MORE THAN JUST A COVER

It is your cover letter that actually creates the first impression.

A survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal in 2004 cited professionals in the career industry, and those employers surveyed, as stating an average of 85% of cover letters they received were so badly written they materially damaged the applicants chances.

One company quoted gave the example of a recent position they had advertised where in excess of 150 applications were received. Fifty of the applications did not come with a cover letter – despite the job description specifically requesting the inclusion of a cover letter

Of the approximately 100 remaining applications 97% were so badly written, or contained mistakes or irrelevant information, or did not address any of the advertised position requirements, that the résumé was not even viewed – that’s right - 97% of the cover letters were of such a poor standard that the résumé was dismissed.

The possibly carefully crafted and beautifully presented résumé was not even looked at because of the poor quality of the cover letter. Only three of approximately 150 applicants got through to the stage of having their résumés viewed due solely to the standard of the cover letter.

When compiling your cover letter think about these few points:

* Ensure that your letter is laid out professionally and that the header and body text font is identical to your résumé.

* Make it clear that you really want THAT job. Clear your mind of all negative thoughts as you write, sit upright and write with confidence and certainty and the words you automatically choose will reflect your enthusiasm.

* Though advertisements through recruitment agencies will not divulge any useful information, do your best to research the company, as it may be possible to incorporate information relevant to the company in your letter.

* Only mention personal information if it is highly relevant to the position or the company. For example – do not refer to your age, religion or nationality or personal circumstances such as marital relationships or finances.

Always start the letter in an eye catching way. This will vary of course if you are applying to, for example, a government body or a fashion house.

Drive away the “Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blaaahhhsss” from the individual who is reading, or even just scanning, the piles of résumés by starting the letter with facts or comments that will make them sit up and take notice.

Consider these two examples:

 Consistently Achieve Top Ten Out Of 350 Nation Wide

2005 Training Coach of the Year Nominee

 To achieve these results there can only be one reason – a consuming passion for personal training! Working within the health industry and with individuals to sell, promote and educate on a product or program that is beneficial - this has been my lifeblood.

 ******

“The reward of seeing a person grow and create positive changes with my support is the most privileged feeling I have ever experienced.”

Throughout my diverse career spanning 16 years, I have consistently been moving towards this point where I can effectively combine critical life skills, innate interpersonal and counselling expertise and excellent academic qualifications to make a difference within my chosen field of human services.