Letter writing checklist

You will need to prepare a range of letters during your Job Search, e.g. a covering letter to accompany a CV; a speculative letter to target the unadvertised market; a networking letter.

Your letter is most likely to be the first contact you make with the employer so it is important that you make the most appropriate first impression!

Any contact you have with employers has to be top drawer in terms of quality so here are a few things to check out:

• Use good quality white unlined paper
• Post in a white A4 envelope
• Ensure no corrections, use of tippex, or dirty marks
• Do a draft letter first and check your spelling
• Include your contact details, address, post code and telephone number
• Always try to write to a named contact – it is more likely to be successful
• Quote the reference for the advertised vacancy if responding to a job advert
• Keep the content brief – highlight key aspects of your CV that the employer could see as benefits
• Use the correct protocols e.g. Dear Sir or Madam….Yours faithfully