How do you write a cover letter?

Introduction:

This section should contain where you found the job, the reference number and a brief overview of any relevant experience or qualifications.

Body:

This section should contain references to the position description’s key duties and responsibilities and how you have the experience to meet them. This section is particularly important; you want the employer to be able to tick every box, or at least as many as possible, from the job duties.

Here’s a good chance to show off, too. Infer things about the position. Perhaps it is a receptionist role, and it doesn’t specify the need to have good phone manner. Clearly this will be a part of a role, so include it.

Add extra selling points in dot points. These things could be manual drivers licence and reliable transport, especially if the position is rurally located. Or a Working with Children certification or clear police check are both valuable.

Closing:

This section should include a call to action for the employer, and thanks for considering the application.

You should be able to fit this all in to a one page document. More than one page is generally overkill and will bore the employer. A well structured cover letter with valuable content also expresses excellent communication skills as well.

Approach your cover letter systemically — and truthfully– and you won’t go wrong.