Transition to Professional Practice Program (T Triple P)
Part E: Cover Letter
When responding to most job advertisements it will usually be expected that you write a cover letter, sometimes known as an application letter.
What is the purpose of a cover letter? Your cover letter typically will basically explain:
- That you are interested in the position.
- Why you are applying.
- Your suitability for the position.
Some general guidelines to follow when writing covering letters:
- Ideally keep it to less than one page.
- Address your letter to a person, not a position. If a job ad doesn’t have the contact person’s name, consider calling the organisation and obtain the relevant details.
- Make sure you correctly spell the name of the contact; get their job title right too!
- Include your contact details at the top of the letter.
- If the advertisement has a job reference number quote this in your letter.
As with all your other job application documentation, making it easy reading for the reader is essential.
Here’s a simple but effective format for your letter that will help you achieve this. Divide it up into these 4 sections:
- A short introductory paragraph.
- A concise, dot point summary of your relevant skills, experience and qualifications – closely related to, or mirroring the selection criteria.
- Describe what other job application documentation you are supplying along with your letter.
- Express your desire for an interview.
Let’s examine each of these four parts of the letter in a little more detail.
The Introduction
- Indicate that you are applying for the position.
- Then explain why…..aim to get their attention. Your reasons might include things like your desire and/or confidence that you can make a contribution to their organisation, your passion for the work or field, your admiration/sharing of the organisation’s values etc.
- Aim to get their attention in the opening paragraph.
- Aim for perhaps two sentences maximum in the introduction; no more than say four lines of text for your opening paragraph.
Summarise your Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Start a new paragraph with a sentence which goes something like: “To assist you to evaluate my suitability for this position, following is a brief summary of my relevant qualifications, skills and experience:"
- Then provide a dot point summary of these attributes. The attributes you include must be closely related to the selection criteria.
- Remember, this is a summary of the attributes you bring to the position. You will be describing these in much more detail in your resume and responses to the selection criteria document.
- Keep your descriptions brief – one line of text is great, two lines of text isn’t too bad, three or more lines is probably too much information.
Describe other Job Application Documents you are Supplying
- This is as simple as writing a sentence like “Please find attached a copy of my resume together with a document containing my responses to the selection criteria".
Express your Desire for an Interview
- Make your closing paragraph strong and memorable.
- Re-state your strong interest in the position, and that you are confident you can demonstrate your ability to perform in this position to their complete satisfaction.
- Indicate that you are looking forward to an opportunity to meet them in an interview where you can further explain your suitability for the job.
- Avoid using limp closing phrases like “Thank you for taking the time to read my application, I hope to hear from you soon. If you have any questions please call me at any time” etc.
Below is a cover letter template so that you can see how the sections of the letter might come together:
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Your name Date Dear (person’s name) Begin by saying something nice about the organisation, what it does, its values, services, etc., or something that appeals to you about the position. For this reason I am extremely interested in the advertised position and I’m confident you’ll find that I have a range of capabilities which will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to your organisation (or business, or this role). Following is a brief summary of the qualifications, skills and experience I would bring to this position: • I hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of South Australia, and am a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. A statement containing my responses to the selection criteria, together with a copy of my resume is enclosed (or attached) for your further information and evaluation. I look forward to the opportunity meeting with you during an interview in the near future, where I would like to further outline my ability to perform this role to your complete satisfaction.
Your Name |