A covering letter can be described as an introductory letter to your CV. It not only acts as a medium to inform the reader of the purpose of your correspondence (e.g. that you wish to apply for a job), it also allows you to convey your personality through words. When matching candidates to a particular role, an employer or recruitment consultant will read hundreds of CV’s and applications, and so an interesting and well written covering letter could make your application stand out from the rest.

Covering letters can be used to highlight a variety of key points (such as personal strengths, skills and abilities, career ambitions, and intended further study) that your CV would not necessarily include. Also, depending on the position being applied for, covering letters can easily be amended to target or respond to a specific job advertisement.

Your CV should, nevertheless, be kept up-to-date throughout your career (e.g. when you leave a job, or finish a course), and you should only ever submit a current copy of your CV when applying for a job. Sending an out-of-date CV could reduce your chances of being selected for interview or considered for a position with a prospective employer or recruitment consultant.

Tips & advice n how to write a covering letter

Before you write your covering letter, read the job advertisement at least twice, underlining any key skills or abilities the employer is seeking. The underlined words will act as prompts when you come to write your letter, and will allow you to show the employer you have the skills they require.

Layout example:

• Opening line: If a contact name has not been provided in the job advertisement, address your letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ and end it ‘Yours faithfully’. If a name has been provided, address your letter ‘Dear Mr/Mrs Smith’ and end it ‘Yours sincerely’.
• Next line: Tell the reader the purpose of your correspondence by entering the job title and/or a job reference number (if one has been provided). For example, ‘RE: Sales Executive position (Ref. 123/45)’
• First paragraph: Give a summary of your skills and experience that are relevant to the job, referring to the points you initially underlined in the job advertisement. Keep it brief and to the point, don’t waffle! Refer the reader to your enclosed CV.
• Second paragraph: Explain why you believe you are the right person for the job (e.g. you have the required skills and abilities, experience, qualifications; you would fit in well with the company’s culture, etc).
• Last paragraph: State your availability for interview, and when you would be able to start work (taking into account any notice periods and planned holidays). Also, note down your telephone number, email and postal address so the employer can contact you.
• Remember to enclose an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Checklilst

• Check your spelling and grammar before sending your application.
• Ensure your application arrives at the employer’s workplace a few days before the closing date.
• After a few days, call and ask to speak to the person you addressed your application to, to confirm they have received your correspondence, and to find out when you can expect to find out whether your application has been successful.