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Modern PowerPoint Presentation

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An integral part of the job application writing process is a cover letter. Your cover letter is
usually the first thing your prospective employer looks at and first impression last, so it makes
sense that the really good job application writers really nail them. Employers sometimes have
hundreds of job applications, cover letters and resumes to wade through, so you have to make
yours stand out. To help you make the right first impressions, here’s our list of tips for writing a
superior cover letter as a part of your overall job application:
The Art of the Cover Letter

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1. Tailor your
cover letter to suit
the position
To write a superior cover letter
2. Start Strong 3. Be memorable
4. Don’t
regurgitate your
resume
5. Don’t apologise
for the skills you
don’t bring
6. Have someone
check it
7. Get some
professional help

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Are you in the habit of turning in the same cover letter for every position you apply
for? Lose this habit! Different jobs require different skills. Tailor each cover letter
you write to highlight the skills and experiences you have specific to that position. No
two of your cover letters should be the same! Job application writing is all about
being unique and different, putting forward something that stands out so an
employer won’t want to let you slip by. Cover letters are no exception to this rule.
Tailor your cover letter to suit the position

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Let’s be realistic. There is a good chance that your potential employer is only going to look at
the first few sentences of your cover letter, so start with the best material and cut to the
chase. Don’t waste a sentence introducing yourself. Launch straight in! Instead of starting
with, “I am writing to apply for this position,” Consider starting with something about your
passion, your love for the company you’re applying for, or a positive attribute or
accomplishment that you have. For example, “My passion for animals began at aged 12
when our golden retriever, Daisy, first entered our lives. From that moment, the choice to
enter the veterinary field seemed like the only logical one. That is why joining a team of like-
minded individuals at Acme Veterinary Services instantly appealed to me.” Don’t you think
after reading 100 almost identical first lines, this one would stand out? Which brings us to the
next tip…
Start Strong

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If you google job application writing, resume writing or cover letter writing you will
find there are many, many templates. Ditch them!. Avoid clichés. Concentrate on
standing out more than keeping the rules of cover letter writing. Have some fun. Be
real, honest and sincere. Don’t be afraid to use story, even humour (if you’re good at
it!) Also, make sure your cover letter is visually appealing. Size 12 Times New Roman
font might put your potential employer to sleep. At the same time, don’t got too far!
You don’t want it to look like a ransom note!
Be memorable

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Your cover letter should not be just another version of your resume. Resume writing
involves displaying your qualifications, employment history, professional development
and referees. Use your cover letter to Instead, show specific evidence and examples
of what you can bring to the company. Select a few key skills that you really want to
stand out and give examples of when you have demonstrated these skills in your past
work history. Also, focus on what you can add to the company, not what the company
can offer you.
Don’t regurgitate your resume

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Job application writing is not about apologizing for the skills you don’t have. When
you don’t feel like you meet all the job requirements, you may be tempted to use
lines like, “Despite my limited experience…” or “Although I am new to…” But, instead
of drawing attention to your weaknesses, try to focus on the skills you do have. Never
apologise!
Don’t apologise for the skills you don’t bring

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Get a second opinion on your cover letter, in fact on your entire job application,
resume, selection criteria and all. Nothing undermines your credibility faster than
poor grammar, spelling and punctuation. Your proof-reading friend can give you
feedback not only on your grasp of basic English, but also on the flow of your letter
and how well it sells your skills and experience to your prospective employer.
Have someone check it

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If you’re not having much luck with job applications,
then consider getting some professional help. Red
Tape Busters are specialists in job application writing
and resume writing and can help you produce a
resume, cover letter and/or selection criteria that gets
noticed
Visit
http://www.redtapebusters.com
for more information. We are specialists in providing
the following services:
Get some professional help

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Thank You!!