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Cover Letter Advice
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.
Targeting
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:
Address an individual person. Never address the letter to "Sir/Madam", if you are unsure who to write to phone up the company and find out
Mention the advert for the job or state your reason for contacting the company
Highlight your abilities and skills that are appropriate to the individual company and position you are seeking
Demonstrate a knowledge of the company and their products/services.
Length
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.