Help me write a cover letter??

[Lulu]

I feel like such a berk, I have to write the cover letter for my CV and I can't seem to start it, actually I did but it read like a dating site advert. It has been years since I have had to do one, and I'm not sure what info is relevant. What sort of personal info do they want?

I need a bit of an introduction, and I want to express my interest in a part time position only. I'm coming out as over qualified, but I don't want to go back to what I was doing before, so how do I get that across?

Once I start I'm ok, but I have to start it!

Help meeeeeeee please!

[MantaRay]

Lucy, I would start by mentioning why you are applying, something like

"After seeing your ad for a <insert position here> in the <newspaper/website> on the <date> I knew that it would be the perfect job for me. I am a <insert occupation> with <no of years> experience, but due to family circumstances am looking for a part-time position. This role would be ideal for me because <insert a reason here>.

Then in the next paragraph describe a little of what you have done in your career, and how it would relate to this job - eg with several years retail experience, I have developed excellent customer relation skills which would greatly assist in achieving spectacular sales results. Try to list 2 or 3 areas of relevant experience or attributes.

Then finish up with a sentence such as "Thank you for considering me for this great opportunity. I am available to attend an interview at a mutually convenient time to discuss this further".

HTH Lucy, good luck with getting the job.

[Pandora]

Are you applying for a job thats been advertised, or is it just an expressions on interest *if* they have something availbale? I do a seperate cover letter for each job I am applying for , similar to what Melanie has said, and tailored to the job advert.

If they have listed any specific skills/attributes in the advert, try to briefly address those in the cover letter too

[Muppity]

How about:

As you can see from my attached CV I have previously blah blah blah. I am now looking for a new challenge and I would be well suited to position because.....

[Danni]

I always start with:

"Please find enclosed(or attached) a copy of my most recent resume, outlining all relevant skills and experience, in relation to your <job description> position advertised in the ......

[Jodie259]

As an employer myself (for the last 14 years) - I like as much information in the CV and covering letter as possible.

I am always wary of 'vague' CVs.... where there are no dates for jobs they have had - where there is no explanation for large spaces of unemployment.

I think a photograph of yourself (scanned) onto the corner of your CV really helps.
If you don't smoke - I would mention that in the CV as well. It is not legally required... but is a bonus.

Put yourself in the employoers shoes. Imagine you are looking for staff. What kind of person would you like to employ? Reliable, healthy, keen, experienced... These are all attributes that are desirable - and can be weaved into a covering letter or CV.

I worked in an employment agency (in London) and we would get hundreds of CV's... and you would be surprised how many were just thrown out because they were not presented well.

I always do my husbands CV's - and for his previous job he was travelling all over Melbourne when our child was only young. I wrote on a covering letter that he was looking for a job that was closer to home, as he had a newly born child. (the job was in the next suburb). He got the job and his boss told us that line was the cincher. They were 'family' people - and that meant a lot to them.

On a previous job application, my husband had only been in Australia 1 year, and was not a permanent resident at that time. But we had just purchased a house - and we mentioned that and said he was looking for a stable longterm position on the covering letter to show the people that he was going to stay in Australia.

express my interest in a part time position only. I'm coming out as over qualified, but I don't want to go back to what I was doing before...

Just mention these things as openly as possible.
Maybe not say "over qualified"... but rather - I have more experience/qualifications then may be required for this position - but I think this will be a benefit to your company.
and... after a break from the XXX industry, I am keen to enter a new area of employment and feel that my previous experience will be an asset to your company.

Good luck with the application.

Jodie
xx

[Lulu]

It's GOLD, GOLD, GOLD - girlies, thank you!!!

It's a position with the local council, I have this so far

"I am a long term resident of xxxx, seeking local, part time employment. I am particularly attracted to the position as I always have a positive, cheerful experience dealing with xxxxx council and staff. I would like to become past of the committed,enthusiastic culture of the council and feel I have a lot to offer in return."

