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Every time you send out a CV you must send a covering letter with it, whether you are responding to an advert or sending a speculative application. A CV turning up without a covering letter is likely to be ignored.
The covering letter is a very important part of your application; it is what announces you and your CV to the prospective employer and could be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over.
It needs to say a lot more than just that your CV is enclosed. You need to pick out the highlights from your CV and expand on specific skills and experiences which make you the right person for the job. The reader wants to know what you can add to the company and this is your opportunity to emphasise those things.
Before you write your covering letter you should clearly decide what you are trying to achieve. The format used is similar in each case, please see Suggested Format for tips on how to layout your letter.
Applying for an advertised vacancy
To see an example of a covering letter for an advertised vacancy click here.
In this instance you are applying for a position that has not been advertised. This can be a good way to get a job as it is unlikely there will be many other applicants and this method shows initiative.
It is in your best interests to follow up this application so indicate how you intend to do this in the closing paragraph of you letter
To see an example of a covering letter for a speculative application click here.
Work experience is an excellent way to decide on a career path or to gain more experience in your chosen career. Many companies offer work experience and good companies will give you a lot more to do than just making the tea or filing, such as job shadowing.
To see an example of a covering letter for a work experience application click here.
After spending all that time creating a good, well designed CV don't be tempted to write a quick standard letter just so that you can get your application in the post. Your letter must:
There is no right or wrong way to write a covering letter, but it will be easier to write a good covering letter if you set out clear objectives and present them in a clear way.
Try to include as much information as possible but bear in mind that if your letter is over one typed side of A4 your reader is likely to lose interest and may not finish the letter.
A typed covering letter is more and more often the norm. It's easier to read and looks more professional, but be warned a standard letter can be spotted a mile away!
Handwriting your letter has its advantages; it shows that you have put a lot of effort into the individual application, rather than just pressing 'print', it adds a personal touch and it proves that you have good spelling, grammar and punctuation.
With the advent of email the handwritten covering letter has taken a bit of a backseat and if invited to email your application it is a good idea to do so as it proves that you are technologically proficient.
The decision is up to you but try to think which form your potential employer may prefer, if they are an IT company they would probably be more impressed by a typed letter.
Don't just copy these letters, always make your letter individual to you and your potential employer. Remember you want to catch your reader's attention, stimulate interest and sell yourself.
Applying for an advertised vacancy
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Rachel Winter Tel: (xxxxx) 123 456 21st September 2003 Ms Kate Bingford Dear Ms Bingford, Re: Human Resources Coordinator vacancy, Ref: HRC1 I write with reference to the above position advertised in The Harrow Post, 20/09/03. As you will see from my enclosed CV I have a great deal of experience in all aspects of Human Resources. I feel that many of the skills I have gained would be well utilised in the role of Human Resources Coordinator. I have extensive knowledge of reward management and in my last position at Jefferson Ltd. I helped to implement a new incentive scheme, which resulted in a 50% increase in productivity. I also have highly developed administration and interpersonal skills, which I believe would be invaluable in the role of Human Resources Coordinator. I would greatly enjoy the working environment that a company such as IFG Communications would provide. As the largest employer in the Eastgate area, with over 200 employees, I feel that the role of Human Resources Coordinator would be one that would both stimulate and challenge, and as you will see from my experience these are circumstances under which I thrive. Thank you for your time and consideration. I greatly look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely,
Rachel Winter |
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Michael Smith, Thursday 4th March 2004 Mr Simon Cresswell Dear Mr Cresswell, I am writing to enquire whether you have a vacancy in your company for a Senior Business Development Manager. I enclose a copy of my CV for your consideration. As you will see from my CV, I have 20 years experience in Business Development. In this time I have assisted Grayson UK Ltd. grow from a small UK based company to a globally competitive designer and manufacturer of high performance structured cabling connectivity and cable distribution products. I have a great deal of experience in identification of new growth opportunities as well as new legal areas for development, which have lead to an overall increase in productivity. I am keen to find a new challenge and am attracted to Aspen Initiatives as a young company with a rapidly increasing list of clients. I feel that with my experience in Business Development and Marketing I would be able to make a significant contribution to you company. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further. I will telephone you next week to see if this is appropriate. Yours sincerely,
Michael Smith T : (xxxxx) 123 456 |
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Eleanor Taylor 17th December 2003 Melanie Phillips Dear Ms Phillips, I am writing to apply for a work experience placement at Phillips and Partners Accountants. I have recently completed a joint honours degree in Business and German in which I attained a 1st. As you will see form my enclosed CV I studied modules in Personal and Business Finance as well as Business German. As a firm with number of German speaking clients, I feel that I would be able to contribute a great deal to Phillips and Partners Accountants. Last summer I did work experience in a firm of chartered accountants. In this role I learned how to conduct audits, write contracts and keep books. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to further my knowledge of accountancy within a firm that focuses on European clients. I must emphasise that I am not seeking paid employment at this stage, however any experience you can offer me will assist me to reach my ultimate goal of employment in Accountancy. I will telephone you in a few days to introduce myself further. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Yours sincerely,
Eleanor Taylor E-mail : e.taylor@domainname.co.uk |
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