Here are some Cover Letter tips to help you shape your application to get the role you want.

1. When at all possible, ensure you address your Cover Letter to a particular person. This reinforces that this is not a generic cover letter, but one made especially for a position you're genuinely interested in.

2. Modify your cover letter to the particular job you are applying for and illustrate why you are the best choice for this position.

3. Gather whatever company information may have been listed or available to you. Discuss why this company description appeals to you.

4. Don't repeat your detailed resume in your cover letter. This is an opportunity to illustrate your outstanding qualities, draw attention to your  key skills and demonstrate your personality as well.

5. Double and triple check for spelling or grammatical errors. Many hiring managers will not consider a resume or cover letter with spelling errors.

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Resume Writing Tips
Your Resume is an extremely important part of your job seeking process. Essentially it's a tool purely designed to create interest within a selected organisation and to give you that "foot in the door" result.

There are various different right and wrong ways to write a resume. Ultimately your objective should be to ensure the layout design of your resume clear, concise and easy to extract information.

Here is a simple guideline to follow which will help you write an effective resume:

1. Opening:

Begin your resume with your Name, Contact Details and Education. You can also include a Skills Matrix which can vary in information depending on your background. For example a programmer could use four columns comprising of Technology, Years of Experience, a Self Rating Systems out of 10 and Last Used.

Having a skills matrix can be an advantage. This allows a hiring manager to quickly gain an understanding of your experience and relevance for the position.

2. Career History / Professional Experience:

Listing your professional experience in your resume will create the most interest for a hiring manager. It is important that you keep this section clear, concise and easy to read.

Here is a guideline to help you structure your career history. List in the following order:

• Company name (large font and Bold)
• Title (Large font)
• Start and End date (Large font)
• Write a small blurb on the company explaining who they are (standard font)
• Next paragraph list the project or project team details (standard font)
• List YOUR responsibilities preferably in dot point (standard font)
• List YOUR achievements preferably in dot point (standard font)
• List the technical environment

If you're seeking a technical position, include the relevant technology terms as much as you can while displaying an understanding.

3. Personal interests:

Feel free to mention your interests however try to keep this section to a minimum. In most cases a hiring manager is interested in your experience.

4. Volunteer work / training courses:

It's important to mention any volunteer work or training courses your been involved. This can give a positive indication to your character and demonstrate your interest in keeping your skills up to date.

5. Reference details / Referees

Whilst it's not essential to list your referees, it is an advantage. Ensure you have a minimum of two referees prepared and ready to go.

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Interview Preparation
So you have applied for various positions but have you fully prepared yourself for interview?

Below is a brief list to help you mentally prepare for your upcoming interviews.

1. Prior to the interview you should:
Think about the little things which often result in making a good impression.

• Show interest by doing your research on the company you're interviewing with and prepare to talk about this in interview
• Presentation is very important. Dress to impress in your best suit
• Ensure you have turned off your mobile phone
• Bring a copy of your resume along with a pen / paper (preferably in a compendium or folder)
• Know the name of all your interviewers

2. Build rapport with the interviewers:

• Ensure you make eye contact
• Use the interviewers name when addressing them
• Use positive body language like Smiling, firm handshake, sitting up straight etc. Do not cross your arms, slouch or glance at your watch

3. When answering questions:

• Listen to the question carefully
• Repeat the question in your answer. This shows your interviewer you understand the question asked while giving you a little extra thinking time
• Don't Rush your answers. Leave a slight gap between sentences to avoid rambling
• Try to use examples of previous relevant experiences. This gives your interviewer an idea of your real world experiences and how you handled them

4. Interview Questions:

"Tell me about yourself":
Generally this question is aimed at finding out what type of worker you are. This should give you an opportunity to discuss your work history, skills and accomplishments. Try to keep this related to the position.

"Why are you looking for a new job?":
Although people are motivated to pursue a job search for different reasons, your answer should be professional. The interviewer is looking for the person who can contribute to the company. In your reason, it is good to imply what you can accomplish in a new job. DO NOT talk negatively about your previous positions.

5. Different Questions:
Expect the unexpected. Try to think of various different interview questions you might face that are relevant to the position. For example, questions might relate to the company, market knowledge, cultural fit, problem solving, technology (theory and practical), motivation & drive, future career aspirations and communication. Use the resources available to you like the internet or relevant contacts to help prepare for the possible various different questions asked in interview.

6. When the interview comes to an end:
Don't be afraid to ask what the next steps in the process are. You should have this information from your Recruitment Consultant to clarify. This question will ease your mind without being too intrusive. The Interviewer should be able to tell you timeframes for feedback. Asking questions about Salaries or Contract rates should not be brought up. This is a discussion for your Recruitment Consultant to handle for you. Should the question come up, simply inform your interviewer that your Recruitment Consultant has requested to manage all aspects of your remuneration details.

7. After the interview:
Always follow up with a thank you e-mail. Sent directly to your Recruitment consultant, this thank you e-mail will be forwarded on your behalf, giving the Consultant the opportunity to discuss your application and keen interest with the client.

For Further information regarding interview preparation contact Rowben Consulting.

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