Content Start
Covering Letters
Research shows that people who send well-written covering letters are more likely to get a reply, so it is
always worth delivering your CV with a quality letter which helps to ‘sell’ your application.
Your letter should be designed to get you noticed, without ‘overkill’, and here are some hot tips to help you make
your first introductory letter strong and effective:
Make it personal
Find out who will be reviewing the applications by phoning the company you are applying to and address your letter to them by name.
Get to know the company
Research the company on the web and ask for their corporate brochure. Contacts in the industry may give you
valuable insight into the company’s reputation and the inclusion of carefully chosen details will demonstrate your keen interest in the role.
Don’t regurgitate your CV
Choose to highlight some choice facts from your CV which demonstrate the experience and
competencies you have which are relevant for the role you are applying to. Keep this brief and punchy.
Give a great first impression
Always get someone to read through your covering letter before you send it out to ensure you avoid some classic mistakes.
For example, typing errors; not spelling your name or the company’s name correctly; not signing your name or including a date;
writing to the wrong company at the right address. Check your grammar and don’t use jargon.
Lay out
Use quality white A4 paper, no more than 4 short paragraphs, and do not go over one page. Include your address, telephone number and email address.
Make sure your first paragraph includes which job you are applying for, a reference to your relevant experience, and some interesting
facts to show you know about the company.
The closing line
Always end positively by saying for example: ‘I look forward to hearing from you to arrange an interview’, then sit back and wait for the phone calls!