Tips on Writing a Cover Letter When Returning to Workforce

Just like all those advertisements you see on TV, there is a fine art to putting a positive spin on a situation to get people interested. And with cover letters for stay at home moms returning to workforce, there is a need for some great spin to help get your application noticed and moved up to the top of the pile. So don't sit back and dream of what might have been, get up and make things happen!

This article walks you through a sample cover letter, so that even if you are time poor in the extreme, you can simply read, add your details, and hit print and you're ready to go.

There are few basics to pay attention to with cover letters:

• Check the details are correct, and that you have signed your letter in blue or black ink.

• Check the date, and that it has printed in the date format you want (if you just press Enter after the date it may change format).

• Check the spelling of the name of the person to whom you are sending your letter, and that you are clear on whether they are a "Miss, Ms., Mrs., Dr., or Mr."
• Do some research if you are addressing a letter to someone from a cultural background different to your own, as some cultural groups use a different ordering for family and given names.

Spell check your work and read it through carefully

Don't put all your information in your letter and then repeat it later in your resume - your letter is like the first line of a sales pitch and should have just enough to get your reader interested in reading more.

So here's a sample pitch to try:

Your name

Your address

Today's date

Leave several blank lines of white space

Dear Mr Bloggs,

I am excited by the opportunity to submit my resume to you for consideration. The position I wish to apply for is (insert name of position and position number if relevant), as advertised in / on (insert name of newspaper or website where you found the advertisement, along with the date of publication).

As a stay at home mom returning to the workforce, I feel I can offer a great deal to your company. Whilst I have not had recent work experience, I have ensured that my skills have remained up to date. I have attended training sessions in (insert name of some training you have done in recent years), and would be extremely keen to continue to develop my skills in this area. I am a competent user of digital technologies, and am able to operate systems and programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook and Photoshop (insert names of other or different computer programs as relevant to your situation).

Some employers are reluctant to offer positions to those who have been out of the workforce for awhile, but I am encouraged by your company's positive attitude and ability to see the future benefits of employing people in my situation. I can assure you that my own positive approach to life and work, together with my ability to quickly master new skills and my desire to reach my goals will be a good match for your company.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further with you once you have considered my attached resume. I can be contacted on (insert phone number) to arrange an interview time.

Yours sincerely (if you know the name of the person, or yours faithfully if you don't),

Leave white space above and below your signature

Type your full name and sign above it.

Remember that when using a sample cover letter such as this one, it is important to cover the basics as well, and avoid overdoing things or making lavish promises that you simply can't keep. Use plain paper, a regular envelope (for regular post) or an email and attachment with a simple subject line such as 'Application from...for position of...' Don't go overboard with colored paper, bright headings or fancy fonts. Go for a simple, professional look and back yourself all the way. Good luck!