How to Write a Covering Letter
If you are sending your CV to a perspective employer by post or
fax it is essential that you send with it a covering letter. You
need to use the covering letter to create a good impression so
that the employer or recruiter will want to read your CV. It
will have more impact if it is individually written in response
to a particular role or advertisement.
In the case of email applications it is acceptable to write a
brief paragraph of a few sentences explaining where you heard
about the role and why your qualifications and experience are a
perfect fit for the job. You should ensure the tone of the text
is formal as would be the case with a paper covering letter. It
is a mistake to be too informal as this can be seen as
unprofessional.
When making any sort of job application either Speculative,
where you are sending you CV to an employer/agency with no
specific vacancy in mind or, specific, where you are sending
your CV in response to an advertisement for a particular role,
the overall covering letter format is the same.
Here are the top ten rules to remember when writing a covering
letter. 1. The covering letter should consist of 1 page on plain
white A4 paper. 2. You should use a font that offers a clean and
clear appearance. Arial is best 3. Aim for a maximum of three
paragraphs. Remember simple is best 4. Use upbeat and positive
language and avoid exaggerated statements 5. Ensure there are no
spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. 6. Always use black
ink. 7. Express yourself with confidence. 8. Where possible,
write to a named individual 9. Covering letters should be
tailored specifically for each application 10. Be concise and to
the point. Try to avoid repeating what's in your CV.
Covering letter format
Your contact details This should include your name, address,
telephone number and email address if you have one. Remember
make it easy for the employer to contact you.
Employer/agency details This should include whom the letter is
going to, company name and full address. If you know the name of
the person e.g. if it is mentioned in the advertisement then use
it. If no particular name was mentioned use a department title
e.g. Personnel manager or Managing director
Date You should use long date format in full e.g. 27th April
2006 and not 27/4/06
Salutation & Opening If you know the name use it e.g. Dear Mr
Smith. If you don't know, use Dear Sir/Madam. It is preferable
to use a name. The company's web site is often a good place to
search for the appropriate individual.
Letter title Centre and bold the text. This will enable the
addressee to know immediately that this is an application
Paragraph 1 - Why you are writing You want to try & get the
interest of the Employer. You should start the letter with the
reason for writing and indicate the position that you are
applying for along with how you heard of the vacancy. This is
also a good place to tell then why you are interested in the
position and convey a genuine interest in the company. The
company website will be a good source of background information.
Paragraph 2 - What you can offer them Here you describe briefly
why you think you should be considered for the role. You should
summarise relevant qualifications for the position along with
your experience and skills. Also give a brief example of one or
two jobs you have worked in that relate to the position. Try to
make sure that it is not just a list of what is in your CV but
is individualised to the job application.
Paragraph 3 - Summarise and next step Refer to your enclosed CV
and also ask for the interview. You may at this point suggest
that you will be making a follow up call. It is also important
that you thank the reader for their time and consideration and
tell them that you look forward to hearing from them.
Closing Use "Yours sincerely" if you are sending the letter to a
named person, otherwise use "Yours faithfully". Add a few blank
lines and finish with your name. The space between is used for
your signature once printed.
Finally you may want to add your telephone number and email
address beneath your name. Remember you want to make it easy for
them to contact you.
E & O E - Copyright 2005 CV
Writing