Nov 08, 2012, 11:27 pm
Last edited Nov 08, 2012, 11:27 pm
update #3
Hi Nashy,
The most important things about cover letters;
Always have good grammar, spelling and don't use words that are pointless. ALWAYS spell check and get others to proof read - two people if possible! Keep it as concise as you can while trying to fit in as much relevant info as is possible - easy if you have a large vocabulary and can construct a sentence! Avoid any negative comments about yourself such as "although I have no experience in the field of rehabilitation..." - instead focus on the experience and skills that you have that will benefit the employer such as -" Working within the Aged care industry for over a decade has equipped me with valuable nursing skills such as ...." . Look at what the skills required for the job are and make sure you can demonstrate that you have those qualities - if not in the cover letter then in the resume and definitely when at the interview. Try to address the letter to the person doing the hiring - do your research. Sir/Madam is SO over used and downright impersonal - the hirer will appreciate that you made the effort- and be certain that you ave the right person!! Focus on transferrable skills such as - working under pressure, working in a team, organisational skills, time management, interpersonal skills - anything that you think relates to the position.This is especially true if you don't have many clinical skills in the area that you are applying to. Focus on what YOU can do for them NOT what they can do for you. Keep it sounding professional, DON'T use cliches or make jokes. There are many websites dedicated to cover letters and effective CV's, do your research and don't just jump in without putting effort into it. You have to keep in mind that hirers often sift through many many cover letters for advertised jobs and if your cover letter and resume don't stand out it will most probably end up in the bin, unread.
With your CV - Include everything you have done - study and work. A resume is a short outline of what you have done, that should try to make an impact so that you can get your foot in the door for an interview. Once you are there you can provide them with all of the other relevant info. Find out what they want. A C.V has all of your written references, certificates etc included - a resume is usually a 2 page outline of the info in your CV. You will find that most employers want a resume to start with and for you to bring a copy of your CV if you are shortlisted to a group of potential candidates. I know it's alot of work. I welcome to the world of job hunting!!
Hope I have been of some help - any other questions just ask!
Good luck and go for it!!!
