| Don’t just send a potential employer your standard | | | | California |
| CV or resume. Why? | | | | |
| Because the chances are it won’t get read, | | | | Mrs Jenny Blunt |
| especially if it’s a speculative resume or CV. Why? | | | | National Sales Manager |
| Because employers get annoyed when it looks like | | | | Sales R Us Inc. |
| you’ve made no effort in your application to them. | | | | California |
| Rather employers want to know that it’s their job | | | | |
| you want and that you have taken time and made the | | | | Date |
| effort to tailor your application accordingly. They figure | | | | Dear Mrs Blunt |
| that if you don’t make the effort when it’s | | | | I was excited to read about the vacancy you have for |
| important, you won’t make the effort at work. | | | | a Sales Manager in the Local Herald newspaper today |
| This is why a well written cover letter, accompanying | | | | because I’m looking for an opportunity to take on |
| a tailored resume or CV can mean the difference | | | | greater challenge. |
| between getting the job interview or not. | | | | As an experienced and successful salesperson I am |
| So make sure your resume or CV is written for the | | | | confident that I can make a real difference to your |
| particular job you’re applying for, not for a general | | | | Company’s sales results. Already I’m top of the |
| job. | | | | sales league table with my current employer who has |
| Then supplement your resume or CV with a well | | | | promoted me twice in three years on the basis of my |
| written cover letter. | | | | performance. |
| A good cover letter should include: | | | | I would love to meet with you to discuss my suitability |
| - A reference to the job you’re applying for (and | | | | further and look forward to hearing from you soon. |
| where you saw it advertised) | | | | Yours sincerely, |
| - A summary of your achievements and/or skills and | | | | John Smith |
| or experience as they relate directly to the job | | | | Can you see how appealing this cover letter is to |
| you’re applying for | | | | read? John Smith sounds enthusiastic, passionate |
| - A request for an interview | | | | even. His interest in the job is clear from the first |
| | | | | sentence and his achievements stand out. Already he |
| And | | | | looks like a suitable candidate and you haven’t |
| - Be written in a professional but friendly tone | | | | even read his resume or CV! |
| - Not exceed 1 side of A4 | | | | Write a good cover letter and sent it with a good |
| | | | | resume or CV and you will improve your chances of |
| Here is an example of a good cover letter: | | | | getting interviewed and getting hired! |
| John Smith | | | | There’s more on cover letters here including cover |
| 2, The Grove | | | | letter samples. |
| Ashville | | | | |