No it's not great I know, and it probably comes across as really sucky, but it's true. Everytime I have been in there for whatever reason the staff are always happy, they can't help you enough and even the "higher ups" have seen me personally with enquiries when all I wanted was paperwork. It's a lovely environment.

I do have gaps in times (having babies etc) so I should probably mention that.
I have also put only relevant experience (but that covers the last 6 years straight), I don;t see the point of putting every darn job I had. I am 34, so there's lots that doesn;t count. Am I right?

I don't even know how to present the thing - stick a staple in the corner??? lol.

I know how many CV's get chucked out - I used to do it myself, but a very long time ago

[Jodie259]

Good work...

I would like to become past of the committed

I'm guessing that is meant to be part ?


You don't need to list any work prior to 6 years... unless it is really important or a really long job that you held. But it is definately the more recent jobs that they are interested in.

Maybe you could expand on the "feel I have a lot to offer in return." you could put: for example... blah blah blah. So it doesn't sound so cliche (a lot to offer).

Hope you will keep us informed on your progress. Good luck with it!

[Danni]

I staple the corner and put it in a plastic pocket.

It sounds great Lulu!

[Pandora]

We were told to use a diferent colour than white (a light colour) when we printed it so that it would "stand out"

I'm interesed Jodie, if you had an opinion on whether it's worth the bother?

[Lulu]

I have slimline folder with a clear plastic front and red at the back? Yeah, or is it too much?

Yes I did mean "part" he he!

[Jodie259]

The plastic folder is a great idea - looks really professional. Although you don't appear to be going for a heap of jobs - they are really quite cheap to buy - and worth the little expense.

With regards to colour...
I would type the bulk of it in Navy blue or black... as there are still some conservative people around.

You could add colour in a border - or heading - like your name in Blue/Red/Green...

I have also put a colour photograph of my husband on his CV - and that really stands out! (good thing he's alright on the eye )

Having something stand out is a good idea... so long as it's not to over-the-top or childinsh.

Also... you want to put all the relevant information in - but not be bombarded with anal info. Like part time afterschool jobs that you did 20 years ago. Not necessary to put any work expererience prior to 10 years ago unless it is really relevant to the position you are applying for.

I'm not really keen on the "hobbies" - but I guess it gives an insight to a persons personality. But things like "travel", "dancing" etc - can go against you. They may think you're just saving up for your next overseas working holiday... or you go out 2-3 nights a week to nightclubs...

[Lulu]

I hate the hobbies too, I don;t think it really relevant what I do in my spare time, but I did put in my community service

I will pick up a black folder, and I found some very pale blue paper. I wish I could add a photo but the printer is playing up.

I might add a blue border. It 's a just very black, white and functional, so that might finish it off nicely.

This is great stuff, I will probably end up going for more jobs if I am happier with my CV - I'm pretty picky about it being part time and local so there isn't necesarrily much about....

[Lulu]

yes, I do have speelcheck - I'm just in a hurry to get it finished before the kids come home!!

[Jodie259]

Community service and volunteer work is HIGHLY APPEALING to a prospective employer. It shows that you are prepared to work hard - even if there is little or no financial incentive. Good on you!!

Don't stress about the photograph. But if you (or anyone) has the opportunity to add one to their CV - it is recommended.

speelcheck

- hehehehe.... shame there is no spellcheck on BB

pale coloured paper is also a good idea... so long as it's conservative.

[Lulu]

Noice! all done now and it looked a hell of a lot better than before I came in here I can tell you.

Thank you soooo much for all the input, keep an eye out for the next problem -

What am I going to do with my hair at the interview??? Shocking black roots, growing out my old platinum blonde..............

[Jodie259]

Can you put a rinse through your hair? a rinse will cling to the old platinum... but it will make your hair look really healthy & shiny. It will fade over the following weeks, but if you're platinum - some of the colour will remain.

That would be a drastic move... to go all dark though.

The other alternative is to get some foil highlights or lowlights so the skunk look is not so obvious.

[Lulu]

Hhmmm, ggrrr. It's Wednesday and no call. I thought I'd be shortlisted at least. I'm gong to have to take a loong hard look at it. grumble grumble