Covering Letters

When sending in a CV or job application form, by whatever means, you should always include a covering letter.

This is to persuade the person to read your CV, so it must be relevant to the position, to the point and well laid out.

The main thing you want to achieve is to draw attention to one or two key points in your CV which directly relate to qualities mentioned in the job advert - help them see why you are the right person for the job.

Analysing the job advert before writing your covering letter is essential if you’re going to get an interview.

"So, how do you write a covering letter?"

Step 1

When an advert catches your eye (it could be the salary, the location or the job title) re-read it and try to visualise the type of person they are looking for and what skills they will have. At this point you can quite easily talk yourself out of applying, so be careful! 

Step 2

Make a list of the qualities that are mentioned as desirable (it’ll say things like “ideally”) or essential (it’ll say “you must have” or “you will be”). The latter are what you need to really focus on to get the interview.

Once you’ve written out this list ask yourself, honestly, if you can match yourself to it.

If the answer is yes; get typing. But first you need to prioritise.

Step 3

Rank the list of essential qualities from 1 to 5, or however many there are. Your opening gambit has to be aimed at the number 1. That tells the employer straight off that they need to take a close look at your CV and get you in for an interview.

Now all you need to do is work that essential list into your covering letter.

Key Points

• Keep it SHORT; otherwise it won't be read - it must not be a repetition of your CV.

• Always start your letter with an underlined heading stating the job title you are interested in and where you heard about the position.

• Make sure that your covering letter is addressed to the right person and that you start it Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms.

• Say why you want that particular job with that particular employer.

• Highlight the key qualities as mentioned above.

• State when you are available for an interview.

• Sign off Yours Sincerely and don't forget to sign it.

• Be businesslike. Print your letter in black ink on quality paper, unless you're going for a creative position, in which case go wild!

Now, get our covering letter samples and it won't take you long to have that interview winning covering letter!