Should I post my thoughts on writing good cover letters based on the recruitment process we've just been through?
1. Make it clear you’ve read us. That may seem obvious but when you’re looking through hundreds of applications, the ones that reference us stand out. Something as simple as “I liked your recent series on X because Y” helps. Play back our goals to us but avoid generic language.
2. Talk about your successes but only in relation to how they’re relevant to the job. If you’ve had a big win in a totally separate field it doesn’t help us understand why you’re right for THIS role. Draw the link if there is one.
3. Link out to other work in your cover letter that proves you have similar work under your belt and a similar approach to content. If you don’t have that similar work under your belt, explain why you’re looking for a change and why you think you’ll pull it off.
4. All of these tips can be summed up as “be specific”. Why specifically you, specifically for this team, specifically for this role, specifically at this time. I know applying for jobs sucks but I can tell you that generic applications do not make it far.
I'm also currently on a recruitment panel for another ABC team so I am really in it. Open to other questions people have about cover letters/CVs. I am not the best person to ask about showreels because I don't have one!!
Also these are just my thoughts. Other managers will be different so don’t sue me if it doesn’t work.
Just went on Robbie and Wendy @abcsydney to talk about this thread. Guess I’m the cover...letter girl now.
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