Tips on writing a persuasive cover letter
By Mariana Brkich (M App Psych (Occ), MAPS, AFAHRI) Psychologist and Career Consultant Career Dynamics, Victoria 3122 Australia
info@careerdynamics.com.au
Your application cover letter is an opportunity to make a personal introduction and show a potential employer how your particular set of knowledge and skills can be of value to them. In all effective sales letters, the interests of the reader come first. A good cover letter is persuasive and briefly highlights what you have to offer the employer. The résumé supports your cover letter by providing details of your experience and the evidence that make your claims credible.
1. Customise the letter
Address the letter to a person by name, not just to the organisation or a title. It is worthwhile making a phone call to find out the name of the person who will be dealing with your application. Take the time to write a letter that covers the specific requirements of each individual employer. Focus on the employer’s needs and the objectives you can help them achieve. What skills and knowledge do you possess which match their needs?
2. Identify the skills required
Think about the organisation, their goals, their customers and the work you would be doing. Imagine yourself in the position and the tasks you would be undertaking. What are the core skills (eg. sound knowledge of book keeping) that any serious applicant will be expected to have? What are the more generic skill requirements (eg. organisational skills, customer service skills)? What generic skills do you possess that will make you stand out from the competition?
3. Keep it simple
Write a concise letter. Keep paragraphs short (five or less sentences). Vary the sentence length. Try to think of different ways to open your letter so that you stand out from everyone else. The beginning paragraph – capture the reader’s interest, for example “Here is what I will bring to (the firm) as a (position)”. The middle paragraphs – summarise the highlights of your experience and list specific achievements that relate to the position. The end paragraph - have a positive and clear end to the letter, for example “I look forward to the opportunity of presenting my ideas to the selection panel. You can contact me on………. Thank you. Sincerely,...” Combine persuasive content with a professional appearance.
4. Sell your special skills
It’s likely that everyone who gets selected for an interview will meet the core skills requirements. You can differentiate yourself from the competition by showing the employer the special skills you can offer. Show the employer how your unique combination of skills can be of value to them.
While there is no such thing as a perfect cover letter or résumé strive to present yourself effectively. Show some personality and enthusiasm!
The following resources provide further information on how to craft a powerful letter.
Books
- Winning Cover Letters (2nd Ed) by Robin Ryan
- Cover Letter Magic by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise Kursmark
- How to Say It in the Job Search by Robbie Miller Kaplan
- A Foot in the Door by Katharine Hansen
- Best Key Words for Cover Letters, Résumés and Interviews by Wendy Enelow.
Websites
Back to Career and JobSearch Tips