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How to write a cover letter that will land you a dream job

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Applying for jobs can be a messy and stressful business. Almost everyone will have their own tips and tricks when it comes to writing the perfect cover letter, and if you’re shopping around for guidance, you’ll often end up with conflicting advice.

One universally acknowledged truth is the importance of a cover letter. To many, it’s just as important as the resume. A cover letter serves the purpose of targeting the specific employer you’re sending it to, highlighting your appropriateness for the job.

Writing a great cover letter will have your application standing out from the rest, and give the employer clear reasons why you’re the right person for the job. It could be the difference between landing your dream job and not even getting a call back. So whether you’re taking the next step forward, looking for your first graduate job or changing careers, here’s how to write a great cover letter.

Separate your cover letter from your resume

Your cover letter shouldn’t be seen as an opportunity to rewrite your CV in paragraph form. A cover letter is a chance to show what you can bring to a position over and above the strengths and experience found in your resume.

‘Cover letters should be adapted to each position you’re applying for highlighting the parts of your resume most appropriate to the job by giving specific evidence showing you are right for the role,’ advises Sandy Babiolakis, a career consultant with DeakinTALENT.

You can think of your cover letter as an introduction to your application. It should take some of the raw data from your resume and explain why it is applicable to the position you’re applying for. Highlight the qualifications, skills and experience you have that are most relevant to the role, and take the opportunity to make the case for why you’re a good match.

‘It should also highlight why you are interested in the role and organisation,’ Babiolakis adds.

Your cover letter should tell the employer a) how you are qualified for the job, and b) your reasons for applying.

Structure your cover letter the right way

Working within the solid framework of a cover letter format will ensure that your cover letter is kept short and impactful. A well-structured cover letter might consist of:

• A salutation This will depend on how much contact information you have, but if you’ve got a specific name, use it formally (e.g. Dear Mr Smith). If you’re unable to get a contact name, simply start with your opening paragraph.
• An opening paragraph Create a positive first impression, and get their attention by showing some knowledge of their company and why you want to work there. ‘I would say the opening paragraph is most impactful,’ Babiolakis says. So make it work hard for you.
• The body Begin with a clear topic sentence identifying your skills, qualifications, knowledge and interests that are applicable to the role. Provide real world examples of the use of these attributes. Use positive, convincing, active language to make your points.
• A closing paragraph Begin by reaffirming the points made in your opening paragraph – that you’re interested in the position and believe you’d be a good fit. Invite the employer to read your resume, and indicate your desire to meet with them face-to-face. ‘End with thanking them for their considering your application and end off appropriately with “Yours sincerely” or “Kind regards,”’ Babiolakis adds.

Mirror what the employer wants

Try putting yourself in the employer’s shoes. Babiolakis advises that you ‘make a list of what they employer is asking for.’

What would their ideal candidate be? Analyse the job ad and identify their focus. Perhaps the ad repeatedly mentions the need for good organisational skills, or indicates a preference for candidates with great Microsoft Excel skills. Form a dot point list of these preferred traits.

Now you need to show the employer how your selling points line up with what they’re after. Did you have a role in a previous job that required excellent organisational skills? Have you previously completed a Microsoft Office suite course? This marrying of their needs and your strengths will form the main body of the letter.

Keep it short and punchy

Anyone who has looked through job applications before can tell you that very little time is spent considering each one.

‘A cover letter should be no more than one page,’ Babiolakis advises.

You’ll get straight to the relevant information, without fluffing it out. You’ll be clear and simple in your language, and use short, punchy sentences.

Finish with a mic drop

‘The final paragraph is the call to action,’ Babiolakis says.

Different closing sentences will suit different situations. You may want to use it to tell them why you’d like to work with them, why you feel passionately about the role, or why you’d be the best candidate for it. Be sure to spend time crafting the perfect closer. When you find it, you’ll know.

Take time for the finishing touches

Before you finalise your cover letter, it’s a good idea to have someone you trust look over it.

