Career Advice: Cover Letters

Often overlooked and sometimes even completely ignored, a covering letter is an essential accompaniment to your CV and in some cases will mean the difference between success and failure. Remember that this letter will be read before anything else and if you think about how many CVs recruiters have to sift through on average, you can imagine just how important this letter is. Writing it however, is another matter. Some people think that creating a cover letter is even harder than writing the CV itself. Follow these tips to give you a structured and effective covering letter.

Step 1

Being that this is a letter, it should obviously start with an address... more specifically, your address (and contact details) in the top right hand corner. After that, start the letter with the name and address of your employer. Try to find out exactly who will be dealing with your application and what their title is. You can do this by checking on the internet, or even ringing the company and asking. This gives the letter a more personal touch and shows you in a good light for taking the time to find out.

Step 2

A well-written cover letter should allow for a natural and logical progression. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself briefly, mention the position you are applying for and specify how you learned about the job opening. This step is important because it will provide context for the rest of the letter and make you more personable. It is sometimes difficult to know how to open such a letter. Keep it simple, start by telling them exactly what you want. Make sure it is clear what position you are applying for. For example, "I am writing to you regarding the 'security officer' placement that was recently advertised, and would be most grateful if you would consider my application for this position"

Step 3

In the second paragraph, mention why you are interested in the job opening and discuss how your background makes you qualified for the position. You have to be careful to strike a balance, give too much away and they may not want to go on and read your CV, don't say enough and you risk sounding unqualified and uninteresting. Make sure any skills you specify here are reflected in your CV.

Step 4

For the third paragraph, talk about why they should employ you and why you would be an asset to them. It may also help to tell the company a little about themselves. For example,
"As the largest security company in the North of England..."
This will demonstrate your own knowledge and flattery always goes a long way.

Step 5

Finally, lay down an action plan; say you would like the opportunity to meet them for an interview and you'll await their response, or that you'll call in a few days. You don't have to leave the ball in their court, although be wary of seeming to 'pester'; if you said you're going to call, make sure you do.

Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Ensure your letter is addressed to the right person at the right address.
• Check all your contact details are present and correct.
• Use bullet points where possible as this will make it easier and quicker to read. You still need a proper introduction and ending though.
• Customise every cover letter so that it is unique to that job.
• Pick out the specific skills they are looking for in an employee and show why you think you are suitable.
• Use a spell checker.

Don't

• Send your letter to 'Sir' or 'Madam' - find out who you're writing to.
• Write too much. Your letter should be succinct and to the point; if you start to waffle they'll just get bored.
• Include negative information such as personality conflicts with previous employers, details of tribunals or adverse comments about your current employer.
• Use long words to impress; if you're using words you wouldn't usually use, then don't bother.
• Get someone else to write the letter for you. Make the effort on your own.