Cover letter addressing key selection criteria(4 samples)
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This blog post will show samples of “cover letters addressing key selection criteria,”
How to address key selection criteria in a cover letter
The key selection criteria demonstrate how well-suited you are for your dream job. When writing a cover letter addressing key selection criteria, these are some of the important things to include in your letter:
- Address the employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient).” If you do not know the name of the recipient, you can refer to them as the hiring manager.
- The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening.
- Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked of you.
- Explain how you solved the problem, fulfilled the task, or handled the situation. What did you do and how did you do it, that demonstrates the criterion you are addressing?
- Outline how your skills, experience, and qualifications match up with what is being asked for in the question.
- Use specific examples to back up your claims and show that you have what it takes to do the job.
- Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “I look forward to discussing the position further.”
Sample 1: “Cover letter addressing key selection criteria”
“Dear name,
I had been working as a customer service representative for a telecommunications company for 2 years. During the day, I would answer 30-50 customer enquiries per day, depending on the complexity of the customer’s needs. On one particular day, it was rather busy, and I received a call from a customer who was extremely angry. The customer had been trying to call the company for two days and was unable to get through, so she decided she was going to her business elsewhere. Even though I was busy, I knew this customer had called for a reason, other than to tell us that she had chosen another provider, so I decided to take some time to listen to her needs. She told me that her primary line (which she would normally use to call us on) had disconnected after a power outage and she couldn’t turn it back on. She felt isolated and upset not being able to communicate with her family throughout the evening. I assured her that we would investigate this issue immediately and asked if there were any other questions or concerns, she had. After a quick investigation, I discovered that the primary line had not disconnected but there was an outstanding payment on her account which had placed a suspension on the account (which meant the power outage was really not the cause of the problem). I checked the accounts and since this customer had received five years of excellent service from our company, I let her know that I would waive the outstanding charges. She was ever so grateful and let me know that she has now decided to remain with the company.”
Sample 2: “Cover letter addressing key selection criteria”
“As the event coordinator for the University’s Science in Media Society, I volunteered to organise a fundraising event for a cancer research facility while in the final year of my Communications and Media Studies degree.
Task – the task or problem to be solved.
Our budget was cut during the preliminary planning and I needed to devise a strategy on how to run the event with only half the funds I was anticipating.
Action – how you solved the problem, fulfilled the task or handled the situation. What did you do and how did you do it, that demonstrates the criterion you are addressing?
In the first instance, I calculated which expenses were critical and could be covered by our current budget. Next, I decided to make up the shortfall by approaching local businesses for sponsorship. I created an online flyer to outline the benefits of getting involved, such as positive publicity and the opportunity to raise their profile with high achieving students, and cold called 36 targeted businesses. To ensure a good attendance at the event I utilised my social media skills to activate a network of potential supporters, and advertise an attractive range of lucky door prizes.”
Sample 3: “Cover letter addressing key selection criteria”
“Insert Organisation
Insert Date
Dear Hiring Manager,
Re: Graduate Program opportunity,
A insert adjectives displayed in the job advertisement team member, I am eager to contribute to insert something relevant to the organisation you are applying for by inserting a sample of responsibilities as listed in the job description.
Recently/Currently employed as a insert position for insert company name, I perform/ed to a high standard by insert a sample of achievements. These activities have provided me with the transferrable skills required to insert something relevant for the company you are applying for your organisation.
Suitably qualified with a insert qualification(s), coupled with over/nearly how many years of which industry experience, I can also confirm that I possess the following qualities as required:
Insert relevant skills here
While I thoroughly enjoy/ed my current/recent role, I am now seeking a new challenge/long-term career change. Therefore, please find other experiences reflected in my enclosed resume to pique your interest to shortlist me for an interview. I can be contacted at example@outlook.com or 0400 000 000 at a time of your convenience.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
First and Last Name”
Sample 4: “Cover letter addressing key selection criteria”
“2 March 2022
Attn: Hiring Manager – The Perfect Resume
Re: Position of Finance Manager,
As an experienced and highly qualified Finance Manager, I look forward to adding value to your bottom line and have attached my résumé for your consideration.
I was previously employed as a Financial Accountant for COMPANY, where I managed 5 direct reports and 140 indirect payrolls and accounts staff, based around the world, including overseeing the financial management of 3 company-owned venues and 2 joint ventures.
In this role, I successfully implemented project financing, budget forecasting and financial analysis initiatives. I ensured accurate allocation of cost for analysis which decreased expenses by approx. $50k per month. My deep-dive analysis and efforts further led to a reduction of $150k per annum and guaranteed that all accounts receivable, accounts payable, daily reconciliations were performed to a very high standard.
Judicious by nature and an adept analytical problem-solver, I have proven experience in project process improvements. Leveraging available resources, I develop and lead a commercially focused and energised team and communicate with excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to sustain long-term quality productive working relationships.
Recognised as an enthusiastic, diligent, and high performing professional, I am looking for a long-term contract within your dynamic finance team. I believe my financial, budgeting, forecasting experience, CPA, and post qualifications, place me in a unique position to offer your company the expertise you are looking for, in addition to an innovative nature and meticulous attention for details to work collaboratively with the team.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my previous role, I am now seeking a new position closer to family. Therefore, please find further experience reflected in my enclosed resume to pique your interest to shortlist me for an interview. I can be contacted at info@theperfectresume.com.au or 1300 217 374 at a time of your convenience.
Kind regards,
First and Last Name”
Frequently Asked Questions: How to address key selection criteria in a cover letter
What are some selection criteria questions can you be asked?
Examples of selection criteria questions
- “Can you describe a time you have successfully worked as part of a team?” (Selection criterion: teamwork skills).
- “What have you gained from your studies in chemistry?” (Selection criterion: knowledge and skills specific to chemistry).
- Why are you applying to work in our consulting department?” (Selection criterion: knowledge of and interest in consulting).
Does a manager need a cover letter?
Yes. It helps to have a cover letter that can sell your administrative skills, such as organization, communication, and time management, to employers.
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Citations
https://www.sydney.edu.au/careers/students/applying-for-jobs/addressing-selection-criteria.html
https://myfuture.edu.au/career-articles/details/how-to-respond-to-key-selection-criteria
