Month: December 2012

A cover letter for job applications is critically important. It can hit hard – getting you an interview even when you’re NOT the best applicant! It’s true. In this article I’ll show you why and how. And I’ll give you some examples of cover letters for job applications.

Why a Cover Letter for Job Applications?

A few good reasons:

1) It guides the mind of the reader – tells them immediately how to ‘file’ and respond to what’s in front of them.

2) It’s a chance for you to be quick, concise and confident – a good message.

3) It’s a chance to put your ‘best foot forward’ – to powerfully show that you’re “the one” for the job, to present your case.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Job Applications

Here are some cover letter principles:

Be quick. Get to the point. Use short paragraphs. Use bullets.

This is not the place to write about how hard working you are.

This is a place to immediately satisfy the reader that you have what’s required for the job.

Cover Letter for Job Application Examples

Here are some examples to learn from and use:

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Dear [find and use the personal name of the recruiter]

Re. Accountant Position Advertised in The Star Workplace (June 15, 2009)

“Accountant – available to organise, streamline, and get things back on track.”

My suitability is as follows:

• NDip in Financial Accounting
• 5 Years experience in Accounting roles
• Strong skills in reorganising, getting up to date, and creating “order out of chaos” in an accounting department
• Rated by KPMG external auditors in 2007 as “super organized”

Please see CV attached for further details.

Available for interviews with immediate effect.

Regards,
Joan Smith
[Contact Details]

+++++++++++++++++++++

See how short it is. See how it got to the point? No going on and on with irrelevant details. Just a concise, confident, powerful message.

Here’s another cover letter for job applications.

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Mr Abel Modiba
Human Resource Manager
XYA Industries

Re: Application for Bookkeeping position.

Dear Mr Modiba

I am applying for the position of BOOKKEEPER as advertised in The Star, Workplace (01.01.2009).

My qualifications match your needs very closely and I believe could be of immediate impact for you.

Your requirements VS. my qualifications are as follows:

• “3 Years Experience – bookkeeping” : I have 4 years in total with good companies.
• “Matric” : I have Matric, with a distinction in Maths (SG)
• “Advanced Pastel” : I have  2 years experience with Pastel and have completed an advanced course.

I’m 100% confident I can quickly slot into the role, but also I look forward to discussing the specific challenges of the role with you and the employer.

I have very positive and contactable references. I will follow up with you on Wednesday January 20.

Yours sincerely,
Richard Jones

+++++++++++++++++++++

Examples of a CV can be a big help. They can give you fresh ideas of how to ‘power up’ your CV.

What I’m adding here with these CV or resume templates or examples is my commentary on what works, why I’ve written them the way I have. This provides insight into how you can adapt yours in order to improve it.

Example of a CV – Downloads to Study

Just note: a CV is a notoriously difficult document to write for yourself. If you get stuck and feel you need professional help, I’m here for you. See my “Professional CV Writing” page or contact me directly at gerard at jobsearching.co.za

Example of a CV #1 PDF

 Example of a CV #2 PDF

You’ll notice that these CV examples are different to what you’ve ever seen before. I’m a big believer that you need to differentiate yourself with your CV. So instead of doing things the same way you’ve always done them, perhaps it’s time to try a  new approach.

Do I write every CV the way I’ve written these? No. But the principles hold true.

Examples of a CV – Templates to Write Your CV

CV Template #1 (conservative approach) – click and download. Open up in MS Word and add your details – you can also adapt your approach using the principles learned in the examples of a CV above.

CV Template#2 (more international / advanced approach) – click and download. Open up in MS Word and add your details – you can also adapt your approach using the principles learned in the examples of a CV above

Contact me on gerard at jobsearching.co.za if you need my personal help.

A CV template (Word / MS Office) can be helpful! Especially when you just have to submit that CV NOW! So, this is where you’ll find some CV templates in Word that you can use and be guide by.

Quick CV Template Warning

You’d better be careful! Writing a CV – a good CV, one that demands attention and gets more job interviews for you, even twists the arm of the employer to call you – IS NOT about the ‘neat and pretty’ layout. It’s not just about adding your personal details.

Over the last 10 ideas I’ve developed creative, innovative, mind twisting ideas for a CV to grab more attention and demand attention (even if the person behind the CV is pretty average!) So contact me if you need personal help, I’m on gerard at jobsearching.co.za.]

CV Templates Word

Here are some easy-to-use CV/resume examples to help you. They include sample data and a few tips and ideas from me on how to use them effectively.

CV Template Word #1 You can’t get more basic than this. This CV/resume example allows you to quickly add your details in a table. Your CV/resume will be neat, organized, well spaced and professional.

[Click the link above, a box will pop up asking you to save the document to your PC. Once you’ve downloaded the CV template, you’ll be able to edit it in MS Word, or in any other word processing package.]

CV Template Word #2 This is a more progressive approach. And a bit more ‘international’. It also allows you to sell yourself a little better, but with this CV template, it also adds the requires more skill from you – both in using words and in using MS Word for formatting.

[Click the link above, a box will pop up asking you to save the document to your PC. Once you’ve downloaded the CV template, you’ll be able to edit it in MS Word, or in any other word processing package.]

With these MS Word based CV templates you can of course change they way they look to suit yourself – change the font, change the headings, etc. But be careful of getting too elaborate. Keep it simple.

When a CV Template Doesn’t Work

If you get frustrated, if you feel your CV is ending up still a bit weak, not powerful enough to distinguish you from all your job market competitors, I can help you personally. See link/tab “Professional CV Writing” above or contact me directly at gerard at jobsearching.co.za. I’m here for you.