How to write a successful letter of application After9 Program

Purpose of Cover Letter Introduces your resume States desired position Summarizes your qualifications Provides additional clarification to your resume Requests an interview Provides contact

Many employers will skim your cover letter, and if they are interested they will read your resume – so it is vital you use key words that will stand out to them – read the position description carefully and use words from the position description or the job advertisement in your letter. Eg. if they want someone to work weekends, ensure you mention your weekend availability, if they want someone with good communication skills mention that you are a friendly ‘people-person’ etc.

To whom should it be addressed? Dear Sir/Madam – (Formal and you don’t know the name) Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr Smith – (Formal and do know the name) Dear Jackie/Jonathan – (Too informal) Hi! – (Not if you want the job!) Yo hommie … sup? (no hope..) Job advertisements will often tell you who to address your letter to, e.g. To the Manager ATTN: Human Resource Manager

How do I sign off? Yours faithfully (If you don’t know the name) Yours sincerely (If you have used their name) Yours truly (Too informal) Regards/Kind regards (Too informal) Cheers (Not if you want the job!) L8R (Oops!)

How should I lay out my letter? This is the current Ivanhoe Grammar School standard format. Always use correct punctuation when writing a cover letter.

Writing the Cover Letter Professional Format Concise – One Page paragraphs Professional Select a standard font (NOT chiller, algerian etc.) Select 11/12 font size Have equal line spacing and page margins

Writing the Cover Letter Address Information Your name & address (top right corner) Today’s date (1 line below on left side) Name, title, and address of person you are writing to 2 lines underneath the date on the left hand side Personalized salutations best (i.e., Dear Dr. or Dear Ms.)

Writing the Cover Letter Section One – The Opening Purpose of your letter Position of interest How you heard about the position Statement expressing your knowledge or interest in organization

Writing the Cover Letter Section Two – The Body Explains why you believe you are a good match for position or organization – include words used in the position description! Highlights your degree/education and relevant experience May be paragraph format or bulleted style

Writing the Cover Letter Section Three – The Closing Refers to the next steps you would like to have happen Refers to your resume Indicated contact information Finish with a definite – “I look forward to hearing from you”

Tips… Never hand in the same cover letter to different businesses – tailor your letter to suit each job Do some research on the business – what type of employee are they looking to hire? There is a fine line between selling yourself and being over- confident or arrogant PROOFREAD!!! Be honest If you have a home number, put it on the letter Think about what the business wants, what you have to offer, and match the two Be flexible – you are one of many applicants so you must be willing to be flexible Always put the business name on the letter – this makes it apparent you have taken the time to change your letter and that you want THIS job, not just any old job Ensure the address you put on your letter is appropriate!! USE YOUR SCHOOL !! … NOT OR

Good luck with your letter.