[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"doc-seo-280905-105":3,"detail-sidebar-cat-1-en-105":81,"doc-detail-280905-en":126},{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":6},0,"ok",{"site_id":7,"language":8,"slug":9,"title":10,"keywords":11,"description":12,"schema_data":13,"social_meta":74,"head_meta":76,"extra_data":78,"updated_unix":80},105,"en","career-development-top-tips-for-effective-cover-letters","Career Development - Top tips for effective cover letters","","Career development guidance focuses on creating effective, role-appropriate cover letters and improving outcomes with clear structure and targeted content. The tips explain how cover letters may be reviewed by HR staff or hiring managers, and how letter length and format differ by organisation and job requirements. Guidance covers reading application criteria, contacting the listed employer when details are missing, customizing for each application, and using keywords that match ATS and HR scanning for capabilities, results, and recognition.",{"@graph":14,"@context":73},[15,34,56],{"@type":16,"itemListElement":17},"BreadcrumbList",[18,23,27,31],{"item":19,"name":20,"@type":21,"position":22},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",1,{"item":24,"name":25,"@type":21,"position":26},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/","Template",2,{"item":28,"name":29,"@type":21,"position":30},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/letters/","Letters",3,{"item":32,"name":10,"@type":21,"position":33},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/career-development-top-tips-for-effective-cover-letters/280905/",4,{"url":32,"name":10,"@type":35,"image":36,"author":41,"headline":10,"publisher":44,"fileFormat":47,"inLanguage":8,"description":12,"dateModified":48,"datePublished":49,"encodingFormat":47,"isAccessibleForFree":50,"interactionStatistic":51},"DigitalDocument",{"url":37,"@type":38,"width":39,"height":40},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/career-development-top-tips-for-effective-cover-letters/280905.png","ImageObject",442,249,{"name":42,"@type":43},"Fahsai","Person",{"url":19,"name":45,"@type":46},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-10-26","2026-09-16",true,{"@type":52,"interactionType":53,"userInteractionCount":55},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":54},"ViewAction",15,{"@type":57,"mainEntity":58},"FAQPage",[59,65,69],{"name":60,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":62},"Who may read a cover letter first, and why does it matter?","Question",{"text":63,"@type":64},"A cover letter may be initially reviewed by HR staff in some organisations or by the hiring manager in others. 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Who will receive the letter initially and what might its function serve?  \nThis may differ depending upon the organisation. For example, in some organisations it may be Human Resources (HR) staff that may review your application, whereas in other organisations it may be the hiring manager themselves. With these items in mind, think about what your cover letter might look like and should contain. Should it be lengthy and detailed? Should it contain details from your resume?  \nCover letters can be different  \nIt’s important to acknowledge that depending upon the organisation and the role, the requirements for a cover letter may look very different. There are two typical examples of a cover letter, these include:  \n1. Generic, short cover letters: These are typically one page maximum and seek to introduce you as a acandidate, an overview of why you are applying for the position (your motivation) and a high-level account of your educational background and aligned capabilities to the role.  \n2. Cover letters that address the selection criteria: These can be anywhere from 2 to 4 pages in length depending upon the job listing requirements and require you to address all the selection criteria within the cover letter.  \nBy understanding the different types of cover letters, you are able to pick the most suitable letter that will help you to stand out for the crowd.  \nTip 1: Read the application requirements carefully  \nThe first step is to ensure that you carefully read the application requirements for the role. The job listing may specify the maximum length of the cover letter and the type of cover letter they want you to upload. For example, some positions may require you to submit a longer cover letter that addresses all the selection criteria, whereas other positions may require a resume, cover letter, and a response to the selection criteria document.  \nWhat if the listing does not specify the cover letter requirements?  \nOn the job listing there will most likely be contact details (email and/or phone) of a staff member from HR or the hiring manager. If the job listing does not include the application requirements, be sure to reach out to the contact and enquire. Also, if there is no contact staff member listed, contact the provided organisation/department details to locate the suitable staff member to address your application to.  \nTip 2: Write a customised cover letter for each job you apply for  \nIt’s not hard for HR staff or hiring managers to spot a generically written cover letter. They scan hundreds over a month and are acutely aware of all the Build Your Own Cover Letter Templates available on the internet. To ensure you standout from the crowd, it is recommended that you customise your cover letter to address the criteria of the specific position and the values of the company that you are applying to.  \nFor short cover letters  \nIf the organisation is looking for a short-generic cover letter, carefully analyse the job listing and select two or three capabilities that you believe you align to and could bring value to the organisation. Provide brief examples of these and how they demonstrate the capabilities needed for the job you are applying for. For a generic cover letter, it is recommended to not exceed one page.  \nFor cover letters that must address the selection criteria  \nIf the organisation is looking for a cover letter which responds to the selection criteria, be sure to carefully identify the maximum number of pages you are afforded. Start with an introductory paragraph that specifies the role that you are applying for and why you believe you are a suitable candidate. In the remainder of your cover letter, be sure to either:  \nbold the selection criteria the first time they appear in the body of the letter or have headings and corresponding paragraphs for ea","cbCaig6oHRTosW7d","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaig6oHRTosW7d","pdf",59015,"English","# Career Development\n## Top tips for effective cover letters\n## Cover letters can be different\n## Tip 1: Read the application requirements carefully\n## Tip 2: Write a customised cover letter for each job you apply for\n## Tip 3: Use keywords\n## Tip 4: Show yourself while remaining professional and polite","[{\"question\":\"Who may read a cover letter first, and why does it matter?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter may be initially reviewed by HR staff in some organisations or by the hiring manager in others. Understanding the likely reviewer helps you tailor what the letter includes and how it is presented.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the two typical types of cover letters mentioned?\",\"answer\":\"The document describes generic short cover letters (typically up to one page) that introduce motivation and aligned capabilities, and longer cover letters (about 2 to 4 pages) that address all selection criteria in response to job listing requirements.\"},{\"question\":\"How should keywords be used in a cover letter?\",\"answer\":\"Because many large organisations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and scan for keywords, the cover letter should include capability, results, and recognition keywords aligned to the job specifications, using strong action verbs and measurable outcomes.\"}]","Career Development - Top tips for effective cover letters | PDF",1789561993]