7 simple suggestions that will enable you to write a fantastic cover letter that will be read!

In March I wrote in my Blog about what you need to ensure when writing a letter to an employer.

Here I intend to look more closely at the Covering Letter which you will send to accompany your CV and/or application form.

I am often asked if a Covering Letter is necessary and my answer is always ‘Yes ……unless you are specifically requested not to send one!’

I have included below seven suggestions that will ensure your application/CV is read….

Firstly it is important to understand why a Covering Letter is necessary.

The Covering Letter provides you with an additional ‘selling tool’ and is an opportunity for you to tell the employer why they should read your CV/Application Form. It is therefore important that you take considerable care over the letter.

• Your letter may be the first impression the employer has of you, so you need to ensure that it is neat, accurate and that the content is of a high standard showing you in your best light.
• The first sentence should explain where you saw the vacancy and also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
• In the first paragraph refer to enclosing your CV for information and explain that you want to highlight in your letter some specific points that could be of particular interest to them.
• Select 4/5 key points in terms of your knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience that you feel are key to the role having skill matched your strengths to the vacancy.
• In your final paragraph where you could mention additional relevant information such as your location; how prepared you are to travel; refer again to your enthusiasm for this position and how much it appeals to you and why.
• Your final sentence should be assertive – don’t end your letter with ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ …instead say something more assertive along the lines of… ‘ I have enclosed a copy of my CV and look forward to the opportunity of discussing the vacancy in more detail’
• Quite often you will be advised who to send your CV to so make sure you address the person accurately and don’t make any mistakes when transposing their name. If you are not provided with any instructions about who to send your application to, then always  try to address your letter to the person who will be involved in selecting applicants for interview; you may need to contact the company to establish this information but writing to a named person is always preferable.

In the meantime if you would like to discuss any aspect of your job search with me then do give me a call on 07875 320793