Time Recruitment Candidates

Step 2: The Formal Application continued...

The key elements of an attention grabbing cover letter:

Keeping in mind that a cover letter is the first piece of communication that a prospective employer receives from you, it needs to be polished. The appearance and grammar are as important as what you actually say. An employer wants to hire someone who is an effective communicator, both verbally and written. Here are some tips to make sure your cover letter will be professional and effective:

• Always personalise the letter and make a phone call, if necessary, to get the information you need. This includes the correct spelling and title of the hiring officer. Whenever possible, address your letter directly to the individual responsible for filling the position.

• Be natural. Use simple and uncomplicated but professional language and sentence structure.

• Be specific and concise. Your cover letter must be intriguing enough to get the reader to look at the resume, and it should entice the reader to want to know more about you.

• Be positive. Don't complain about your boss or describe your present or previous work experience as "boring."

• Be polite and professional. Humour may be natural with your friends, but a potential employer should be treated with respect and professionalism.

• Type your letter, but beware of the dangers of word processing. If you send a similar letter to several companies, make sure that you change all customised statements accordingly; no company wants to read how much you'd like to work for their competitor. When the letter is finished, save the letter to your hard drive and come back 30 minutes later and read over it. This will allow you you to pass a critical eye over it before sending it.

• Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. And then Proofread.