Introduction

Take the time to write a good covering letter.
 

At some stage, you will want to send your resume to prospective employers either as a "cold drop" (sending it to employers who have not asked for it) or as a response to a job or apprenticeship or traineeship advertisement.

When you send out a resume you need a covering letter to explain what you are sending and why. The letter should stand out and make the employer want to read your resume.

What makes a good covering letter?

• No spelling or typing mistakes: Not even one. Your spelling and the way the letter is written will be the employer's first impression of you, and you want that first impression to be a good one.
• Address it to the person who hires the apprentices or trainees in the company: Make sure the person's name is spelt correctly and the title is correct. You may need to telephone the company and check their details.
• Write it in your own words so it sounds like you.
• Show you know something about the company and the industry: This shows you have done some research and are interested in the company.
• Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. Use the information that you have researched on the company, the industry, the job and the apprenticeship or traineeship.
• Have someone read it to check for grammar, spelling, content and style: This can be your teacher, a family member or family friend.

What makes a bad covering letter?

• A long-winded letter. The employer will lose interest and may throw it in the bin.
• Rehashing your resume. The purpose of the letter is to introduce yourself, explain why you are sending the resume and tell the employer why you want the job and how well you are suited to it.
• Not researching the company.  A lack of knowledge about the company will not impress the employer.
• Sending out a standardised cover letter: Standardised letters are obvious to employers and may not make a good impression.
• Focusing on your personal traits rather than your professional skills.  Be specific about your knowledge and skills that relate to the apprenticeship or traineeship.
• Using first names. This might put the employer off as it is unprofessional.
• Failing to proof read your work.  Have someone look at your cover letter to make sure it reads well.
• Failing to check your spelling.  Spelling mistakes will not impress an employer, especially if you misspell either the employer or company name. Spell check on the computer is not reliable so have someone check your spelling.

Tips on writing a good covering letter

1. Create a professional letterhead. Include your name and address, use another font and type size and you have created a more professional letter.
2. Personalise your letter. Make sure you address it to the right person using their correct name and title, eg Dear Mr Wilson. Using the name of the firm in the letter shows it is written specifically for this employer.
3. If using a heading in your letter make sure it identifies the job you are applying for and any additional information.
4. Use the opening paragraph to give the main reason for hiring you as an apprentice. What is the one thing that makes you stand out from others?
5. Use the second paragraph to expand on your awards, qualifications. This may be the paragraph that decides whether or not you get an interview. The more you match these with the employer'™s needs, the more likely you are to get an interview.
6. List your key achievements, skills and knowledge. Use this to show what you have achieved. You want the employer to remember you.
7. Use the third paragraph to compliment the reader and personalise the letter. Compliment your employer by mentioning the organisation without gushing. It shows this letter is to them and no one else.
8. Close strongly suggesting the next action. Take control and suggest the next contact, either by suggesting a date for an interview or that you will ring them within the next seven days.
9. List enclosed information at the end.

Look at the two samples of cover letters where these tips have been used. The numbers in the examples relate to the tips above.