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
‘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
‘Without Peninsula Personnel I wouldn’t be where I am today – and I thank you so much.’ Loretta, candidate
‘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‘
‘Thank you for all your help, advice and everything that you did for me to help me achieve this role. I am forever grateful to you all. You are all a lovely, helpful group of people.’ Christine, candidate
‘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
‘Prior to raising my family I worked fairly consistently with PP over many years and can’t remember a time when I was concerned about not being able to work. Years later I contacted the girls … Five minutes later I had a casual position ready to start the next day. Not only have the girls kept me in constant work in varied and interesting positions but they have been great friends to me on a personal level – always supportive and understanding. I have never registered with another agen… Read more
‘I am infinitely grateful to you for giving me the opportunity and your support.’ Sebastian, candidate
‘You all do a wonderful job and your temp staff all think so highly of the service you provide. Well done girls. I’ll be nominating you for the best business awards next year. I really appreciate the support & friendship you all provide. You are all so lovely to work for.’ Kerrie, candidate
‘It has been lovely working with you, Leigh and Lorraine over the years and I am sure this will be my forever job (it will be a total surprise if it is not) so I am sure it was the last return to Peninsula, which have been many over the past 20 years. Thank you for being wonderful and inviting.’ Michele, candidate