A covering letter is just as important as a CV and should always accompany a CV. Covering letters are used to put your CV in context with the position or organisation, and by stating how you relate to their values and work ethos.
A covering letter is the first thing that an employer will see so it should show off your skills and qualifications. The reason why a high majority of job application letters never reach the interview pile is due to poor presentation, content and writing style therefore it’s important to get it right if you want your CV to be read by an employer.
A cover letter should:
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Demonstrate your interest in the company. Do some research online to find out more so that you can be specific in your covering letter
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Highlight particular parts of the CV that are your selling points
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Give additional information that may not fit into a CV
Make sure that your covering letter is concise and to the point. Aim for no more than four paragraphs and keep it to just one page. Also, don’t forget to proof read for spelling and grammatical mistakes.
What not to do
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Don’t use the same covering letter for every job you apply for- make sure you alter it to every job
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Don’t write a very long letter- keep everything short and straight to the point
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Don’t mention salary expectations yet
Sample Cover Letter
Your cover letter’s structure should be in this particular order-
Contact Information
The heading of the letter should include your name, full postal and email address, and phone number (s).
Employer or Agency contact details
This includes the name and job title of recipient (if known), followed by the company name and full address.
Date your letter
Salutation
Dear Mr/ Mrs (ideally address your letter to a named person)
Dear Sir/Madam (only if you do not know the recipient’s name)
Subject
If you are applying for a post you have seen advertised somewhere then insert job title and reference.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your covering letter should introduce yourself briefly (maybe mention you are a school/college leaver) and express your interest in the position. You should also indicate why it is particularly attractive to you.
Second Paragraph
Introduce your CV and summarise your strengths- this could be the qualifications you have gained and/or experience or knowledge you have of the company’s sector.
Third paragraph
This paragraph would normal draw attention to the most relevant aspects of your career however if you have just left school, you could refer to experiences and achievements at school which may be useful for the job you are applying for.
Final Paragraph
Express your willingness and ability to contribute to the success of the company. Lastly, mention that you will look forward to taking your application a step further at the interview
Closing the cover letter
Yours sincerely (if you know the recipient’s name)
Yours faithfully (if you do not know the recipient’s name)
Your Signature
Typed Signature