‘It’s important to review your completed cover letter for any spelling or grammar errors. Apart from not being professional, its shows poor attention to detail,’ Babiolakis points out.

Send the right type of file

Cover letter completed, you’re now ready to send the application. But before you do, it’s important that you convert it to PDF. There are a few reasons for this. A PDF file offers security, as it can’t be altered at the receivers end. It can’t be corrupted, with the page layout becoming distorted on conversion in Word. A PDF looks polished and professional.

A well written cover letter is a digital version of a strong and confident handshake. It offers you a chance to make a great first impression to potential employers, and allows you to sell your suitability to the position. It is often the difference between receiving a ‘thanks for applying’ email, and a phone call to arrange an interview.

Cover letter examples

Practical recommendations on how to write a cover letter.

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Make sure you’re following the best cover letter format.

Senior Technical Officer, Chemistry

Apply now Job no: 556047 Work type: Full-time Location: Melbourne - Burwood Categories: Administration, Technical

• Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus
• Full-time and continuing
• HEW 6 $92,573 - $99,972  + 17% Superannuation 

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

About the role?

The Senior Technical Officer is responsible for proactively supporting the development and delivery of practical teaching research and administrative activities in the Chemistry discipline within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. This position will manage and support the teaching and learning and research facilities within the school and will assist in the design and development of complex experiments, prepare and develop equipment and manage accurate and up to date written procedures.  Expertise will be provided to research staff and students in the operation of instrumentation, equipment repair and use and laboratory safety.  While support is aligned predominantly to the Chemistry and related units that run within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences the incumbent will be required to support other disciplines as required.

As a Senior Technical Officer, you will:

• Provide day-to-day management of Chemical laboratories and teaching spaces, including workflow organisation of practical class support.
• Proactively engage with teaching and research activities, in collaboration with academic staff, by providing specialist knowledge, trialling of processes and training on how to work on equipment and processes relevant to chemistry based science disciplines. This may include student activities related to teaching in coursework, HDR or final year projects.
• Ensure that laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation is maintained and operated to a safe and high standard and carry out minor repairs to equipment and coordinate with stakeholders within Deakin or outside service engineers as necessary including calibration and maintenance of a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure appropriate levels of laboratory stocks, equipment or materials are available to conduct teaching and research activities within the School, using relevant purchasing policies and processes
• Coordinate resources within a teaching or research laboratory, or field station environment, on a project basis that could include physical resource allocation, area timetabling and/or liaison with relevant research students, academic, casual, or technical staff.
• Provide technical expertise and training to academics, technical staff, post graduate and undergraduate students in the preparation of materials and operation of equipment for practical classes and the undertaking of research experiments .

To be successful, you’ll have:

• A Degree in Chemistry/Science (or related field) with subsequent relevant experience; or
• Extensive experience and specialist knowledge (including large scale chemistry instrumentation knowledge) or broad knowledge in technical or administrative fields or, an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Experience working collaboratively and effectively with multiple internal and external stakeholders clients and/or students

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

Applications for this position close on 30 June 2024.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Dave Donaldson (Technical Services Coordinator) on  [email protected]  

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Advertised: 14 Jun 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time Applications close: 30 Jun 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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There’s still time. Trimester 2 applications close on 23 June.

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We understand the application process can be overwhelming. This video guide will take you step-by-step through the application portal, from organising your documents to submitting your application.

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Excited about studying at Deakin in Australia? Choose from our Melbourne, Geelong or Warrnambool campuses. As an international student you can apply directly through Deakin or with the help of one of our overseas representatives.

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You can also open more tabs with information on pathways, how to transfer, recognition of prior learning, key dates, fees and scholarships – the information here may also help you in your application to study at Deakin.

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Trimester 2 applications close on 23 June. Some courses have limited places, so apply now to avoid missing out. Secure your spot now.

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Do you want to learn at a university that builds your aspirations, supports your achievements and respects your cultural values and beliefs? Find your dream course and learn more about our pathways, support services and the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute .

Got a question but can't find the answer?

