Crafting cover letters and selection criteria

How to create a strong cover letter

5 minutes

A cover letter is a customised document that addresses the key selection criteria for a role. It explains your experience in terms of the position requirements and is an important component in the job application process.

Your cover letter should be:

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Approximately one page long

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Addressed to the appropriate person

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Written with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude

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Clear about how you fit the role

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Finished with a positive, enthusiastic close

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Carefully checked for grammatical, spelling and typographical errors

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Be no more than 3-4 paragraphs long

Creating your cover letter

Ready to make a statement? Here’s a 5-step structure to help you flesh out a cover letter that is both compelling and complete.

Paragraph

details

Purpose of your letter

If replying to a job advertisement, include the job title and reference/job number (if known). You can state how you found out about the job and your interest in it.

Why you are interested in this job

Explain how your background matches the job. Demonstrate that you have done your research and that you clearly understand the requirements of the role.

Don’t copy the text from the advertisement but you can mirror the keywords.

Skills and Achievements

Identify employer needs and the value you can bring to the organisation with the skills you can offer. Keep your descriptions short – lengthier descriptions of your achievements will be included in your resume.

You do not have to address the criteria one by one, you can integrate different criteria in your examples.

General or soft skills relevant to role

List other general skills such as communication and interpersonal skills, problem solving, planning etc. that will support you to undertake the role.

Include those that are specially aligned to the ‘desired’ criteria described by the advertisement.

Closing

Refer to your resume and any attachments. Say you are interested in the opportunity to interview and when you are available. Finish on a positive note and thank the employer for their time.

Cover letter examples

Here are some examples to get you started on how to craft your own cover letters.

example 1: job advertisement response

Dear [name],

I’m writing in response to your recently advertised position for a [role title]. I am very interested in this opportunity with [company] and believe that my qualifications, education and professional experience would make me a strong candidate for the position.

I am a [insert personal characteristics] professional who can [add more information on how you can add value to future company]. [You can insert a short version of your career profile here].

Enclosed is my resume that more fully details my background and work experience, and how they relate to your position. As you can see, [pick out a few key details or experiences that align with the specific requirements of the advertised role].

I firmly believe that I can be a valuable asset to your team. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about this position and how my experience could help [insert name of company] achieve its goals.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

example 2: job advertisement response

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],

I’m writing to express my interest in the recently advertised [position title] role. I believe I could bring valuable skills and experience to [company name] that would make me an ideal fit for this position.

I have [number] years of experience as a [your professional role/title] and in this time I have [briefly outline your experience in current or previous roles and mention key responsibilities and achievements].

[In this paragraph, outline how you specifically fit the requirements of the advertised role and mirror the language used in the job ad].

[In this paragraph, reinforce your unique value proposition, what you have to offer and why you are an ideal fit.]

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

example 3: responding to a linnkedin recruiter

Dear [name],

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and see that you are a recruitment specialist in [insert sector].

As a [insert your role title/function] interested in new positions in the [insert city] area, I would be keen to find out more about the positions you place and whether your agency might be able to assist me in my search.

I have [insert number] years of experience in the industry and most recently I have [insert a brief outline of your recent professional experience]. My key skills are [insert a few key points or strengths] and my career highlights include:

[Insert career achievements here. For example, “Saved XYZ organisation AUD$200,000 by implementing a best practice ABC system in a 6-month timeframe.”]

[Insert career achievement]

[In this paragraph, summarise your unique value proposition – Example: ‘I am a strong and effective communicator and proven leader, able to navigate the corporate environment and respond to its demands.’]

I look forward to discussing my potential to contribute to your clients’ [or organisation’s] needs. Please do not hesitate to contact me on [insert mobile number].

Kind regards,

[Your name]

example 4: Cold contact prospecting

Dear [name],

I have been researching your company with great interest and would be very keen to learn of any opportunities for employment with you. I believe my skills and experience could be a great match with your organisation’s initiatives and culture.

[In your opening, if you can draw any personal connection, such as a personal recommendation, recently attending one of their events or talks, or even reading about their company in the news, do so.]

As a [insert your role title/function] with [number] years of experience in the sector, I believe I could make a valuable contribution to furthering your company’s success and goals.[Briefly outline your experience and emphasis any skills and strengths that would benefit the company. Mention any projects you’ve worked on that relate to what the company does.]

My career highlights include:

[Insert career achievements here. For example, “Saved XYZ organisation AUD$200,000 by implementing a best practice ABC system in a 6-month timeframe.”]

[Insert career achievement]

I have been very excited to learn about [cite some development, project or aspect of the company that appeals to you and demonstrates your knowledge of the company]. [Now explain how you would contribute to the company’s projects, put forward an idea or demonstrate how you can help the company grow.]

I believe that my experience would make me an ideal fit for [company name]. I have attached my resume to provide more information about my background and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I may be able to contribute to your organisation. I will call you next week to arrange a time to meet at your convenience, but please do not hesitate to contact me at [insert email address and mobile number].

Kind regards,
[Your name]

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