Step by step

Creating your CV

Cover Letter

The aim of the cover letter

A cover letter is not just a summary of your CV. Some employers shortlist candidates directly from the cover letters. So the aim of a cover letter is to convince the employer to find out more about you, by reading your CV and calling you for an interview. A cover letter is your opportunity to let the employer know that you have the skills, qualifications and experience to do the job.

What is an employee looking for in your cover letter?

An employer looks for:

• how well you communicate, including structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation
• your experience, skills and qualifications
• your professionalism and attention to detail.

What to put in your cover letter:

1. Your contact details
2. Date
3. Name and address of the contact person
4. Salutation: Dear Mr/Ms last name, (e.g., Dear Mr Smith) or
   Dear Sir/Madam. (If you don't know their name)
5. First paragraph: State why you are writing and give the reader a reason to read on. State which position you are applying for (giving a reference number if applicable), mention how you found out about the vacancy and briefly explain why you are interested in the position.
6. Second paragraph: Show that you can do the job by matching your experience, skills and qualifications with what the employer has asked for.
7. Third paragraph: Tell them why they would want you. Summarise your strengths and skills that they are looking for from the job description). Prove that you have these skills by explaining how you developed them.
8. Fourth paragraph:Indicate that you would welcome the opportunity for an interview. Indicate if you are going to follow up with a call and when you will call. Mention any dates that you might not be available for an interview. Thank the employer for their consideration.
9. Closing: Use sincerely if you have used the Employer's or
   name in the salutation or faithfully if you haven't put in a name.

Things to check:

• Check your cover letter carefully for spelling, punctuation, grammar and typing errors.
• It helps to get a friend to look at it as well.
• Correct any errors.
• Check the job advertisement again to ensure you haven't forgotten anything.

Cover Letter Template:

Both template formats contain a layout of a professional cover letter layout with comments.

Interview preparation

Prior Preparation

The aim of your cover letter and your CV is to get you to this final stage which is the interview. It is important to be well prepared. This will help you feel comfortable and relaxed during the interview, which will increase your confidence.

Research the Company

Prepare your answers to commonly asked interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.Briefly describe your qualification or ability. What job/studies/other you have been doing recently. What you would like to do next. Your answer should not be longer than one minute...
2. What are your strengths?Describe two or three skills you have that are relevant to the job
3. What is your greatest weakness?Focus on a weakness that will not indicate that you are a weak candidate for this position. You could mention a weakness that you have overcome.
4. How do you handle stress and pressure?Use an example to illustrate
5. Why are you leaving or have left your job? Don't be negative about the previous job or employer
6. Why do you want to work for us?What's good about the company
7. What do you know about our organization?Refer to your research notes on the company
8. Why should we hire you? Relate your skills to the job description.
9. Where do you see yourself in five years?Employers want to hire someone who will stay with them for a reasonable length of time.
10. What questions do you have for me?Have questions ready. You can base your questions on your research of the company. Don't ask anything that you could have found out with a simple internet search.

Other common questions

• Have you worked in this field before? Describe your duties in [this particular position].
• Of which of your past accomplishments are you most proud?
• Tell us about a difficult problem you encountered in one of your previous jobs and how you handled it.
• What lessons have you learned from your past experiences?
• How important is this job to you?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
• What is your dream job?
• What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90 days on the job?
• Discuss your CV.
• Discuss your educational background.
• Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.
• Would you work holidays/weekends?
• How would you deal with an angry customer?
• Give a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.
• Who are our competitors?
• What was your biggest failure?
• What motivates you?
• How do you handle pressure?
• What is the name of our CEO?
• What are your career goals?
• What gets you up in the morning?
• What are your salary requirements?
• What was the last book you've read for fun?
• What are your hobbies?
• What is your favourite website?
• What are some of your leadership experiences?
• What do you like the most and least about working in this industry?

On the interview day

Arrival

Be Punctual
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the interview. It shows you are organized, interested in the position and prompt. If for some reason you cannot make the interview or become delayed, call as soon as possible and explain the situation. Apologize to the interviewer and see if he/she is willing to reschedule.

