Five star cover letters: Trade

Organisational psychologists Jim Bright and Joanne Earl recently finished ground-breaking research in the recruitment industry and turned their findings into a book, Resumes That Get Shortlisted.

The advice

The authors recommend you customise a resume for every position you apply for. They warn that a cover letter cannot be considered compensation for a generic resume. A cover letter should still be taken seriously, no matter how good your resume.

• Write a new cover letter for every application.
• The addressee and date must be correct.
• Keep the letter to a single page.
• Unless a handwritten response is specifically asked for, type your letter.
• Don't state information in the cover letter which can be found in your resume.
• Your first sentence should state the job you are applying for, the reference number and where you saw the job advertised.
• Follow this with a compelling statement about your competencies.
• Add a couple of sentences about why this employer and position is right for you.

The 5-star letter

Here's an example cover letter written by Jim Bright and Joanne Earl, in response to a real position recently advertised.

Jenny Halse
15 Castle Street
Ivanhoe VIC 3032
Tel (03) 92934532

20 August 2000

Robert Wayne
Fabrication Manager
Laughing Boy Dog Toys
2 Railway Cuttings
East Cheam VIC 3121

Dear Mr Wayne

I wish to apply for the position of machinist (ref 301/00) that was advertised on www.seek.com.au on 20 August 2000.

I have over five years experience as a Machinist with Weaveanduck and have experience of a wide variety of pattern techniques. My technical skills are second-to-none, and I have an excellent record as a reliable, productive employee.

I am looking for new challenges and the position of Machinist sounds the perfect opportunity. Your organisation has an enviable record in innovation in machining, and an excellent reputation as an employer, making the position even more attractive.

I enclose my resume for your inspection and look forward to hearing from you soon. I am available for interview at your convenience.

Yours sincerely

Jenny Halse

The job ad

By Jim Bright and Joanne Earl, from Resumes That Get Shortlisted, Business + Publishing. Republished with permission.