Covering Letter

Conveying the right information

Each job application direct to a company, or to a recruitment company acting on behalf of a client company, should be accompanied by an appropriate covering letter, tailored to the specifics of the job.

This is your chance to express yourself rather more freely than in your CV and convey your personality as well as your career goals.

If you are emailing your CV, include your covering letter as part of your CV document. This will ensure they get filed on databases together and the information is there as a reminder. Often covering letters sent as separate documents may be misfiled or simply deleted.

Be Correctly Addressed

If possible, address it to the person who is responsible for the recruiting decision. Be sure the name is spelt correctly and the title is correct.

Be Original

Send an original letter to each employer (not photocopied).

Be Brief

Keep it brief. Never more than one page for a covering letter. You have approximately 20 seconds to make an impression, so make it as interesting, to the point, and dynamic as possible.

Promote Your Goals

Put across your key interests, goals and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for.

Show Your Knowledge

Show that you know something about the company and the industry. Know who they are, what they do and why you have chosen them!

Sell Your Skills

Emphasise skills which meet the requirements of the position. If you are applying for an advertised position, use the requirements in the advert (as long as you truthfully have the skills required!)

No Mistakes

No spelling mistakes, typing errors or grammatical errors. You may wish to ask a trusted friend to "proof read" the document.

This is your chance to make an impact and let the company know you are right for the job, so check and double check your covering letter and CV before sending them off.

It is time-consuming, but the end result will be worth it!!!

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