News Article

With a 15 to 30 second opportunity, you'll need to convince a prospective employer that you're a perfect match for their position. The overall impression you give with your cover letter and resume is vital. Does your application stand out from the rest? Is it clear and well organised? Does it articulate your skills, abilities and strengths and stand out from the crowd?

What you say, how you say it, and the overall impression are important. Here are some tips to help you develop an effective cover letter and resume.

Your cover letter is an introduction to who you are and what you can bring to the position. Use it to summarise your experience and the most important skills you are offering. Your cover letter is also a good opportunity to outline your goals and objectives for the position and the future. This introduction will hold the prospective employer's attention and warrant further consideration.

Your resume should then demonstrate your skills by detailing any specialised experience, courses or accreditations that you have undertaken and are important for this position. Sell yourself! Explain any previous achievements and their relevance to this role. List references from previous employers to send a positive message to the prospective employer.

Presentation and attention to detail is important for both your cover letter and resume. The documents should look professional and uncluttered and tailored towards the specific position you are applying for. Format the documents carefully, especially with electronic documents. Use headings, consistent spacing and margins, and spell out abbreviations. Carefully edit and proof read the document for completeness and for spelling and grammar.