How to Write a Winning Cover Letter: Tips and Tricks

As a job seeker, you probably know the importance of a good resume, but have you considered the role of a winning cover letter?

A well-crafted winning cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your interest in the position and the company. However, it’s not just about putting words together. There’s a right and wrong way to write a cover letter.

Key points

• Common mistakes in cover letters: generic salutations, lack of specific examples, and overused phrases.
• Tips for a winning cover letter: address it specifically, tailor it to the job, use specific examples, show interest in the company, and keep it concise.
• Emphasise putting effort into the cover letter to demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the job.

Start by addressing your cover letter to a specific person, like the hiring manager or recruiter, instead of using a generic greeting like “Dear Sir/Madam.” This shows that you did your research and are really interested in the job.

On this page

> What Makes a Bad Cover Letter?
> What Makes a Winning Cover Letter?

Make sure to tailor your cover letter to the job description by highlighting your relevant skills and accomplishments. Employers get a lot of applications, so it’s important to stand out with a winning cover letter along with Australian-style resume . By giving specific examples of your experience, you can show why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Lastly, show that you’re interested in the company by aligning your values with theirs. This can show that you’re a good fit for the company culture and genuinely want to work there.

What Makes a Bad Cover Letter?

At Resume Lookup, we’ve seen plenty of bad cover letters. Many job seekers make the mistake of sending a generic cover letter to all job openings they’re interested in, without tailoring it to the specific role and company. This can be a deal-breaker for hiring managers, who are looking for someone who shows genuine interest in the position.

Here’s an example of a bad cover letter:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the Accounting Assistant position advertised on JOBSITE.com.au on 17 February 2023. This looks like a very good fit for my previous accounting experience and I am keen to join your company.

I am a seasoned accounting professional with high aptitude across all areas of the accounting scope. I am skilled in accounts payable and invoicing and can excel at tasks such as bookkeeping, reporting and tax.

Throughout my career, I have had exceptional results as an Accountant in Malaysia. I am goal-oriented and work well in teams. I am a hard-working team player and can deliver month-end reporting results on time for your organisation.

Enclosed, you will find my Resume with more detail on my accounting skills and value that I can bring to your esteemed company.

I can meet you for an interview and I am keen to discuss the position with you soon.

Yours sincerely, Job Seeker

Here are some big “No” aspects of the cover letter that we’ve just analysed. These points highlight the lack of effort, research, and specific value that the letter presents to the employer:

• • • Addressing cover letter using a generic “sir/madam”.
      >> Find out who they are!

• • • Mentioning where you saw the job advertisement and instead highlight your years of experience and relevant skills.
      >> Use keywords from the job ad

• • • Excluding 2-3 specific examples of earlier work experience from teh job seeker’s previous positions, internships, or university assignments.
      >> Showcase your expertise

• • • Using overused words and phrases like “hard-working”, “team player”, and “esteemed company” that should never be used.
      >> It’s 2023; everyone has that skillset

• • • Missing bullet point list of the job seeker’s  accounting achievements and examples that are keyword-optimised, highlighting how you will excel in the key duties of the position.
      >> It’s not an essay writing contest

• • • Ending the cover letter with a weak conclusion that does not reinforces why the job seeker is the best candidate for the job.
      >> All’s well that ends well

Don’t let your cover letter fall flat – put in the effort and show the employer why you’re the best candidate for the job.

What Makes a Winning Cover Letter?

A winning cover letter should showcase your personality, skills, and accomplishments while highlighting your interest in the job and company. Here are some tips on how to create a winning cover letter:

Address it to a specific person

Start by researching the company and finding the name of the hiring manager or recruiter. Addressing your cover letter to a specific person shows that you’ve done your homework and you’re interested in the role.

Tailor it to the job description

Read the job description carefully and identify the key requirements and skills. Then, highlight your relevant experience and achievements that match those requirements. This will reflect on the winning cover letter and show the employer that you understand the job and you have the necessary skills to perform it well.

Use specific examples

Don’t just say you’re a good fit for the role, show it with specific examples from your past experience. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and quantify them with numbers when possible in your winning cover letter. This will help the employer visualize the value you can bring to the role.

Show your interest in the company

Research the company’s values, mission, and culture, and incorporate them into your winning cover letter. Show how your values align with the company’s and why you’re excited to work for them. This will demonstrate your passion for the role and the company.

Keep it concise

A winning cover letter should be one page or less, with a clear and easy-to-read format. Avoid using generic phrases and keep your language professional but friendly.

In summary, a winning cover letter can make a huge difference in your job search. By taking the time to research the company and tailor accordingly.

Book a service and let us with the dos and don’ts of crafting a winning cover letter that showcases your personality, skills, and accomplishments while demonstrating your interest in the job and company. We can help you with how to tailor your cover letter to the job description, address it to a specific person, use specific examples, show your interest in the company, and keep it concise.

Read more

Looking for more resources to help you with your job search? Check out our other helpful blog posts on writing effective resumes, effective cover letters, interviewing like a pro, and more!

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👉 Cover Letter: The Good and The Bad in 2023
👉 Amir’s successful career transition in Australia
👉 Professional Help with Resume and Australia’s Booming Job Market