In my last blog I talked about the world of resume writing and the broader job market evolving at a rapid pace where key tools considered valuable just a few years ago are now ancient history. One of the recruitment tools that seem to have stood the test of time are covering letters.
There was a time when covering letters were viewed as a piece of paper to be slapped on the front of the resume and not read by anyone. It’s even been suggested to me by some comedic recruiters 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 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 or recruitment agency uses the software for shortlisting or candidate management, the system will be looking for the letter as part of its assessment and scoring procedures.
So, there are a few things you should consider when writing a covering letter.
- Consider the letter as an introduction to you and your resume, and a way of tailoring the application to the specific job.
- Use the letter to demonstrate (to the recruiter) that you are a ‘good fit’!
- The 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 the 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 overwhelmed by what’s needed to craft a quality covering letter. If that’s you, then you need to chat with your Transition Case Manager.
Anthony Ferro
Transition Case Manager
(Former 1st responder, company director, business consultant, trainer and career writing specialist)
Supporting First Responders Nationally – Queensland based
#coveringletters #skilldevelopment #jobsites #resumewriting #careeradvice