| A cover letter is a professional introduction to | | | | 2. A middle paragraph stating your key claims for the |
| yourself, and your application. Therefore, the aim of | | | | position. |
| your letter is to say who you are, what you are | | | | 3. A closing paragraph thanking the selection panel for |
| applying for, and why your application shows that | | | | their time in considering your application and stating |
| you are worth an interview. | | | | how you can be contacted. |
| If you are attaching claims against selection criteria | | | | 4. A signature block. |
| (which you most likely will be if applying for a position | | | | 5. An attachments block (that reiterates what is |
| in the Public Service), it is not necessary to have a | | | | attached to your cover letter in terms of your |
| long cover letter that re-states what is already in | | | | application). |
| your selection criteria claims later on. In reality, the | | | | If your application does not require statements |
| person assessing your application will not pay as | | | | against the selection criteria (this is becoming more |
| much attention to the content of your letter as your | | | | common in government jobs) or you are applying for |
| resume and statements against the selection criteria, | | | | a position in a private company that does not require |
| and so your cover letter will not have much bearing | | | | statements against selection criteria, then more detail |
| on the outcome of your application. However, the | | | | regarding your skills and abilities will be required in |
| selection panel will notice that you have included a | | | | your letter. |
| well-formatted and professional looking cover letter; | | | | Unfortunately many cover letters submitted in the |
| it forms the first impression of your written | | | | private sector tell the hiring manager little more than |
| application. | | | | that they are the best person for the job, there is a |
| What should a cover letter include? | | | | resume attached, and they are available for an |
| 1. An opening paragraph that states what position | | | | interview. This is a missed opportunity to sell |
| you are applying for, it's job / position / requisition | | | | yourself, and your potential! Your cover letter is your |
| number, when it was advertised and what you are | | | | only opportunity to provide a narrative in these kinds |
| including in your application package, e.g. "please find | | | | of applications, and the narrative is where you really |
| attached my resume, statements against selection | | | | get to sell yourself. |
| criteria, statement of qualifications..." | | | | |