{"id":25474,"date":"2024-06-28T11:50:52","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T01:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/?p=25474"},"modified":"2024-06-28T11:50:52","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T01:50:52","slug":"stand-out-with-cover-letters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/stand-out-with-cover-letters\/","title":{"rendered":"Stand Out with Stellar Cover Letters"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is A Cover Letter?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First things first, let\u2019s straighten something out: a cover letter is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a rejigged version of your resume. In fact, if you\u2019re doing things right, there shouldn\u2019t be much crossover between the two at all!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of your cover letter as a short personal essay on why you\u2019re the perfect candidate for the job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Really <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need to Include a Cover Letter?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In recent years, the importance of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has been causing some pretty major contention. Some argue that hiring managers get enough information from your resume and LinkedIn alone, while others believe that it\u2019s integral for a successful <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job search<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Here at Explore Careers, we side with the latter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is still incredibly valuable in a variety of ways; it allows you to let your personality shine through, communicate your enthusiasm for the job and demonstrate your effort and commitment to your application. Moreover, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">much<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more personalised than your resume, so you can tell your potential employer why you\u2019re perfect for their business, specifically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/tracybrower\/2023\/06\/05\/write-a-cover-letter-to-get-noticed-and-hired-4-best-practices\/?sh=6d89e81f16d4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forbes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states that only 47% of people use a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so set yourself apart from almost half of the other applicants! Imagine if the hiring process was down to two people with similar <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job applications<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but only one had a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; more often than not, the one who put in extra effort is the one who\u2019ll walk away employed!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still can\u2019t be bothered putting pen to paper? Maybe these stats from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resumegenius.com\/blog\/cover-letter-help\/cover-letter-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resume Genius\u2019 2023 survey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will change your mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">94% of hiring managers think <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are influential when deciding who to interview.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">45% of hiring managers read your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before your resume.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">49% of hiring managers say a strong letter can convince them to interview an otherwise weak applicant.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6% of hiring managers believe a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is unimportant when deciding whether to invite an applicant to interview.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-25477\" src=\"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2.jpg\" alt=\"Female student typing cover letter on laptop \" width=\"1488\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2.jpg 1488w, https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-768x413.jpg 768w, https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-300x161.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1488px) 100vw, 1488px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re just starting out in the cover letter game, there are a few must-know elements for a stellar <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job application<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To make things a little easier and to kickstart your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job search<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we\u2019ve listed them below (you can thank us later).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Format<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I know, we probably sound like your English teacher harping on about structure and formatting, but it actually <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">really important, and you\u2019ll want to get it right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with an introduction that includes a little bit about you, what you\u2019re applying for and why you\u2019re applying. Next, fill your body paragraph(s) with relevant achievements, facts, and other tidbits that recommend you for the position. Finally, conclude with your future plans and a thank you. Once you\u2019ve nailed the format, it\u2019s really not as hard as it sounds!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Professional Tone<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trust us, the hiring manager doesn\u2019t want to read any slang or abbreviations when they\u2019re scanning your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To keep it professional, opt for a formal and respectful tone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This extends to the email address you\u2019re using to send out your applications, too. Your handle should just be your name, not a meme or funny joke. If you have a profile picture attached to your email, make sure this is professional too. While these might seem like small details, they may just cost you a job if you slip up in front of the wrong hiring manager.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Customise\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trick to customising your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to maintain the illusion that you\u2019re only sending out one <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job application<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">really <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have to make it count. This means doing in-depth company research, presenting your experiences in a way that aligns with the role\u2019s requirements and, in short, putting in some serious effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have heard the saying that \u201clooking for a job<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a full-time job,\u201d and sometimes, it feels a lot like the truth. However, it\u2019ll all be worth it in the end when you land the dream job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Use Specific Examples<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re talking about how incredible you are in certain areas, use concrete examples to show you mean business. Whether they come in the form of stats or work-related anecdotes, they provide proof to the company that you\u2019re <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> good as you say you are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t have any experience under your belt, that\u2019s okay too! Try talking about your extracurricular experience and the steps you\u2019re taking for your future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Proofread<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tip is short and sweet; make sure your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has correct grammar and spelling. It shows hiring managers that you pay attention to the details and presents a great first impression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to Include<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we go too crazy with our <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> execution, it\u2019s important to note a couple of elements that might not go down so well (or that are just altogether unnecessary). These are the bits you might want to leave out:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photos<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Date of Birth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Address<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salary Expectations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reiteration of Resume Information<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover Letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Templates: Yay or Nay?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a tonne of websites argue that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> templates are fine, they often do so to sell <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">downloadable templates. Don\u2019t fall for it; personalised and genuine <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are leagues better anyway!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The issue with templates is that you can usually tell that they\u2019re templates. Even the best ones are still too broad to adequately convey why you\u2019re perfect for the role. Their kind of \u2018<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional writing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019 feels incredibly robotic, and in the age of artificial intelligence, it might suggest that your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was written by Chat GPT. Trust us, it\u2019s not a good look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> templates can be useful in an inspirational sense. For those of you who are feeling super stuck on what to write (and trust us, we\u2019ve all been there,) a template can be a great way to get those creative cogs turning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go Forth and Write!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With these <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional writing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tips added to your toolbelt, you\u2019re ready to enter the world of cover letters. Just like anything else, the more you do it, the better you\u2019ll become. So, if your first attempt isn\u2019t quite how you want it, don\u2019t give up. We\u2019re sure you\u2019ll end up with a winning template in no time!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to put your newfound <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cover letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> writing skills to good use? Discover who your future <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/employers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">employer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could be, or browse <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/employers\/?filter=all-jobs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">student job opportunities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> open now!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is A Cover Letter? First things first, let\u2019s straighten something out: a cover letter is not a rejigged version [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":25476,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[635],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25474"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25474"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25474\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25479,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25474\/revisions\/25479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25476"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25474"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}