How to prepare a cover letter
There is much debate about whether to include a cover letter with your resume when applying for roles. Some online applications request a cover letter and many recruiters and HR professionals believe a well-written cover letter distinguishes an application and provides a summary of the candidate's suitability.
We recommend that your cover letter be one page with short paragraphs that outline your experience, relevant skills and qualifications, suitability for the role and anything else you believe will assist your application. While you may like to mention your current role or most recent role, or a past role that is highly relevant to the one you are applying for, do not include your entire work history as it will most likely make your cover letter longer than one page; remember, your accompanying resume provides your work history.
We also recommend using an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Calibri in 10, 11 or 12pt and asking a friend to proof read your cover letter to check for spelling and grammar errors. And lastly, don't forget to include your contact details, the date, and the job reference number and/or full title of the advertised role.
Example Cover Letter
Your name
Street address
Suburb State Postcode
Mobile:
Email:
Date
Title
Company name
Street address
Suburb State Postcode
Dear [name of contact] (address your application to the name provided on the job ad; if a name isn’t offered, call the company and ask whom you should address the application to)
First paragraph
This paragraph should briefly explain who you are and why you are writing to them. Name the position you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised. If the company is advertising more than one position and you omit the position title you’re interested in, they may be unsure of which role you are applying for and not consider your application.
Second paragraph
Explain why you are suitable for the position and briefly how your previous experience and skills make you ideal for the role. Mention any relevant qualifications (for example ‘I have just graduated from a Bachelor of Business Administration’) and what you think you could bring to the company. If the job advertisement lists selection criteria, this is your opportunity to explain how your skills and experience meet their criteria.
If a job advertisement requests selection criteria to be addressed separately, create a new document and ensure your written responses to each criteria adhere to any word limits and, if provided, formatting instructions.
Third paragraph
Explain why you would like to work for this particular company, showing that you have researched their company and role. Companies want to know you are interested in them and have a solid understanding of what they do and how they do it, which can include their market position, current achievements and challenges and plans for the future. Ensure each prospective employer believes their role is the only one you want, no matter how many you may be applying for.
Lastly, politely request they consider your application and convey your appreciation for the time they have taken to read it. Being polite and enthusiastic will help create an overall good impression.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature] (you should sign your name by hand or insert a scan of your signature)
Print full name
‘Thanks again for your help and being such a great recruitment agency to work with – by far the best I’ve been through! Danielle, candidate
‘Fujifilm are proud to have had a close working relationship with Peninsula Personnel as a preferred supplier of both contract (temporary) and permanent employees for more than 18 years. They have worked extremely hard on our behalf to ensure the quality of candidates meet all of our needs and their systems for interviewing, testing and induction ensure that candidates arrive with a full understanding of the standards required of the position they have been recommended for.’ Human Resources, Fu… Read more
‘Right from the start, and unlike so many other agencies, the team has done their upmost to make me feel welcome, appreciated, informed and most importantly– they have promptly placed me in enjoyable assignments! I first registered my interest online and was swiftly contacted by Lisa with regards to popping into the office for an informal chat and some standard skills testing – after this it was only a matter of days before I found myself in my first role! Being new to the country I ha… Read more
‘I must thank you all at Peninsula Personnel for making my work experience so rewarding, and placing me in the most fabulous companies! Your clients are a testament to you company Lisa, and I cannot rave higher about PP in DY!!!’ Loretta, candidate‘
‘I wish every consultant was as lovely and engaging as you!’ Lois, candidate
‘Peninsula Personnel has been working with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance since its inception in 1995. PP is like an extension of our recruitment team as they always take the time to understand our needs and leave no stone unturned to exceed our expectations. The owner and founder of PP, Lisa Bousfield, has built a team of professional and customer focussed recruiters who embrace Lisa’s positive ‘can do’ attitude and desire to deliver only the best candidates to their customers. I recom… Read more
‘Roche Products Pty Ltd have been associated with Peninsula Personnel since its inception in March 1995 and are extremely satisfied with the service we have received during this time. Their customer service is friendly and professional, always providing us with quality staff tailored to our requirements. We would not hesitate to recommend their services to other clients and in fact have had a preferred supplier agreement in place with them for a number of years now.’ HR & Sourcing, Roche Produc… Read more
‘I want to thank you so much for helping me out and will pass your name onto people as you are fantastic at your job.’ Mel, candidate
‘When I knew I was going to be returning to Sydney I contacted PP and was working almost before I had unpacked my suitcases. The PP team somehow always managed to find positions that suited me perfectly, including an ideal permanent position once I had decided to settle. I have found Lisa and Leigh extremely friendly, always professional and unbelievably efficient. For example, when my situation changed recently and I required temporary assignments again, I forwarded my updated CV to Lisa… Read more
‘I really appreciate everything you and all the gorgeous ladies at PP have done to help me and just how wonderful you have been to deal with. You have been so generous, thoughtful and caring – well beyond what anyone would expect from a recruitment and temping agency. You go the extra mile and build personal relationships, not just professional ones and that’s where PP really stands head and shoulders ahead of the rest.’ Rachel, candidate