Question

Find a sample cover letter that impresses you. Upload or share a link to this document, and then provide a 2 paragraph rationale explaining why you think this is a strong cover letter. What argument is the author making? How is the information organized? In what ways is this persuasive?​

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary. This response is in two parts, they are “the cover letter” and “the opinion.”

(Answer)

(The Cover Letter)

RE: Application for Trainee Administration Assistant position

Dear Mr. Moyle,

As a young and motivated individual, I am extremely interested in submitting an application for the advertised Trainee Administrative Assistant position with John Smith and Associates.

In November 2013 I completed my VCE studies and also obtained a Certificate II in Business Administration. This has given me a range of practical capabilities that will meet the needs of this role.

While completing my VCE studies I worked part-time as a Customer Service Assistant for KSmart. My responsibilities in this role included providing face-to-face customer service and assisting on the floor with stock movements and visual merchandising. This position has given me key employability skills while also allowing me to experience working in a professional and fast-paced work environment.

With regard to my ability to meet the specific requirements of this job:

• Customer Service: Worked for four years in a face-to-face customer service environment providing customer service at registers, lay-by counter and on the retail floor.
• Reception Duties: Responsibilities at KSmart included answering incoming phone calls and assisting customers with phone-based enquiries.
• General Administration: Certificate II in Business Administration has provided training in the use of skills including filing, data processing, records management and writing communication.

My teachers and employers have commended me for my high level of interpersonal skills and naturally engaging personality. My motivations include learning new things and the challenge of meeting key objectives. My current and previous managers can be contacted to provide more information about my ability to meet the needs of this job.

I understand that you will receive a large number of applications for this role. I do, however, believe that my motivation, commitment and pre-existing skills will allow me to fit into your work environment and immediately start supporting the needs of your organisation.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my application at an interview. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your consideration. I can be contacted at all times on the details provided above.

Thanking you in advance for your time,

Joanne Tint

(The Opinion) Firstly, the cover letter above is entirely succinct and sticks to the relevant points. One is able to consider what kind of a professional Joanne is. Her academic and professional skills are outlined in a concise manner with all of the relevant information that an interviewer or HR person might need in order to evaluate Joanne as a potential employee.

Secondly, the format isn’t crowded, the paragraphs are short and each paragraph delivers a single point. This allows the optimal flow of information without the interviewer having to re-read anything because of a congestion of information.

Thirdly, Joanne is honest and humble about her accomplishments that she has presented in a comprehensible timeline. She has started with a little bit about her academics and ended with her expectations to the present day. Furthermore, she has used bullet points in one of the places where she has had to enumerate her qualifications.

Finally, this letter is easy on the eye and someone in a hurry might be able to easily touch the important points without having to concentrate on every detail. This would mean that if a busy employee were to see this letter, they can quickly decide whether or not to call Joanna. Since this letter does not seem stressing to read, it is likely that the hiring manager might even call Joanna.