The Value of a good Covering Letter for job applications.

​The world of Resume Writing and the broader job market continues to evolve at a rapid pace.  Things that were ‘in’ just a few years ago are now ancient history, and some old favourites that people considered redundant are now popular again.  One of the recruitment tools that seem to have retained their value are covering letters.

There was a time when covering letters were viewed as simply a piece of paper that was slapped on the front of the Resume document and wasn’t read by anyone.  It’s even been suggested to me that you could write a racy sex story in the covering letter and no one would notice.  However, those days have passed and the covering letter is clearly a valuable tool in the recruitment process. 

Technology and the internet now play a pivotal role in job hunting and the employment marketplace.  The likes of SEEK, Domain, SmartJobs, CareerOne, Indeed, LinkedIn and a myriad of job search websites all provide easy and convenient means for employers and candidates to connect. 

The advent of candidate screening software and other such technology is one of the reasons covering letters are still in vogue.  Where an employer, recruitment agency, or job search website uses the software for shortlisting or candidate management purposes, they will be looking for the covering letter as part of their assessment and scoring procedures.
So, there are a few things you should consider when writing your covering letter.  

• Consider the covering letter as an introduction to you and your Resume, and a way of tailoring your application to the specific job.
• Use the letter to demonstrate (to the recruiter) that you are a ‘good fit’!
• The covering letter should highlight key qualities that set you apart from other applicants. 
• Stick to one page unless there are specific requirements in the advertisement that need the extra space.
• The reader must be left in no doubt about the value you will bring to the company or organisation. 
• Link some threads together by showing how your skillset and work experience meets the job criteria.
• Do not repeat your Resume in the Covering Letter!
• Use clear and concise language, as well as an easy to read layout. 
• Proof read, proof read, proof read!!!
• Lastly, remember you will be judged by the content, layout, and presentation of your letter, so make sure you get it right.  If you’re applying for an admin role and your letter is poorly presented with spelling and grammar errors, then you aren’t showing your suitability for the role!

You might be feeling a bit confused over how to write a good covering letter and present yourself in a positive way to employers.  If that’s you, then we need to talk!

Anthony Ferro

Present Professionally provides career services to clients across Australia.  View our career services at http://www.presentprofessionally.com.au/resume-services.html
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You can follow Anthony at https://au.linkedin.com/in/anthonyferro1  and LIKE us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/PresentProfessionallyAustralia/
 
Written and Published by  www.presentprofessionally.com.au