I know what you're thinking. Cover letters. Are they needed? What should it look like? What if I DON'T include one? What information should be on there?
Let me start this article by saying that not every application needs a cover letter. Some recruiters don't even read them - I am one of those people. Unless I have specifically requested you to submit a cover letter with your CV ... then I ain't reading it. I don't have time, or I feel that it won't be needed as I will be able to decipher the best candidates to interview based on skills/experience on their CV. In saying this, I think it's always super important to have a cover letter template ready to go incase you ARE required to submit one for a job.
So ... Do I Need One Or NOT?!
My advice is to always check the advertisement to see what documents to submit to a job. A good advertisement will have a "how to apply" bit down the bottom of the ad, stating what they want to see from you. Typically this is a CV (duh), sometimes including a link to a portfolio of your work (if it's a design role) OR it might say "CV and cover letter".
If the advert states that a cover letter is needed, then definitely submit one. Don't be lazy - first impressions count, and even if you have the exact experience the company is wanting for this position ... you leave a sour taste in the recruiter's mouth by only submitting a CV. Me personally ... if I've specifically asked for a cover letter and don't get one, my thoughts are that this person is probably applying for butt loads of jobs, flicking off their CV to every company listed on Seek and just can't be fucked writing one for MY job ... meaning they aren't really that motivated, and don't care. Ergh ... my first impressions aren't great.
How to Write One
always tailor it to the role. You can have a template there to use, but always outline how you are their ideal person for this job specifically.
don't start it off with "sir/madam" or anything like that. Yucky! You can address it to the name on the advert (if there is one), and if not - address it to the company. In the past I have addressed mine like this "Hello there, <insert company name> team!!"
think - how will YOU save this person time, money, energy. How will you make their lives easier? Is it because you are a GUN at this job already, and you have the experience they are wanting? Is it because you have the creative flare they are wanting, and you'll bring a fresh pair of eyes to the business?
keep it to 1 page at the very most, 1/2 - 3/4 of a page is better.
remember that this isn't about what this role can do for you ... but what you can do for this role! Don't focus on things like "this will be a promotion for me, and a great learning experience" ... no hiring manager wants to read that. They want someone that is confident that they can already DO the job, not someone they will have to hand-hold. Instead focus on how you'll smash it out of the park with the transferrable skills and experience you already have.
Government Roles
Some adverts, particularly Government adverts, sometimes specify what they want on the cover letter. This is an old school approach, but it still exists so it's something to be wary of. A Government job advert might say something like "submit a cover letter addressing each of the key selection criteria (KSC)". If you see this written, then you can safely assume that they will be assessing it as part of your application. In this case, put in some effort and outline how you kick ass at each of the KSC listed - maybe even throw in a few brief cheeky examples of times you've done the damn thing.
Take Home Tips
First impressions count - don't be the guy that CBF submitting a cover letter
Make sure you have a rad cover letter template ready to go
ALWAYS tailor it to the role. Don't just submit the ol' "Dear Sir/Madam" template you know we've all seen before. Gross. Get rid of it!
Check the advert to see if you need one or not, and what should be included on it
If there is no mention of a cover letter on an advert, you can safely assume it's not needed
If you just bloody LOVE cover letters, and don't mind if someone does or doesn't read it - then go forth and cover letter your little heart out.
As always - hit me up if you need help crafting a funky cover letter, or you want some 'no bullshit' advice on your current template. Happy to help 😊
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