Unsure where to start? Find out:

• what type of applicant you are
• what type of course is right for you .

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about applying to Deakin:

Common questions

I'm having trouble creating an account on the application portal. how do i register.

If you've previously registered your details through the application portal , you won't be able to register again with the same email. If you don't remember your login details simply contact Student Central on +61 3 9244 6333 or submit an enquiry online . You can also visit the application portal assistance hub for further support.

For more information on future student services and courses:

What should i include in my personal statement.

Think of a personal statement like a job application cover letter. It should outline your motivation towards studying, your previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression.

What is special consideration?

Special consideration acknowledges the hard work you've put in to get to uni, while recognising what you could have achieved if your circumstances were different. A successful application can adjust your rank. This means you can be offered a place in a course at Deakin, with a lower rank than would usually be required.

How do I apply for special consideration?

Applying for special consideration is simple, and in some cases, you won't need to provide any details outside of your course application. The process is different for each VTAC category, or Deakin's programs, so please visit the relevant special consideration page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

I have submitted an application through VTAC, can I also submit an application directly to Deakin?

It depends on the course/s you're applying for, but generally, no. Get in touch with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 or via live chat to discuss your options.

What is SEAS?

VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) is for those who may not have been able to reach their full potential for study due to a range of challenging factors. SEAS enables institutions to consider the circumstances you've experienced and their impact on your studies when making selection decisions.

What is the STAT?

The STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) is an independent, online assessment for applicants of specific courses who don't meet entry requirements or English prerequisites, haven't completed Year 12 or don't hold any relevant qualifications. There are two different tests – multiple choice and written English – which can be sat together or separately, depending on your admission circumstances.

What score do I need on the STAT to get into Deakin?

There is no pass or fail score for the STAT. The result you need for entry to Deakin will vary depending on the course you're applying for.

Where and when do I sit the STAT?

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is taken online under live (webcam) supervision. Browse the next available dates and book your test .

Can you tell me if I'm definitely eligible before I apply?

Unfortunately not. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when an application is being assessed. This includes individual course requirements , which are subject to change, and the quality and size of the cohort of the year or trimester you're applying in.

When will I hear back about my application?

The general turnaround time for direct applications to Deakin is two to four weeks from submission. You can check the progress of your application by logging into the application portal . If you applied through VTAC , offers are released in rounds.

How do I find out my application status?

Once you've submitted your application successfully, you can log back into the application portal to check the progress of your application.

When can I expect my offer?

Direct offers from Deakin are generally sent out two to four weeks post application. You can check the status of your application at anytime by logging into the application portal .

What support is available to help me complete my application?

Get top tips and advice from our how to apply video guide . Our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre can also provide step-by-step guidance on the application process. Call 1800 693 888 to chat with one of our friendly advisers or contact an authorised agent in your country or region.

Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?

Yes! We regularly host events , including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with study options and career planning. You can also connect with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 from 9am-5pm weekdays, or chat with a team member live online, Monday–Friday.

Will references help my application?

A reference is considered to be a supporting document . If it provides more context about your work or life experience, it may enhance your application but will not guarantee you entry.

Do I have to apply via VTAC if I'm not in Year 12?

If you're applying for more than one course in Trimester 1, you'll need to apply through VTAC . If you're applying for one course only, or multiple courses in Trimesters 2 and 3, you can apply direct to Deakin. Use our course finder to check entry requirements for your chosen course.

I didn't complete high school. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you don’t currently meet the academic entry requirements, or need to bridge the gap between previous study and university, we offer several pathway options . We encourage you to apply so our admissions team can process your application and recommend the best pathway for you.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Each Deakin scholarship has a unique set of entry requirements – be sure to check the individual scholarship page for full details on how to apply, as well as our top tips for scholarship applications .

Will I find out if I'm successful for a scholarship before getting an offer?

The application timeline for each Deakin scholarship is different – be sure to check the individual scholarship page for full details on dates and how to apply. You can also check out our top tips for scholarship applications .

*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2021 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)

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