Have you found your dream construction job and want to impress the hiring manager?
Cover letters can help you do this. Most construction jobs require you to write cover letters to get considered for the position. Yet, even if the position says a cover letter is optional, you should write one. If you don’t, you’ll miss out on the ability to introduce yourself to the potential employer and highlight your unique skills.
But a bad cover letter can hurt your chances rather than help them. So, you need to know how to write a cover letter that will give you the best chance of getting the job. If you’re applying for construction jobs, keep reading to make sure you get the best positions available!
Before you start typing out your cover letter, you need to research the job.
Start with the job post. Most employers write out a description of the job in order to intrigue the right candidates. They’ll likely describe the type of worker for whom they’re looking, too. Then, they might mention the skills and qualifications a person will need to succeed in the role.
Once you’ve read the listing all the way through, think about how well you meet the position’s requirements. Write some of these down so you can remember them once you start writing the cover letter.
You should also look at the company’s website. Learn more about the company’s culture and values. This information will help you know how to present yourself in the cover letter. Ideally, you’ll want to give the hiring manager the impression that you’re the perfect fit for the company.
As you start to write your cover letter, you’ll need a few specific types of information.
First, see if you can find out who will serve as the recipient of the cover letter. If you can find a specific name, address the letter to them. Add the prefix “Mr./Ms.” before the person’s name.
You should also make sure you know the correct spelling of the job’s title. You’ll want to mention the job to which you’re applying, and writing the wrong title makes you look less professional.
In Australia, the construction industry is highly competitive. In fact, the construction sector is ranked as one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia. Most construction job companies receive hundreds of applicants for their positions.
So, when writing a cover letter construction job positions require, you need to focus on catching the hiring manager’s attention. Too many people open their cover letter with:
My name is James Johnson, and I’m a construction expert interested in your Construction Laborer position.
This introduction provides valuable information, but it doesn’t capture anyone’s attention. Instead, you should try something like:
As someone who enjoys contributing to the safety and development of the city, I’m interested in applying for your Construction Laborer position.
This shares a little bit more about who you are as a person and helps you stand out from the crowd.
In the next paragraph, you’ll want to talk about your skills and achievements. Focus on the required skills you saw in the company’s job post. Give examples of how you meet or exceed these requirements. When possible, give specific, measurable data to back up any achievements you mention.
There are two types of skills you’ll want to highlight in your cover letter: technical skills and soft skills.
Your technical skills consist of any type of training or certification you have. If you possess experience working with certain types of equipment, that is a technical skill.
Soft skills include any personal qualities that make your work life more effective. For instance, a person who works well with clients might have strong customer-facing skills. Other soft skills include project and time management and collaboration.
People who hire for Australia construction jobs want to talk to candidates who have technical and soft skills. So, talk about your technical and soft skills in your cover letter.
In your final paragraph, wrap up your message by talking about your enthusiasm about the potential of working for the company. Mention a few key aspects of the business that you love.Â
Then, thank the hiring manager for taking the time to read your letter. Encourage them to follow up with any questions and tell them you look forward to hearing from them.
Choose a professional closing salutation and sign off with your full name.
The tone of your letter can determine whether the hiring manager contacts you for an interview. As such, you need to pay close attention to it.
The proper tone for a cover letter strikes a balance between enthusiastic and professional. You should express genuine interest in the position, but don’t use overly casual language. You also should refrain from trying to make jokes. Most often, attempts at humor don’t work.
If you want a free template for your cover letter, take a look at the end of this article!
Writing a great cover letter is only one step in the process of securing the best construction jobs available.Â
If you’re looking for construction jobs, we can help. As a recruitment agency, we specialize in matching job candidates with employers who want to hire them. You can search for vacancies at the best construction companies in Australia and apply to them!
Have questions? Contact us today to learn more!
Click the image above to download our free cover letter sample for applying to construction roles.
