Hot Tip Tuesday #5

We cannot stress enough just how competitive the job market is! If you would like a good chance at getting an interview, it is essential to put time and effort into every application you write!

If a job ad requests that a cover letter should be submitted with your application, the team at GJH recommend that you provide a relevant cover letter tailored specifically for the job you are applying for.

This means tailoring your cover letter for each job you apply for. Believe us, recruiters know when you have reused an old cover letter, or are using the same cover letter for every job, or have a cover letter generated completely by AI or ChatGTP!

The secret to writing a cover letter is firstly, reviewing the ad for the job you are applying for. The ad will tell you what criteria you would need to meet to be considered for the job.

For example, the job advert may include the below requirements:

• Minimum 2 years' experience providing excellence in a customer service-based role.

• High communication skills

• An engaged team player who can work as part of a team and autonomously

You need to incorporate how you have/or will meet the ad’s criteria in your cover letter, and support your cover letter by including examples.

Your cover letter is all about YOU, and why YOU are the ideal candidate. There are three core parts to your cover letter.

First Paragraph – The Introduction

The first paragraph should include what has motivated you to apply for the position, and what interests you in working for that particular organisation.

Second Paragraph - Body of the Cover Letter

This is when you should review the ad for the job and find what the recruiters are looking for in a candidate.

Try to address the requested criteria in the body of your cover letter and provide examples if you can!

Final Paragraph – The Conclusion

It is time to wrap up your cover letter! You can do this by expressing how your values align with the organisations values, recapping on your skills and strengths, and mentioning your career goals. This section is your chance to drive home why *you* are the best person for the job

Overall, we cannot overemphasise the impact that a personalised cover can have on your applications chances. Taking the extra time is well worth the effort as job applications are in essence a competition between you and the other applications.

The GJH team are here to help you with creating quality job applications. If you would like further assistance with writing cover letters (as well as resumes, selection criteria and interview techniques!), please get in touch with the team at GJH on 1300 084 307 or email jobshub@gcc.tas.gov.auhttp://jobshub@gcc.tas.gov.au