You only get one chance to make a good first impression so make sure the front page of your job application is eye-catching, accurate and does justice to your skills and experience. For more information to help you succeed in your job search contact the team at USQ Student Services, or visit Social Hub for free resources to help you through every stage of the application and interview process. You’ve got this!

1. Judging a book by its
COVER ... LETTER
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is used when submitting an expression of interest for
non-advertised vacancies or when canvassing for potential opportunities.
As it is not in response to an advertisement, the cover letter can be more
generalised. It should list the transferable skills you have that can be ap-
plied to any job. Remember to include relevant, concise examples.
APPLICATION LETTER
An application letter is written in response to an advertised vacancy and as
such, it is targeted and specific. You need to address what is being
asked for within the advertisement and explain how you are the best person
for the job. Your application letter should include information and examples
that demonstrate you have the skills and qualifications required for the role.
You only get one chance to make
a good first impression!
When it comes to cover letters, statisitics show...
‘One third of employers will always read
it, one third might read it if it catches
their immediate attention and yes, one
third of employers will not read it.’
Source: Cover Letter Magic, 4th Edition.
Since you don’t know which third the person reading your
application may fall in, it’s important your front page makes a
good first impression.
Remember to:
• use business language and follow formal letter structure in both cover
and application letters.
• keep things succinct and relevant. One page is sufficient.
• proofread and proofread again. Spelling and grammatical errors will
not give the good first impression you are looking for.
As a rule, you should never present your résumé to an
employer without either a cover or application letter.
The right letter will compliment your résumé and provide personalised
information that otherwise would not be available to the employer.
Want to know more?
The team at USQ Student Services have a range of information
and resources that can help make sure your résumé, cover
or application letter, and response to selection criteria give
potential employers the best first impression of your skills and
experience. Contact them today to find out more!
usq.edu.au
careerhub.usq.edu.au
social.usq.edu.au
CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.2.10 07.2017
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