Be Friendly and Respectful
Be friendly and respectful towards everyone you meet. Interviewers may ask receptionists and other employees their opinion based on their interactions with you.

Interview Structure

An interview usually begins with a few minutes of small talk. This is a good opportunity to establish a rapport with them and show that you are confident and at ease. Here are some tips:

• Greet the interviewers by their formal titles, until instructed otherwise
• Shake hands with all the interviewers - firmly, not limply
• Make direct eye contact
• Smile
• Wait to be seated until asked to do so

Your overall attitude should be positive and attentive. Good posture and presentation is essential to conveying confidence. Be aware of the impression you are giving through your body language.

• Sit up straight
• Make good eye contact
• Speak clearly
• Avoid nervous mannerisms and tics

The company

Core company information

• What does this company do? (Products/services)
• Where it is located
• The company's history such as when was it created, who were the founders, in which country did it originate?
• What is the company's mission statement
• What are the working hours? (Would there be shift work involved/flexi hours)
• Parent or subsidiary company information.
• Who its main competitors are (How can you help the employer gain a competitive advantage?)
• Is it a growing company?
• What makes the company unique?
• Does it engage in any social/environmental issues?
• Biographical information on the CEO
• Was there any relevant information about the company in the news recently.

Recruitment information

• what roles are available for graduates and what the scheme or job involves
• what degree background and qualifications are required - minimum requirements
• what general competences and specific skills are needed
• what the recruitment process involves - type of application and stages
• contact details for applying
• the application deadline.

Company culture and general feelings

• find out about the company's core values and aims
• think about how the company likes to see itself
• consider how it is viewed externally
• review any personnel policies
• think about how you view the organisation
• ask yourself why working for the employer appeals to you.

Finding a job

• Search online job sites. This is a really convenient way to find jobs because you can search for the job you are interested in quickly by using keywords. You can store your CV online so potential employers can find it. The site will also keep you informed when a job that you are interested in becomes available.


• Read the newspapers for job vacancies.


• Networking. Let your friends and relatives know that you are looking for a job. Teachers and lecturers are often helpful contacts when looking for a job. Remember to ask for their contact details and stay in touch with them. You can also let them know about jobs that you've heard about that may be suitable for someone else. (You want to help them as much as you'd like them to help you.)


• Send letters or e-mails (with your CV) to companies enquiring about vacancies or training programs. They will admire your initiative. Companies don't always advertise their vacancies. It is surprising how many job vacancies are filled by people known to current employees or those who have sent them their CVs.


• Visit businesses or companies directly. Small businesses like restaurants, supermarkets, small companies may accept your application directly. The customer service job sector often has a high staff turnover and you may find it easier to get a job here. Although this may not be the job you are looking for, you will get great experience. Companies like employees who have good customer skills. It is also a plus that you are willing to work.


• Cold calling.Cold calling is to phone a potential employer that has not advertised a position and ask them for a job. While this is no easy task, it can yield great results. Click here for details

Finding a job

• Get more information about an advertised job
• Ask about apprenticeships or training programs
• Ask people (who are in similar positions to what you are looking for) about their job

• Make a list of companies that you would like to work for. (You can use the Yellow Pages, the newspaper, internet searches or get names of organisations from family and friends.)
• Do some research on each of the organisations you plan to call. Make notes .
• What does the company do?
• Where are they based?
• What is their mission statement?
• Get the number of the correct department. If you don't know which it is, call the switchboard.
• Make notes on what you want to ask
• Make sure you won't be disturbed when you are ready to call.
• Have these ready:
• Your notes on what you intend to say
• Your notes on the company
• Your CV
• Pen and paper

• Introduce yourself to each person you speak to. (Be confident and don't mumble)
• Be polite at all times (even if the person is rude or brusque)
• Don't be put off by rejections. Remember, the more calls you make, the better your chances of success.
• Keep a record of who you've called and when. Make brief notes on the conversations you have.

• Review your call and make a note of any improvements you could have made.