you are moving. Don’t let this take up the whole letter. It’s not about what you want, it’s about what you can offer them so that you stand out to be the one they want to hire.
• Thank them for their time in reviewing your application and say that you look forward to meeting with them to discuss further.

To finish: 

• Use “yours sincerely”, if you use their correct name or Dear Mr Jones or Dear Mrs Jones.
• Use “yours faithfully”, to finish letters commenced with Dear Sir/Madam or Dear hiring manager.
• Then include your name signed, with your full name typed below.

Good luck and I hope your next cover letter is what sets you apart for that next role. 

About the author: Marilyn Jones is an executive recruiter experienced in resourcing staff for companies and assisting individuals with their careers. Working for both niche and multinational recruitment organisations, Jones has worked across multiple sectors in many industry and business sectors both in Australia and the UK.

Each month Marilyn Jones will be exploring topics that are relevant to your career journey. She will be providing advice for job seekers entering and moving within the social sector. If you’d like insights into a particular topic, please email olivia@probonoaustralia.com.au.

Please note the views expressed are the opinion of Marilyn Jones and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pro Bono Australia, its staff or contributors.