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.
Aim of a Cover Letter
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
- Do research on the company and include this information in your letter
- Read the advertisement and make sure you address each of the requirements
- Draw attention to your relevant qualifications that make you suitable for the position
- Address the letter to the person named in the advert
Typed or Handwritten?
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.
If You Are Emailing
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.