Career FAQs - Sample cover letter

Your name
Your street address
Suburb State Postcode
Tel:
Mobile:
Email:

Date Month Year

Mr/Ms full name

Address your application to the name given on the job ad. If a name isn’t specified, call the company and ask whom you should make the application to.

Title
Company name
Street address
Suburb State Postcode

Dear [name of contact]

In the first paragraph you should briefly explain who you are and why you are writing to them. Name the position you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised. While it’s fine to start this paragraph with ‘I’, try not to start every paragraph in the same way.

Never forget to mention which job you’re applying for. If the company is advertising more than one position, and you don’t say which position you’re interested in, they may not even consider your application – especially if they receive loads of applications.

Explain why you think you are qualified for the position, mentioning your most important qualifications (for example ‘I have just graduated from a Bachelor of Business Administration’) and what you think you would bring to the company. If the job advertisement lists selection criteria, this is the place to say how your skills and experience meet the criteria they’re looking for.

If a job has asked that you address selection criteria separately, this can go in a separate document.

In the third paragraph, explain why you would like to work for this particular company, showing that you have done research regarding the position.

Companies want to know that you’re interested in them and understand what they do, and what they want from their employees. You may be applying for hundreds of different jobs but you need to make each prospective employer think that their job is the only one you want.

Lastly, politely request that they consider your application, conveying your appreciation for their time.

Being polite and enthusiastic will help to create an overall good impression.

Yours sincerely

[Signature]

If you have the technology to do so, scan your signature and insert it into the document.

Print full name

Cover letter tips

• Tailor each letter you write to suit the employer and the position.
• Write the letter in standard business letter format.
• Address the letter to the person mentioned in the job ad. If the ad doesn’t give a name, call the company to find out who should address the letter to.
• State the position you’re applying for and any reference number given in the job ad.
• Address any selection criteria listed in the job ad by demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the required criteria.
• Be succinct.
• Get someone to proofread your letter.
• Include a closing statement.
• Sign your letter.

Background iimage: © Photoking | Dreamstime.com

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Feature articles What women want Free sample cover letter Save the planet from your office Green tips	Sample Cover Letter Always use a standard business letter format for your cover letter. Your name Your street address Suburb State Postcode Tel: Mobile: Email: Date Month Year Mr/Ms full name Address your application to the name given on the job ad. If a name isn’t specified, call the company and ask whom you should make the application to. Title Company name Street address Suburb State Postcode Dear [name of contact] In the first paragraph you should briefly explain who you are and why you are writing to them. Name the position you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised. While it’s fine to start this paragraph with ‘I’, try not to start every paragraph in the same way. Never forget to mention which job you’re applying for. If the company is advertising more than one position, and you don’t say which position you’re interested in, they may not even consider your application – especially if they receive loads of applications. Explain why you think you are qualified for the position, mentioning your most important qualifications (for example ‘I have just graduated from a Bachelor of Business Administration’) and what you think you would bring to the company. If the job advertisement lists selection criteria, this is the place to say how your skills and experience meet the criteria they’re looking for. If a job has asked that you address selection criteria separately, this can go in a separate document. In the third paragraph, explain why you would like to work for this particular company, showing that you have done research regarding the position. Companies want to know that you’re interested in them and understand what they do, and what they want from their employees. You may be applying for hundreds of different jobs but you need to make each prospective employer think that their job is the only one you want. Lastly, politely request that they consider your application, conveying your appreciation for their time. Being polite and enthusiastic will help to create an overall good impression. Yours sincerely [Signature] If you have the technology to do so, scan your signature and insert it into the document. Print full name Cover letter tips • Tailor each letter you write to suit the employer and the position. • Write the letter in standard business letter format. • Address the letter to the person mentioned in the job ad. If the ad doesn’t give a name, call the company to find out who should address the letter to. • State the position you’re applying for and any reference number given in the job ad. • Address any selection criteria listed in the job ad by demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the required criteria. • Be succinct. • Get someone to proofread your letter. • Include a closing statement. • Sign your letter. Background iimage: © Photoking \| Dreamstime.com

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