Covering Letters

Writing a cover letter

Writing a cover letter to job applications is a prerequisite for getting potential employers to look at your CV, getting invited for interview and hopefully landing that all important next job. Writing a bad cover letter will have the same effect as arriving for an interview 20 mins late and under-prepared – it isn’t worth it! It’s your future employer’s first impression of you and needs to be word perfect.

Whilst your CV tells recruiters about your work experience and achievements, your cover letter gives you the opportunity to illustrate your understanding of the role advertised and should lead succinctly onto your CV. It is usually your first point of contact with your potential employer

Here are a few tips and tricks for writing a great cover letter:

  • It sounds obvious, but check your cover letter for mistakes in spelling and grammar – then get somebody else to read it! Fresh eyes are key to finding grammatical errors and we often can’t see our own mistakes. A letter littered with mistakes gives the wrong impression and will make potential employers think you’re not really interested in the role.
  • Tailor it to the company: make sure you have the correct contact details and NEVER send out standard letters to prospective employers. Regular recruiters will be able to tell the difference between a generic covering letter and a personalised one. Emphasise why you want to work for that particular company and how the role fits into your career plan. Making that little bit of effort demonstrates to employers that you will be an asset to their team.
  • Tell the recruiter where you saw the job advertised and include any reference numbers.
  • Keep it short. A cover letter is meant to be an introduction to your CV so try not to duplicate too much information. As a general rule of thumb, try and stick to the four paragraph rule: why you’re applying; what you do now; what you could bring to the role; close and request a meeting.
  • Pick out key traits or skills that are requested in the job advert / spec and give examples of how you demonstrate these (this should go in your third paragraph).
  • If the job is in a different sector to where you currently work, draw links between the two. Illustrating your transferrable skills shows that you have really thought about what you could bring to the role.
  • Don’t mention salary at this stage – this subject should be raised at interview and only if initiated by the interviewer.
  • Include any dates when you are unavailable for interview.
  • Be enthusiastic! Keeping the tone upbeat demonstrates your drive and commitment to progressing up the career ladder – this isn’t the place to moan about your current role!

Finally – don’t forget to sell yourself! A cover letter isn’t the place to play down your achievements but an opportunity to boast about what you’ve done well and why you would be an asset to any team. Follow these points and there’s no way they will turn down your request for an interview!