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covering letter
A covering letter is an extra chance to sell yourself to the employer. Unless you are instructed otherwise, always send a covering letter.
Your covering letter can either be used for applying to an advertised vacancy or to make speculative applications - writing to companies you’d like to work for when they’re not currently advertising.
Covering letters should ideally be no longer than one side of A4 and should always be laid out as a business letter and word-processed (if you don't have access to one, you can use your local library or careers centre). Most recruiters prefer a clear, well-typed letter. The exception to this rule is when the company asks you to write the letter in your own handwriting.
Use the same paper for your covering letter as your CV, ideally plain white - it looks more professional.
The letter should be addressed to a person rather than Sir/Madam. If you don't know then call the company and ask.
If you are unsure of how to layout the letter, there are lots of examples on the internet, below is a general guidline.
Your Address
Place this at the top right hand corner of the letter. Include your telephone number and e-mail address. The date can either go at the end of your contact details, or on the left hand side of the letter below the recipient’s address.
Dear Mr Bloggs comes next, and underneath you should have Re: and the vacancy you're applying for, if it's speculative you could put trainee position in whatever department your interested in. Make your heading bold to stand out but don't underline.
Identify your selling points, two or three points only if possible. Work out for yourself what the most important skills would be for the role and/or employer. Three paragraphs is normally enough to highlight your selling points, if you make it too long there's always a chance that recruiters wont read it.
If you begin with Dear Mr/Mrs /Miss/Ms Bloggs, end with Yours sincerely, if the recipient is female and you are unsure of her marital status, use "Ms."
If you have to begin with Dear Sir/Madam, end with Yours faithfully.
Covering letters should ideally be no longer than one side of A4 and should always be laid out as a business letter and word-processed (if you don't have access to one, you can use your local library or careers centre). Most recruiters prefer a clear, well-typed letter. The exception to this rule is when the company asks you to write the letter in your own handwriting.
Use the same paper for your covering letter as your CV, ideally plain white - it looks more professional.
The letter should be addressed to a person rather than Sir/Madam. If you don't know then call the company and ask.
If you are unsure of how to layout the letter, there are lots of examples on the internet, below is a general guidline.
Your Address
Place this at the top right hand corner of the letter. Include your telephone number and e-mail address. The date can either go at the end of your contact details, or on the left hand side of the letter below the recipient’s address.
Dear Mr Bloggs comes next, and underneath you should have Re: and the vacancy you're applying for, if it's speculative you could put trainee position in whatever department your interested in. Make your heading bold to stand out but don't underline.
Identify your selling points, two or three points only if possible. Work out for yourself what the most important skills would be for the role and/or employer. Three paragraphs is normally enough to highlight your selling points, if you make it too long there's always a chance that recruiters wont read it.
If you begin with Dear Mr/Mrs /Miss/Ms Bloggs, end with Yours sincerely, if the recipient is female and you are unsure of her marital status, use "Ms."
If you have to begin with Dear Sir/Madam, end with Yours faithfully.
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