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Overview  \nWhat are cover letters?  \nA cover letter is a one-page, tailored letter articulating one’s suitability for a position in an organisation. It is submitted with a resume to further personalise your application by describing not only your experience and skills, but also your motivation for applying and how you would fit into the organisation’s culture and share their values.  \nAn effective cover letter complements a resume, helping to answer 3 key factors:  \n• Can you do the job?– Show you have the right knowledge, experience abilities and skills  \n• Will you do the job?– Show you are interested in the role and the organisation and that you have the other attitudes necessary for success  \n• Will you fit in?– Show how your values and goals match the organisation’s values and goals. Your language and the evidence provide can also demonstrate how you might fit in with clientsand co-workers  \n2. Steps to Writing an Effective Cover Letter  \n1. Analyse the job advertisement  \nTailor your letter to the requirements of the organisation – do not send the same letter to every company. To prepare your letter, make notes on what the job’s selection criteria are (i.e. the required technical and transferable skills, and personal attributes) and examples of how you meet them.  \n2. Find out as much as possible about the company and the role  \nResearch the organisation’s products and services, current/recent projects, new initiatives, awards or achievements, values and culture. Possible research sources include the internet, Factiva, industry magazines, the UNSW Careers Library and website, professional associations, newspapers, Information Interviews, publications and reports.  \n3. State your potential contribution to the organisation that will meet their needs  \nOrganisations hire staff because they have a need that they want met or because the person has the potential to contribute something new. Identify what needs the organisation may have and/or how you could potentially contribute to their future success. Stating the job would be good for your career is not a strong argument.  \n4. Address your cover letter to a person  \nIf the advertisement includes the name of someone to write to, make sure you spell that person’s name correctly, use a formal greeting “Dear Ms Roberts” and use “Yours sincerely” to sign off. For advertisements without a name, you should contact the company and ask for a name, however, be aware that some organisations will not tell you and, the conversation could turn into an impromptu interview.  \nIf you cannot get the person’s name, your greeting should be “Dear Sir / Madam or Dear Recruitment Manager or HR Manager”(not “To whom it may concern”), with “Yours faithfully” to sign off.  \n5. Grab and keep the reader’s attention  \nFirst paragraph – state what attracts you to the company and/or industry and/or role.  \nMiddle paragraphs – briefly outline how you meet the role’s selection criteria by referring to your experience. Use relevant examples drawn from your work history, studies and/or extracurricular activities. Ensure that you address at least three to five key criteria.  \nFinal paragraph – provide a summary, thank the reader, state your expectations e.g. “I look forward to the opportunity of an interview.”  \nUse succinct sales pitch or marketing brochure language rather than the language you use for an essay. Describe the benefits you offer rather than lengthy explanations.  \nFillers such as ‘Most recently’,‘In addition to those skills mentioned previously’ and ‘However’ are unnecessary as the recruiter is most likely under strict time pressure.  \n6. Value your skills and experience  \nPhrases like \"while I don't have…\", and \"although I have limited work experience,…\" create the impression that you are not confident or proud of your achievements. It is important that you enthusiastically describe your skills and experience.  \n7. Format your letter effectively  \nIt should be one page only. Allow plenty of","cbCaikRbsD7Q9ZnK","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaikRbsD7Q9ZnK","pdf",355969,"English","# Overview\n## What are cover letters?\n# Steps to Writing an Effective Cover Letter\n## Analyse the job advertisement\n## Find out as much as possible about the company and the role\n## State your potential contribution\n## Address your cover letter to a person\n## Grab and keep the reader’s attention\n## Value your skills and experience\n## Format your letter effectively\n## Check your spelling and grammar\n## Manage your time effectively\n# Cover Letter Structure\n## Contact and address details\n## Salutation and subject line\n## First paragraph\n## Middle paragraphs","[{\"question\":\"What is the purpose of a cover letter in a job application?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter is a one-page, tailored letter that explains suitability for a position. It personalises the application by showing experience and skills, motivation for applying, and how values fit the organisation.\"},{\"question\":\"How should a cover letter be tailored to a specific job?\",\"answer\":\"Analyse the job advertisement and identify the selection criteria and attributes required. Use research about the company and role, then provide examples showing how you meet those criteria.\"},{\"question\":\"What formatting and proofreading tips improve cover letter quality?\",\"answer\":\"Keep it to one page, use ample margins, and choose an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Calibri at 10.5–11 with consistent sizing. Check spelling and grammar carefully, reading aloud and using others for review when needed.\"}]","Cover Letter Guide - Steps to Write an Effective Cover Letter | PDF"]