How to Draft a Cover Letter for a Job

Prepare the cover letter
There is no right way to write a cover letter, but this method here is effective.

Compose your cover letter.
some people don't bother writing a cover letter, but my view is that it is your introduction to the employer or recruiter. They need to know what position you are applying for, and that you go some way to met their requirements and branding. This could be the first of your marketing documents and must make a good impression. Here are some points to consider.

• Business letter format, font Arial, size 12, all on one page.
• Make sure you have a professional email address, that is, not something like bozotheclown@...).
• Include a reference to the phone call with the date and name of the person you called, and state your enthusiasm and suitability for the position.
• Build the employers' keywords into paragraphs two and three.
• Do a spell and grammar check and have someone else proof read it for you.

Here's a sample structure for you.
Your full name

Address
Phone
Email

Employer's name
Address

Date

Dear Ms. Jones, Dear Mr Smith,
(Greeting - Personalise the greeting and make sure you spell names correctly).

1st paragraph - reference the job number
Express your interest in the position and introduce yourself. Refer to the phone call you made.

2nd paragraph - write about and highlight your specific, authentic skills and achievements that you have to offer, which specifically match the employer's keyword skills and requirements.

3rd paragraph - address the advertisement with further skills that are of interest to the employer.

4th Paragraph - why do you want to work there? If you live in a different State, provide information about your intention to move. You could add additional information here such as your availability. Let them know what documents are part of your application. For example, please find enclosed my résumé or responses to the selection criteria or both.

Sign off Yours sincerely, (if you know the person's name).
Or Yours faithfully (if you do not know the person's name).

Your full name.

Once you have done the cover letter, it needs to be followed up with your resume, and /or a response to selection criteria.

Remember, build the employers keywords all the way through your application, so that the employer sees you as a perfect match for the position. They may even do an electronic scan of keywords to select the first number of applications to view.

So make a good impression and move forward in the job application process.

Leanne Cleghorn is the Director and Career Coach at Women In New Careers P/L. You can visit her website to explore innovative and affordable career development products and services within the Australian context.
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